Northern Housing Awards: Something to shout about : Housing Digital

The excitement is mounting, as the Northern Housing Awards 2025 releases the shortlist of entrants contending for a prize

There’s always something to shout about in the North, but on this occasion it’s all about celebrating the shining stars making a difference in the realm of housing.

The Northern Housing Awards has released the list of finalists contending to take home a prize on the night. The event takes place on the evening of Thursday, 1 May at The Point, Emirates Old Trafford, in Manchester.

Guests and contenders alike will be treated to a gala dinner, entertainment, and of course, the awards ceremony itself, where the winners will be announced. So, mark the date, and get the glad rags ready.

Over the years, the Northern Housing Awards has become firmly established as one of the sector’s prime events. It has elevated a firmament of shining stars from across our regions; those who stand out as exemplars of what the industry and its partners can – and do – achieve year in year out.

And it’s all down to the calibre of the entrants. This year has proved no different. Nominations hit record levels, and the standard of entries was as high as ever. Certainly, the judges had their work cut out to decide on the winners.

On the night, the Northern Housing Awards will be hosted by comedian, actor, dog walker – and so much more – Justin Moorhouse. A familiar face from previous events, he promises to guide proceedings with plenty of witty repartee.

After show entertainment will be provided by Level Up, offering a live music experience with tunes a’plenty for guests to dance the night away.

The band’s core line-up features a powerhouse female vocalist and a singing male guitarist, backed by an incredible team of top-tier musicians. With an electrifying blend of soulful classics, floor-filling anthems, and the latest chart-toppers, Level Up brings world-class entertainment straight to the stage.

But the real stars of the show will be the winners. For now, then, let’s take a look at the contenders shortlisted for a prize.

First, a note of thanks for the event’s sponsors: TCW, Altair, Fortem, Jewson Partnership Solutions, RE:GEN North West, Stanley, Casey Group, Constructive Thinking and Devonshires. And of course, thanks go to the members of the judging panel, those who submitted a nomination, and everyone taking part – their support is what makes the Northern Housing Awards an event to remember.

To discover more about the Northern Housing Awards, explore sponsorship opportunities, or simply book your ticket for the night, visit the website here

The shortlist for the North Housing Awards

Best Resident Safety Initiative

Aico

PROCare Ltd

Vico Homes (Formerly WDH)

Northern Housing Partnership of the Year

Social Housing Innovation North East (SHINE)

Housing Employment Network North East (HENNE)

Cornerstone Place and Rochdale Borough Council

Fortem

Whalley Manor – L&Q and Lovell Homes

North Tyneside Council

Rochdale Boroughwide Housing

Southway Housing Trust

Best Retrofit Initiative or Project

Sponsored by Constructive Thinking

Broadacres Housing Association

Cundall

Fortem

Novus Property Solutions & Guinness Partnership

Novus Property Solutions & Onward Homes

RE:GEN North West & Magenta Living

South Tyneside Council

The Riverside Group

Vico Homes (Formerly WDH)

Yorkshire Housing

Best Resident Support/Wellbeing Initiative

Sponsored by Casey Group

Alpha House Calderdale

Newground Together (part of Together Housing Group)

Ongo Communities

Southway Housing Trust

St Leger Homes of Doncaster – Pension Credit

St Leger Homes of Doncaster – Tenancy Support Team

Vico Homes (Formerly WDH)

North Tyneside Living – ‘A splash of colour Intergenerational’

St Leger Homes of Doncaster – Mental Health Navigators

Thirteen Housing Group

Wythenshawe Community Housing Group

Supported/Sheltered Housing Scheme of the Year

Blackpool Coastal Housing

Great Places Housing Group

Preferred Homes Limited (PHL)

Community Gateway Association Ltd – The Atrium

Community Gateway Association Ltd – The Watermills

Brewster Bye Architects Ltd

Regeneration Scheme of the Year

Equans and Beyond Housing

Incommunities

Livin Housing Limited

Livv Housing Group

Southway Housing Trust

Tawd Valley Developments Limited

Viaduct Housing Partnership

Vico Homes (formerly WDH)

Latimer Homes

Best Digital Transformation

Aico

Calico and OptusApp

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Livin Housing Limited

Pickering & Ferens Homes

Story Homes

Voicescape & Progress Housing

Wythenshawe Community Housing Group

Professional Services Partnership of the Year

DocTech UK

Golden Marzipan Ltd

PROCare LTD

Vantage Business Solutions

Echelon Consultancy

Technology Partner of the Year

Aico

Mobysoft

PayPoint

Plentific

Voicescape

Contactless Check Solutions (CCS Fire)

Home Builder of the Year

Great Places Housing Group

John Southworth

L&Q

Story Homes

Latimer Homes

Barratt Redrow plc

Contractor of the Year

Casey Group

Connolly Ltd

DASCO Construction Ltd

Vista Civil Engineering

Seddon Housing Partnerships

SME of the Year

A Slater & Son

Cornerstone Place

DASCO Construction Ltd

Stanley Land and Homes

Unity Enterprise

Contactless Check Solutions (CCS Fire)

Supply-Chain Partner of the Year

Aico

Jewson Partnership Solutions

Mansell Building Solutions

Plentific

Echelon Improvement Partnerships (EIP)

Best Use of Technology by a Social Landlord

Beyond Housing

Hull City Council – Neighbourhoods & Housing Service

Lancaster City Council & AIM Housing Ltd

Mobysoft & Calico Homes

North Star Housing

Together Housing

Vico Homes (Formerly WDH)

Best Customer Experience

Fortem

North Tyneside Council

Pickering & Ferens Homes

Plumlife Homes (Part of Great Places)

RE:GEN North West & Golden Lane Housing

Story Homes

Unity Homes & Enterprise

Landlord of the Year

Aurora Affordable Homes

Community Gateway Association Ltd

Gentoo Group Ltd

Manningham Housing Association

The contenders for a prize

Best Resident Safety Initiative

Aico

Aico’s HomeLINK Connected Home Solution helps RSLs tackle damp and mould issues by combining smart home technology with case management. This allows for early detection, streamlined management, and improved resident engagement, enhancing property conditions and minimising health risks while ensuring compliance with Awaab’s Law for safer homes.

PROCare Ltd

Fit for our Future is revolutionising home adaptations with sustainable, inclusive solutions that enhance resident safety and well-being. By collaborating with housing providers and health professionals, the company ensures homes are proactive in meeting the needs of all residents, fostering independence, reducing costs, and improving lives.

Vico Homes (formerly WDH)

Vico Homes adopted a co-creation approach with residents to create Resident Engagement Strategies including key information about building safety works in their high-rise blocks. This tailored approach ensured residents of 762 homes were empowered to ask questions, knew who to speak to, and are contacted in a way they prefer.

Excellence in Company Culture & Employee Development

Aico

Aico’s value-based culture drives continuous innovation whilst fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for colleagues. With a focus on well-being, regular training, and team-building initiatives, Aico creates a customer-focused, high-performing workforce that meets evolving industry needs.

Casey Group

Casey demonstrates a strong commitment to improving lives through comprehensive training programmes, apprenticeships, and work experience opportunities. By fostering a culture of continuous learning, collaboration, and sustainability, Casey empowers its workforce to grow, excel, and lead, driving both the company and the industry forward.

Community Gateway Association Ltd

Community Gateway Association has created a positive, inclusive workplace, investing in employee development. Its submission showcases how the introduction of their Every Customer Matters training programme, new Values and Behaviours Framework and the ‘See It, Sort It or Speak Out’ campaign have positively impacted on employee engagement and customer satisfaction.

Gentoo Group Ltd

Gentoo has engaged all colleagues across the organisation to implement its People Strategy, putting customers and colleagues at the heart of the business to improve overall customer satisfaction by 11% and achieve Great Place to Work Accreditation.

Irwell Valley Homes

Irwell Valley Homes has a values-driven culture with people at its heart – creating conditions where every colleague can bring their whole self to work. With a focus on well-being and development, the organisation understands that colleagues feel able and willing to give their best when they are supported and empowered.

Mosscare St Vincent’s Housing Group (MSV Housing)

MSV “creates places where everyone can flourish”, whether customers or colleagues. The organisation does this through an inclusive culture, mentoring programmes, and reward/recognition offers; with enhanced annual leave, health plans etc. Its extensive network of colleague groups promote engagement and a feeling of belonging, something staff say is important.

Onward Homes

As an organisation, Onward Homes is taking great strides in continuously improving its EVP to make the organisation a truly inclusive place to work for all.

Salvation Army Homes

Over the last year, there has been a significant shift in the culture at Salvation Army Homes. The organisation has placed greater emphasis on the well-being and development of its staff, creating an environment where individuals feel heard, valued, and empowered.

Vico Homes (formerly WDH)

Colleague-led Employee Resource Groups supporting diversity and a hybrid work smart policy at WDH/Vico Homes are successfully embedding a diverse and inclusive company culture and employee development by making all colleagues feel safe, respected, heard and valued.

Northern Housing Partnership of the Year

Social Housing Innovation North East (SHINE)

SHINE is a collaborative forum of North East social housing providers, reducing duplication and fostering innovation. Members collaborate on key topics for providers, share expertise, and achieve outcomes collectively, which will ultimately benefit customers. Projects, so far, include a GIS map for data sharing and professional training development.

Housing Employment Network North East (HENNE)

HENNE unites 12 social housing providers to tackle employability challenges. Through innovative programmes like BOOST, New Start, and Green Start, the partnership has secured over £4m in funding, supported thousands of social housing tenants and those in the community towards and into employment, significantly benefiting the North East region.

Cornerstone Place

Cornerstone Place and Rochdale Borough Council partnered to tackle homelessness by unlocking council-owned land and developing 42 homes, including 34 net-zero homes, for vulnerable people. Using modern methods of construction, innovative funding, and a community-first approach, they ensure assets stay with impact-makers, fostering long-term affordability and reducing homelessness in Rochdale.

Fortem

Fortem’s collaboration with Together Housing began in 2022. The latter is a non-profit organisation that provides affordable housing in the North of England, offering support services, retirement living, and housing with care for their portfolio of over 36,000 homes.

Whalley Manor – L&Q and Lovell Homes

Whalley Manor is the result of a long and successful collaboration between JV partners L&Q and Lovell Homes, Lancashire County Council and Ribble Valley Borough Council. People-centred regeneration and working in partnership with local community groups have been at the heart of the project.

North Tyneside Council

Neighbourhood Housing & Tenancy and Financial Support at North Tyneside Council have decided to work more efficiently in partnership with one another to improve the service provided to tenants and ensure they are all able to successfully sustain their tenancy with as much support as they require.

Rochdale Boroughwide Housing

A pioneering partnership between Rochdale Boroughwide Housing and Greater Manchester Police, Operation Affect has improved safety and well-being on the Freehold estate through proactive housing management, crime reduction, and activities to bring this diverse community together. Residents say they are already feeling safer, leading to improved trust and community resilience.

Southway Housing Trust

Southway Housing Trust and South Manchester Credit Union have formed a highly successful partnership supporting tenants facing financial hardship. The partnership began with the Southway Solutions Loan, which provides an affordable alternative to high interest borrowing options, such as payday loans, and has led to many other services being created.

Best Repairs and Maintenance Service

DASCO Construction Ltd

DASCO Construction delivers high-quality, responsive repairs and maintenance services that prioritise tenant well-being. With a focus on innovation, sustainability, and community impact, DASCO integrates digital systems, green technologies, and tenant engagement to enhance efficiency. Trusted by housing providers, the company’s commitment to excellence ensures long-term value without compromising quality.

Gentoo Group Ltd

The dedicated damp and mould repairs team at Gentoo takes a proactive, innovative approach to tackling an issue that can blight customers’ homes. With improved technology, dedicated customer care, a focus on empathy and strong customer engagement shaping the service every step of the way the team has achieved notable results.

South Tyneside Council

South Tyneside Council’s repairs and maintenance service has been working with involved tenants, to make real service improvements using feedback from its customer base, improving its overall performance for 2024/2025 and improving communication with customers around repair appointments.

Thirteen Group

Thirteen’s repairs and maintenance service puts customers at its heart, delivering high satisfaction scores through real customer involvement. By listening to customer voice, creating a demand team, and adopting area-based working, Thirteen boosted efficiency, and enhanced customer happiness.

Best Retrofit Initiative or Project

Broadacres Housing Association

Broadacres is retrofitting its existing stock and transforming these homes into the most energy efficienct and environmentally friendly of its entire property portfolio. The retrofit work involves installing air source heat pumps, solar panels, loft and floor installation, triple glazed windows, smart air bricks and more.

Cundall

Scholes Village is a residential high-rise retrofit project located in the heart of Wigan. Cundall contributed a multidisciplinary service, including building services, structural, fire, vertical transportation, CDM, and building control application. Supported by WalkerSime and Fieldway in project management and construction, this project demonstrates technical excellence and efficiency in design.

Fortem

Working with Sanctuary Housing, Fortem is delivering £9m retrofit works to improve housing conditions, reducing fuel poverty, and boosting employment opportunities at Shiregreen, Sheffield. The programme focuses on customer engagement to ensure a successful quality delivery.

Novus Property Solutions & Guinness Partnership

This retrofit scheme excels in efficiency, innovation, and cost-effectiveness, delivering high-quality outcomes for Guinness and its residents. The SHDF Wave 2.1 contract in Cheshire, completed ahead of schedule in December 2024, enabled cost savings which were reinvested into further property improvements to benefit the residents further.

Novus Property Solutions & Onward Homes

Novus’ £10.5m retrofit scheme for Onward in Kirkdale, North Liverpool, excels in innovation, cost-effectiveness, and efficiency. Off-site logistics minimised disruption, digital tracking ensured compliance, and a structured programme optimised scheduling. Local recruitment, resident engagement, and adaptive problem-solving enhanced delivery, ensuring high-quality energy efficiency improvements across 402 Victorian-period properties.

RE:GEN North West & Magenta Living

RE:GEN North West successfully delivered the Magenta Living SHDF Retrofit Programme, upgrading 163 homes with ASHPs, EWI, solar PV, and insulation. Four net-zero pilot homes set new sustainability benchmarks. PAS 2030:2023 specialists ensured quality, with sustainability oversight and on-site customer experience coordinators driving 96.7% resident satisfaction.

South Tyneside Council

South Tyneside Council has shown a commitment to its residents while abiding by government led initiatives and directives by helping tackle fuel poverty and improving homes of residents who reside in poor performing none-traditional properties.

The Riverside Group

Riverside, a leading provider of housing, care, and support services in England and Scotland, has demonstrated excellence in its SHDF Wave 2 retrofit programme. This initiative has delivered high-quality improvements to 1,095 homes across the UK, focusing on innovation, cost efficiency, and scalability.

Vico Homes (formerly WDH)

WDH’s/Vico Homes’ Airedale Carbon Reduction Retrofit project – part funded by the European Regional Development Fund – took an innovative, whole house approach to retrofit, improving nearly 200 homes in a low-income area with smart technology. The project brought multiple benefits, including carbon reduction and energy bill savings for customers.

Yorkshire Housing

This example of Yorkshire Housing’s retrofit scheme excels through innovation, cost-effectiveness, and customer collaboration. It includes low-carbon solutions like heat pumps and solar panels, reduces CO2 emissions, and minimises disruption with proactive customer support and engagement.

Best Resident Support/Wellbeing Initiative

Alpha House Calderdale

Alpha House Calderdale offers a Residential Rehabilitation and Resettlement Programme designed to address a range of complex issues relating to homelessness, drugs and alcohol dependency, poor mental health, offending lifestyle, and a range of social and domestic issues. Its successful outcomes rely on residents’ close involvement in co-production of services.

Newground Together (part of Together Housing Group)

Newground Together’s ‘Saving Together’ project directly enhances the well-being and quality of life for residents by addressing their specific needs in a holistic manner, focusing on energy efficiency, health, financial literacy and social inclusion.

Ongo Communities

Ongo Communities supports tenants and wider communities with initiatives that promote well-being and empowerment. Funded by Ongo Homes’ £1.1m donation and external grants, programmes like Ongo Talk and Ongo Recruitment enhance mental health, build confidence, and provide skills, apprenticeships and job opportunities, helping customers lead their best lives.

Southway Housing Trust

Cosy Mondays is a fantastic support and well-being initiative from Southway Housing Trust that makes a real difference to the organisation’s 6,000 tenants, their families and the wider community. The scheme provides practical help to people who are struggling in many ways and constantly evolves to meet their needs.

St Leger Homes of Doncaster – Pension Credit

Pension Credit tenancy support officers have been in post since October 2024 until the end of March 2025. Pensioners have become worse off from the removal of Winter Fuel Allowance unless on Pension Credit. It was important to ensure as many tenants receive Pension Credit. The Financial Gains have been £576,563.

St Leger Homes of Doncaster – Tenancy Support Team

The tenancy support officers at St Leger Homes offer support in the home to tenants who are struggling to sustain their tenancy. Since April, 605 tenants have completed the programme of support, 98.48% of the tenants so supported are still in their tenancies one year after the team has supported them.

Vico Homes (formerly WDH)

Training for Employment at Vico Homes delivers person-centred work placements within the organisation, combatting endemic unemployment across communities. Through developing skills and supporting customers with their health and well-being, the team has improved customer confidence and fostered aspiration, supporting 86% of participants into longer term employment opportunities.

North Tyneside Living – ‘A Splash of Colour Intergenerational’

‘A Splash of Colour Intergenerational’ pairs North Tyneside Living sheltered housing tenants with local schoolchildren to create collaborative artwork inspired by tenants’ life stories. The initiative transforms communal spaces whilst fostering meaningful cross-generational relationships. Following the remarkable success, this innovative programme is expanding to 19 additional locations across North Tyneside.

St Leger Homes of Doncaster – Mental Health Navigators

The mental health navigators at St Leger Homes provide direct and tailored support in the home to tenants who are struggling with their mental health. In the two years since launch they have supported 301 tenants to improve their mental health and well-being and subsequently sustain their tenancies.

Thirteen Housing Group

The organisation’s Pallister Park ‘bullring’ project is a community safety and security initiative that has changed how local residents feel about, and use, a community green space. Once the site of an unauthorised annual bonfire, it is now a respected ‘sacred circle’, surrounded by memorial plaques and home to community activities.

Wythenshawe Community Housing Group

WCHG Youth Team empowers over 2,000 young people annually through inclusive, person-centred programs that foster well-being, confidence, and life skills. By addressing diverse needs – like SEND, LGBTQ+, and girls’ support – it promotes social inclusion, celebrates diversity, and amplifies youth voices, ensuring every young person can thrive and shape their future.

Best Initiative for Tackling Homelessness

AF&V Launchpad (known as Launchpad)

Launchpad is a homeless veterans charity providing vital accommodation and targeted support to UK Armed Forces’ veterans who have struggled with their transition to civilian life. The charity manages three houses in Liverpool, Newcastle, and Durham and accepts veterans from all over the UK providing accommodation for 98 homeless veterans.

Cornerstone Place

Stamford Villa provides housing and vital support for single men at risk of homelessness in Audenshaw. With a proven track record of transforming lives, it reduces homelessness in Tameside through a unique model that gifts equity and income to the charity, ensuring long-term stability for those in need.

Light for Life Sefton Ltd.

LFL has a long-standing reputation for developing and delivering innovative services and practices to meet the evolving needs of its diverse community. The Health Inclusion initiative is a collaborative development that seeks to identify and address the root causes of repeat homelessness amongst the rough sleeping population.

New Start Homes – Homeless Shelter

New Start is a family run not-for-profit organisation established in 1997 for the specific purpose: “To provide residential and supported accommodation services for homeless people or people with little or no housing choice.”

Procure Plus Holdings Ltd

Embassy Village’s multifaceted approach serves as a model for effectively addressing homelessness. Integrating housing with robust support mechanisms, skills and employment opportunities, Embassy empowers individuals to overcome obstacles and forge a path toward a sustainable future. Procure Plus’ partnership has built capacity and helped Embassy on the journey to sustainability.

Latimer Homes

A collaboration between Latimer, St George’s Crypt, and Leeds City Council, the Kirkstall Road Project provides high-quality temporary accommodation and ongoing support for homeless individuals in Leeds. Since launching in October 2022, the nine apartments have supported 31 residents, equipping them with life skills and a pathway towards independent living.

ClwydAlyn Housing

Five years’ ago, ClwydAlyn took the bold step of removing its evictions policy and committed to zero evictions – this was a commitment that no one would be evicted into homelessness. This saw the housing association refocus the work and resources of its housing team to focus on prevention.

Supported/Sheltered Housing Scheme of the Year

Blackpool Coastal Housing

Harvest Court provides a modern sheltered housing complex within a wider regeneration of underutilised parts of Blackpool’s Grange Park estate. The two blocks of sheltered flats are sought after and cater for a diverse range of tenants, with easy access to a community garden and the key estate amenities.

Great Places Housing Group

The Docherty Project uses a collaborative, person-centred approach to helping people with addictions and experiencing homelessness by putting them at the helm of their recovery journey and using engagement initiatives to improve their physical and mental wellbeing and help them move forward and rebuild their lives.

Preferred Homes Limited (PHL)

Hunslet Moor House is an innovative Extra Care Housing scheme in Beeston, Leeds, offering 63 affordable apartments for over 55s. With a £15.5m investment, the development provides high-quality living spaces, has regenerated the local area and fosters long-term community engagement, making it a vital and vibrant addition to Beeston.

Community Gateway Association Ltd – The Atrium

The Atrium, a tenant-led and designed affordable rented extra-care scheme, sets a new benchmark for high-quality homes. Featuring a range of stunning communal facilities and external spaces it has successfully created a sense of community, promoted health and well-being and provided opportunities for residents to experience and enjoy the outdoors.

Community Gateway Association Ltd – The Watermills

‘The Watermills’ is a new concept of luxurious yet affordable accommodation for older people; it provides the convenience, safety, comfort, and sense of community that the evolving needs of this ‘young-at-heart’ generation aspire to, freeing up much needed family homes though the provision of desirable, innovative and spacious accommodation.

Brewster Bye Architects Ltd

Brewster Bye Architects recently completed the apartment scheme, Abbeyfield House in York for Abbeyfield. The scheme comprises low-energy apartments and communal facilities set within landscaped surroundings to complement the existing extra care and retirement living home on the site.

Regeneration Scheme of the Year

Equans and Beyond Housing

Church Lane North’s regeneration has created more attractive, energy-efficient homes, improved the public realm, and addressed problem behaviours. Centred on resident experience, it’s been a collaborative effort between clients, contractors, and the community, fostering lasting pride and positivity that will remain long after the project’s completion.

Incommunities

The Manchester Road scheme has transformed an area of poverty and anti-social behaviour into a thriving and safe community of family homes, reversing years of decline, creating hope for the future and pride in the local area – all the more important in 2025 when Bradford is City of Culture.

Livin Housing Limited

The Jubilee Fields Regeneration scheme in Shildon, Co Durham revitalised the community by improving housing, economic sustainability, and social infrastructure. The £9m project co-developed with the community increased housing demand, reduced turnover, and enhanced community satisfaction and safety.

Livv Housing Group

The Watchfactory is the story of a restoration and regeneration project that’s completely transformed a historic Grade II-listed Prescot building, turning a once-blighted industrial area into a thriving residential community. Delivered in two phases, the extra care facility and 191 mixed-tenure new homes blend heritage with affordable intergenerational living.

Southway Housing Trust

Brickfields House is an exciting regeneration project which has created 42 homes for older people and provided a £5.3m investment to the community. This has boosted businesses and helped create new jobs in the form of apprenticeships, which have contributed to tackling worklessness, poverty and the local skills shortage.

Tawd Valley Developments Limited

Something quite special has happened at Fairlie, Skelmersdale where a true community collaboration involving residents, tenants, students, schools and charities alongside professionals, has taken regeneration to a new level.

Viaduct Housing Partnership

Viaduct Housing Partnership has revitalised Offerton, Stockport, creating a vibrant new neighbourhood while preserving the historic Battersby Hat Works. The mixed-tenure development includes 144 homes and refurbished mill buildings, seamlessly blending historical preservation with modern living to honour the building’s legacy and enhance the community’s character.

Vico Homes (formerly WDH)

Vico Homes breathed new life into an estate in Kinsley through a £6.5m regeneration that included the whole community. Through working with residents, Vico Homes improved 199 existing homes and made way for 27 new affordable homes. The improvements included new roofing, guttering, door canopies, external rendering and parking.

Latimer Homes

The Cocoa Works is a stunning redevelopment of York’s historic Rowntree’s Factory, providing 279 high-spec apartments, 30% of which are affordable homes. Featuring innovative restoration, sustainable design, and inclusive homes, it forms the heart of The Cocoa Gardens masterplan, creating a vibrant, community-focused development that celebrates York’s rich history.

Best Affordable Housing Development (Up to £5M)

Rotherham Borough Council ~ (£2.4M) ~ East Herringthorpe ‘No Gas’ Scheme

The Rotherham East-Herringthorpe ‘no-gas’ housing scheme sets a new benchmark for sustainable and affordable living. Featuring energy-efficient homes with air source heat pumps, solar panels, and smart technology, the development reduces bills while fostering community pride, inclusivity, and well-being. Residents report life-changing benefits, including improved health, independence, and financial stability.

South Tyneside Council ~ (£2M) ~ Hindmarch Drive, Boldon

A £2m affordable homes development with advanced energy-saving technologies including air source heat pumps, solar panels, and Wondrwall Smart technology supporting South Tyneside’s net-zero ambitions, providing models for future sustainable housing projects, contributing to the council’s strategic ambitions of creating strong, resilient, sustainable communities and supporting financial security.

Believe Housing Limited ~ (£3.6M) ~ Stanners Close, Wolsingham

At Stanners Close, Believe Housing went above and beyond to deliver healthy affordable homes that are changing lives and enhancing the community. High-quality, energy-efficient homes for affordable rent and rent to buy meet customers’ needs and ambitions, now and in the future and it blends seamlessly into the rural setting.

Manningham Housing Association ~ (£4.3M) ~ Odette’s Point, Keighley

The £4.3m Odette’s Point project – delivered by Manningham Housing Association in conjunction with Avant Homes, Homes England and Bradford Council – comprises 14 three-bed and six four-bed detached and semi-detached houses for social rent. The properties have been tailored with an emphasis on meeting the needs of residents from South Asian commuunities.

The Regenda Group ~ (£5M) ~ Summerfield Close, Liverpool

Summerfield Close is a multi-tenure community made up of 22 affordable homes. Fresh air, green space and a variety of eco measures have created a sense of community and well-being at Summerfield Close. The Regenda Group collaboration on Summerfield Close is an example of a commitment to affordability and accessibility.

Wythenshawe Community Housing ~ (£5M) ~ Green Acre, Wythenshawe

Green Acre in Wythenshawe offers 56 affordable homes. With no gas reliance, homes feature heat pumps, solar panels, and EV charging. Green spaces and biodiversity initiatives enhance well-being. Shared ownership starts at 10%, ensuring accessibility. The development is revitalising the area, reducing anti-social behaviour and boosting the economy.

North Star Housing ~ (£2.5M) ~ Wynyard Road, Hartlepool

This bungalow development was designed to meet the needs and aspirations of households with mobility or medical issues and provide high quality living for residents with additional support needs. The location is well placed for transport and many local facilities. Developing this derelict land has contributed to regenerating the area.

Best Affordable Housing Development (£5M – £15M)

Peaks and Plains and Casey ~ (£6.3M) ~ Winstanley House, Knutsford

Winstanley House offers affordable, high-quality housing with a focus on community, inclusivity, and sustainability. The development features energy-efficient homes, shared ownership options, and accessible communal spaces. It promotes healthier lifestyles through local partnerships and wellbeing initiatives, creating a thriving and supportive environment for tenants and shared owners.

Arcus Consulting LLP ~ (£11.6M) ~ Cherry Tree Court

Cherry Tree Court was developed on the site of an outdated LPS tower block, providing a modern, vibrant development of affordable, energy-efficient apartments. The development brings significant regeneration benefits to the area, including the provision of much-needed social rented homes, repopulating the area, and contributing to the existing, growing community.

Livin Housing Limited ~ (£11M) ~ Laburnum Grove

Laburnum is a great community. The residents living there are proud of their home and feel a sense of belonging to the community – the bedrocks of a sustainable thriving place. Affordable homes compliment the existing sustainable community improving local housing choice, offering homes which meet the needs of the local community.

Broadacres HA ~ (£12.2M) ~ Rawthey Meadows, Cumbria

Broadacres has built 49 homes in the town of Sedbergh, of which 34 have been allocated for social rent and shared ownership, with people in Sedbergh and the surrounding communities given first refusal on the properties, ensuring the homes remain sustainable for future generations.

54North Homes ~ (£12M) ~ Leonora House

Leonora House based in Leeds comprises of 58 high-quality flats for social rent, increasing the choice of affordable housing provision in the area. Extending and enhancing the choice of one, two and three bedroom apartments meets the needs of the local community and housing requirements of the council.

Onward Homes ~ (£6.2M) ~ Wheatfields Court, Bury

Wheatfields Court has brought 30 modern, energy efficient homes to Bury. This mixed tenure scheme has been designed to reflect local housing needs and enable more local people to take their first step onto the property ladder.

Jigsaw Homes Group ~ (£7.7M) ~ Barnes Road, Skelmersdale

The £7.7m Barnes Road development prioritises tenants’ well-being and meets local housing need by offering 60 two-, three- and four-bedroom affordable, high-quality homes with a focus on community and sustainability. With 12 allotments, a new community building and public open spaces, it fosters a real sense of community.

Arcus Consulting LLP ~ (£9.4M) ~ Moston Campus

Moston Campus is an exciting new development with a very distinctive feel, standing out as an attractive tenure blind flagship site with strong architectural design and sustainable features. The mix of social tenures provides an affordable housing offer to meet a diverse range of local needs in a desirable location.

Calico & BTP Architects ~ (£9.5M) ~ Kinross Street, Burnley

Calico Homes’ £9.5m Kinross Street development in Burnley has revitalised Hargher Clough, providing 61 affordable, high-quality homes. Featuring two- and three-bedroom houses and bungalows, the scheme meets the needs of families, older residents, and individuals. All homes are available for affordable rent, offering housing opportunities for the local community.

Best Affordable Housing Development ( £15M+)

Preferred Homes Limited ~ (£15.5M) ~ Hunslet Moor House, Leeds

Hunslet Moor House is an innovative Extra Care Housing scheme in Beeston, Leeds, offering 63 affordable apartments for over-55s. With a £15.5m investment, the development provides high-quality living spaces, has regenerated the local area and fosters long-term community engagement, making it a vital and vibrant addition to Beeston.

Incommunities ~ (£18.5M) ~ Woodland Bank, Bradford

Woodland Bank has transformed a deprived site in Bingley into a thriving, safe community by replacing outdated towers with high-quality affordable homes which offer easy access to blue and green infrastructure to promote well-being. This development fosters inclusivity, is revitalising the area and is helping to address Bradford’s housing needs.

Blackpool Coastal Housing & Partners ~ (£20M) ~ Grange Park, Blackpool

Two areas within the Grange Park estate were identified for 133 new affordable homes, rejuvenating the area and adding social rent properties in an area of great need. Balanced communities include large family homes and a block of sheltered flats. The scheme uses several efficiency initiatives reducing tenant energy costs.

Great Places Housing Group ~ (£35M) ~ Worrall Street, Salford

Great Places Housing Group’s Worrall Street development in Salford offers 160 affordable apartments and townhouses with innovative design, green technologies, and communal spaces. It aims to enhance residents’ quality of life and foster a strong community spirit, providing affordable home ownership options previously under-represented in the local area.

Best Digital Transformation

Aico

“By developing HCM, we’re equipping landlords with the tools they need to navigate their biggest challenges in a way that is both practical and proactive. HCM is not only a case management tool but a game-changer for compliance and tenant engagement,” says Jordan Toulson, product and success manager, Aico.

Calico and OptusApp

Calico Homes achieved stunning success with the launch of its Calico Connect self-serve smartphone app (and web portal) – over 60% of invited residents download and registered within the first month of Go-Live. Built by OptusApp, the channel shift program was supported internally across all relevant Calico Homes departments.

Entitledto

entitledto’s digital transformation, in partnership with Experian, introduced Open Banking to the housing sector, aiming to provide more accurate and comprehensive assessments. As a result, the initiative transformed tenancy applications to be less time-consuming but still as scrupulous, driving operational efficiency and ultimately better, quicker outcomes for tenants.

Pickering & Ferens Homes

Pickering & Ferens Homes’ PFH Connect project harnesses technology to reduce isolation and enhance resident well-being. Through resident-led consultation, seamless integration, and ongoing support, the initiative modernises communication while maintaining choice. With significant cost savings and increased engagement, PFH Connect successfully empowers residents to live independently and stay connected.

Livin Housing Limited

Livin’s “Better Connected” transformation project has enhanced customer experience and digital services. Key goals achieved include understanding customers, implementing a bespoke and highly successful, embedded CRM platform, improving data reliability, and developing a cutting-edge 24/7 App and portal. The project has significantly improved customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.

Story Homes

The primary goals of Story Homes’ digital transformation were to enhance customer experience, improve operational efficiency, and embrace innovative technologies. These objectives align with the organisation’s priorities of delivering high-quality homes, exceptional customer service, and staying ahead of industry trends by integrating tools to improve the home-buying journey.

Voicescape & Progress Housing

Progress Housing Group has formed an innovative partnership with Voicescape to transform access rates in gas servicing to create a more efficient, cost-effective and customer-centric process. Not only have customer satisfaction and engagement levels increased, but no-access rates have reduced by 23%.

Wythenshawe Community Housing Group

Wythenshawe Community Housing Group is Manchester’s largest social housing provider, managing over 14,000 homes. Its digital transformation focuses on improving efficiency and enhancing customer experience. By introducing ‘Pulse,’ a tailored system built on Salesforce, they are streamlining operations, empowering colleagues, and prioritising resident engagement for better service delivery.

Best Approach to Decarbonisation

Fortem

Fortem are social housing experts. Its mission is to raise the bar in social housing and help clients provide safe, warm and decent homes for people to live in. Fortem is committed to achieving net zero by 2050 through its “FOR Our Future” Sustainability Strategy.

Hispec Electrical Products Limited

Hispec excels in quality, innovation, and sustainability, ensuring the highest standards through third-party testing. Its eco-friendly practices, including circular economy principles, span product development to supply chains, reducing environmental impact and promoting responsible business. Committed to a greener future, Hispec delivers retrofit solutions that meet industry needs.

Mosscare St Vincent’s Housing Group (MSV Housing)

MSV prioritises sustainability and the impact on the environment and their residents. It actively reduces its carbon footprint through energy-efficient new builds, retrofitting homes with insulation, and utilising renewable energy. Resident engagement and well-being are key drivers in its vision to create thriving, sustainable communities.

Seddon Housing Partnerships

Seddon’s balance sheet strength, 126-year family legacy, three Seddon descendants at the helm, 650 directly-employed staff, loyal supply chain and over £2m invested in local communities every year, ensures Seddon weathers the storm of economic, environmental and social change. Sustainability is the lifeblood of the Seddon business.

Thermocill

Thermocill, designed, optimised and tested by world class scientists, offers a new innovative energy savings measure that provides carbon savings growth, jobs, health benefits, combats waste materials to landfill, and has the opportunity to support business ideas. It offers a product moving forward that will be totally carbon neutral, saving our planet.

Energy Innovation Agency

The Energy Innovation Agency accelerates housing decarbonisation through strategic partnerships that connect proven technologies with real-world applications. Its heating system additive project delivers 27,000 tonnes of carbon savings across 10,000 homes, while strengthening innovation validation through University of Salford’s Energy House Labs in support of Greater Manchester’s 2038 carbon-neutral target.

Barratt Redrow plc & University of Salford

Barratt Redrow preserves and enhances the natural world by using resources responsibly, building resilient, low-carbon homes and by creating places where people and nature can thrive. The developer designs and builds great places that promote sustainable, healthy and happy living for customers for now and in generations to come.

ClwydAlyn Housing

As part of its mission to end poverty in North Wales and provide high quality, affordable, warm and safe homes, ClwydAlyn is embedding sustainability across every area of its business, from retrofitting existing homes to innovative technology in new build homes, and across every area of decision making

Professional Services Partnership of the Year

DocTech UK

DocTech has worked with housing associations for over 25 years. It has a zero cancellation rate and multiple case studies done in partnership with very satisfied clients within the sector. The company pride itself on expert service, which is supported by automated systems but where the interaction is responsive and personal.

Golden Marzipan Ltd

Golden Marzipan is a consultancy specialising in digital, data and technology, change management, and tenant engagement in social housing. By combining expertise with a people-first approach, it helps landlords improve efficiency, strengthen engagement, and drive innovation. Through initiatives like Game of Homes, it fosters collaboration, ensuring services are tenant-focused.

PROCare LTD

With 24 years of experience, PROCare is helping its housing client eliminate significant survey backlogs. Through expert surveying and innovative solutions, it is improving timelines, reducing waiting times, and enhancing tenant safety. The collaboration is leading towards better planning, more efficient operations, and improved tenant well-being.

Vantage Business Solutions

The Vantage collaboration programmes empower housing providers to share knowledge, solve challenges, and drive meaningful change. Through forums, data insights, and expert-led discussions, they improve efficiency, tenant satisfaction, and service delivery. With over 90 top providers engaged, Vantage fosters innovation, reduces duplication, and shapes sector-wide improvements for lasting impact.

Echelon Consultancy

Echelon Consultancy, established in 2005, provides specialist advice to public sector organisations on all aspects of asset management and procurement. It supports organisations through all stages of the procurement process, taking a collaborative approach and working with clients to find bespoke solutions to meet their needs, in ever challenging circumstances.

Technology Partner of the Year

Aico

Aico’s HomeLINK solution leverages IoT technology to transform social housing. By providing valuable data insights, landlords can proactively address safety concerns, improve energy efficiency, and enhance resident well-being. Aico’s commitment to education, support, and innovative solutions empowers the industry to achieve a safer, healthier future.

Mobysoft

Mobysoft, a leader in AI-driven data solutions for social housing, helps landlords improve income collection, repairs, and tenant satisfaction. Its platforms, RentSense and RepairSense, deliver measurable results – with RentSense users consistently outperforming non-users, reducing arrears by 27.4% from 2020 to 2023.

PayPoint

PayPoint is delighted to be working with Thirteen Group, supporting the organisation with its digital ambitions, offering an omnichannel payments platform that provides more choice to tenants when making payments. PayPoint’s platform provides the opportunity to leverage new Open Banking technology and an API catalogue creating a seamless, embedded customer experience.

Plentific

AI-powered software-as-a-service platform Plentific is committed to a joint mission with housing providers across the North to utilise technology to make the lives of residents easier. Plentific is enhancing technology partnerships for social landlords and optimising property operations in real-time, building stronger, connected communities.

Voicescape

Voicescape is the UK’s leading provider of resident engagement solutions for social housing providers and local authorities. Working closely in partnership with customers to develop solutions, Voicescape supports organisations to tackle challenges exacerbated by the current economic and social climate, delivering exceptional service and value through cutting-edge technology.

Contactless Check Solutions (CCS Fire)

Contactless Check Solutions is dedicated to supporting fire door compliance through innovative technology and client-focused solutions. By continuously enhancing its system, providing tailored training, and developing essential reporting tools, CCS helps clients streamline compliance, improve safety, and efficiently manage fire door data, ensuring buildings remain secure and meet government regulations.

Home Builder of the Year

Great Places Housing Group

Great Places affordable development team excels in design, construction quality, and innovation, with a strong focus on sustainability and community engagement. Its use of modern construction methods, smart home features, and partnership working enhances the living experience for residents, demonstrating its commitment to providing high-quality affordable housing.

John Southworth

John Southworth consistently pushes the boundaries of design, construction quality, and sustainability. With decades of experience and a commitment to innovation, the firm delivers high-quality, energy-efficient housing. As a leader in Passivhaus construction and industry advocacy, John Southworth shapes the future of housing through excellence, sustainability, and transformative projects.

L&Q

L&Q, one of England’s largest housing providers, creates better places to live and serves diverse communities by delivering homes and services people can afford. Following a merger with Trafford Housing Trust in 2019, L&Q is working in partnership to enable the delivery of affordable new homes across the North-West.

Story Homes

Story Homes has established itself as a premier homebuilder, renowned for high-quality construction, innovative designs, and sustainability. The company’s homes feature premium materials, energy-efficient solutions, and smart technology. Committed to community engagement, it supports local infrastructure and businesses. Exceptional customer service and glowing testimonials further reinforce its reputation for excellence.

Latimer Homes

Latimer, part of Clarion Housing Group, has proven that large developers can successfully deliver high-quality, affordable, and energy-efficient homes while enhancing neighbourhoods with exceptional amenities and sector-leading support initiatives. As the group enters its 125th year in 2025, Latimer remains committed to building thriving communities that will endure for generations.

Barratt Redrow plc

Barratt Redrow leads the industry on quality, service and sustainability, building the homes the country needs. By designing and building great places to live, and investing £1bn in affordable housing and infrastructure, customers have rated it as a five-star housebuilder for an unrivalled 15 years in a row.

Contractor of the Year

Casey Group

Casey is a multi-disciplinary contractor committed to improving lives through quality construction, strong client relationships, and innovative social value initiatives. With a focus on sustainability, building safety, and community impact, Casey delivers exceptional results while exceeding client expectations and creating lasting positive change in the communities it serves.

Connolly Ltd

Connolly Ltd, a family-run business, is committed to providing services that inspire its people, customers, and the housing industry. With a strong focus on collaboration, innovation, customer care, Connolly strives to create meaningful experiences and foster a positive business culture, by supporting communities and celebrating the success of its team.

DASCO Construction Ltd

DASCO Construction is a family-run contractor delivering high-quality social housing planned works and maintenance across the North West. Committed to sustainability, customer service, and CSR, DASCO combines innovation with community investment, maintaining industry-leading standards while supporting local economies. With a strong reputation and proven impact, DASCO sets new benchmarks for responsible contracting.

Vista Civil Engineering

Vista Civil Engineering is a specialist contractor delivering Section 278 and infrastructure projects across the UK. With over 25 years of experience, the company takes pride in offering fixed-cost, milestone-based quotations, full project management, and post-construction support. Known for strong customer service, community engagement, and delivering value without compromising quality.

Seddon Housing Partnerships

Seddon builds communities, places and a sense of belonging. As a contractor, it listens to the residents’ voice and adapts its services for the best result. It has embraced innovation to become an industry leader, delivering well considered, low carbon housing for all partners.

SME of the Year

A Slater & Son

A Slater & Son is a small, family run business based in the North East of England, operating in the housing sector for the last 30 years. The company is passionate about delivering an excellent service that leaves customers feeling valued, respected and satisfied.

Cornerstone Place

Cornerstone Place transforms unused land and buildings into affordable, 100% social housing with 0% profit, ensuring assets remain in the hands of the impact makers. Over the past year, the company has scaled nationwide, delivered 20,000+ impact bed nights, influenced government policy, and tackled rising housing needs with innovative, net-zero solutions.

DASCO Construction Ltd

DASCO Construction is a family-run SME delivering high-quality social housing planned works and maintenance across the North West. Committed to sustainability, customer service, and CSR, DASCO combines innovation with community investment, maintaining industry-leading standards while supporting local economies. With a strong reputation and proven impact, DASCO sets new benchmarks for responsible construction.

Stanley Land and Homes

Stanley offers an alternative approach to housing development, providing for superior quality affordable schemes. The business comprehensively de-risks and delivers projects to VFM requirements whilst supporting the health and diversity of the North West contracting ecosystem, producing genuine sustainable development.

Unity Enterprise

Unity Enterprise – a not-for-profit subsidiary of BME housing association Unity Homes and Enterprise – is celebrating 25 years of delivering affordable workspace, professional advice and business support services to aspiring entrepreneurs in Leeds. It currently provides 142 affordable business units for 93 diverse businesses employing over 1,200 people.

Contactless Check Solutions (CCS Fire)

Contactless Check Solutions (CCS) is revolutionising compliance management with innovative, user-friendly solutions. By combining cutting-edge technology, seamless communication, and a customer-first approach, CCS ensures clients stay ahead of regulatory demands. Committed to excellence and adaptability, CCS continues to set new standards in efficiency, accuracy, and compliance management.

Supply-Chain Partner of the Year

Aico

Aico excels as a supply chain partner, renowned for its reliable products, innovative solutions like HomeLINK, and unwavering commitment to customer success. Through extensive training for electricians, strong partnerships, and a focus on sustainability, Aico empowers housing providers to enhance resident safety, improve operational efficiency, and achieve better outcomes.

Jewson Partnership Solutions

JPS is the embodiment of ‘delivering more’ for housing providers; innovation, value, the best people, efficiency, and crucially, delivering on its promises. Taking a partnership approach, it devises solutions to sector challenges by drawing on decades of experience and support from STARK UK, to drive long-term success for customers.

Mansell Building Solutions

Mansell Building Solutions is a specialist contractor using modern methods of construction (MMC) to build high-quality spaces in North West England. The company takes pride in its work, constantly striving to help clients reap the benefits of off-site light gauge steel frames while delivering high-quality on-site finishing and fireproofing.

Plentific

AI-powered software-as-a-service platform Plentific is committed to a joint mission with housing providers across the North to utilise technology to make the lives of residents easier. Plentific is enhancing technology and supply-chain partnerships for social landlords, optimising property operations in real-time, building stronger, connected communities.

Echelon Improvement Partnerships (EIP)

Echelon Improvement Partnerships delivers training and shares best practice and industry knowledge within the social housing sector. It brings together housing providers, contractors, suppliers and industry bodies to work collaboratively and support each other through future challenges, delivering a regular programme of task and finish groups, webinars and online forums.

Best Use of Technology by a Social Landlord

Beyond Housing

Beyond Housing has leveraged technology to develop a Doorstep booking solution that enhances tenant satisfaction and operational efficiency through an innovative app, self-service portal and uber-style notifications. This has reduced time to wait for follow-on works, improving visibility of the repair for customers, reducing administrative overhead, and increasing tenant satisfaction.

Hull City Council – Neighbourhoods & Housing Service

Hull City Council leverages a range of new technologies to achieve Decent Homes, prioritise vulnerable tenants and maximise tenant satisfaction.

Lancaster City Council & AIM Housing Ltd

Lancaster City Council is digitising its property portfolio to reduce site visits, improving customer/tenant interactions, driving efficiency, cost savings and reducing carbon impact through digital twin, in collaboration with AIM.

Mobysoft & Calico Homes

Calico Homes has enhanced tenant engagement and operational efficiency using Mobysoft’s RentSense platform. Its assisted automation feature enables targeted campaigns, early arrears intervention, and personalised support—achieving a 67% engagement rate during Christmas. RentSense has reduced arrears, improved reporting efficiency, lowered officer caseloads, and ensured digital inclusion through accessible video messaging.

North Star Housing

North Star Housing Group is at the forefront of digital innovation in social housing, leveraging cutting-edge technology to enhance tenant engagement, improve operational efficiency, and drive data-led decision-making. It works through strategic partnerships with leading institutions such as the National Robotarium, University of York, and the National Innovation Centre for Data.

Together Housing

Together Housing’s predicting tenancy failure model aimed to develop a method for identifying and preventing tenancy terminations, reducing turnover, improving retention, and minimising costs. By blending advanced data analytics with personalised support, Together Housing has proactively kept at-risk tenants in their homes and communities. The project evidences a leading-edge approach.

Vico Homes (formerly WDH)

Vico Homes has worked in partnership with Housing Perks to create a unique and sector-leading scheme which enables customers to benefit from savings and make contributions toward their rent when spending on everyday essentials.

Best Customer Experience

Fortem

At Fortem, the guiding principle Every Home Matters ensures a seamless and positive resident experience through effective communication, proactive engagement, and continuous feedback. This commitment is demonstrated in its customer-centric communication approach with Lincolnshire Housing Partnerships.

North Tyneside Council

Within the Tenancy & Financial Support service at North Tyneside Council, a positive customer experience is the forefront of all decisions. Providing the best customer experience is vital to build relationships that are the key to the great outcomes for customers, this is reflected through the positive feedback received.

Pickering & Ferens Homes

Pickering & Ferens Homes (PFH) prioritises exceptional customer experience by actively using resident feedback to shape and enhance services. Through initiatives like ‘Feedback Friday’ and ‘Appreciative Inquiry,’ PFH fosters transparency, responsiveness, and innovation. By addressing concerns swiftly and celebrating successes, PFH continually exceeds expectations, ensuring a high-quality resident experience.

Plumlife Homes (Part of Great Places)

Shaping services to deliver a brilliant and seamless customer journey is at the heart of what Plumlife do. It’s a regional pionees when it comes to shared ownership sales and property management, offering an end-to-end customer experience delivered by expert sales, property management, and resales teams.

RE:GEN North West & Golden Lane Housing

RE:GEN North West’s successful, tenant-first retrofit of 39 assisted living properties prioritised stability, security, and comfort for vulnerable tenants with autism and learning disabilities, shaping every decision around their needs. Through bespoke scheduling, real-time engagement, personalised adaptations, and proactive communication, RE:GEN transformed the retrofit experience, exceeding expectations.

Story Homes

Story Homes highlights an unwavering commitment to customer experience. With a clear customer journey, personalised support, and a dedicated aftercare team, residents receive seamless communication and ongoing assistance. Feedback from in-house surveys, HBF surveys, Trustpilot, and Google reviews drives continuous improvements, ensuring customer needs are met and exceeded.

Unity Homes & Enterprise

Working alongside housing officers, Unity’s Employment Services and Enterprise team supports unemployed people in hard-to-reach communities find jobs, set up a business, access training and education or work as a community volunteer. The organisation also helps working people enhance their career prospects, boosting economic well-being in local communities and regenerating neighbourhoods.

Landlord of the Year

Aurora Affordable Homes

Aurora Affordable Homes is wholly owned by North Tyneside Council and is leading the way to ‘build a better North Tyneside’. Its team is small, but mighty. As an exemplar landlord its vision and values centre around providing quality, affordable housing to low-income earners at no additional cost to the authority.

Community Gateway Association Ltd

CGA is a pioneering housing association, the first Gateway organisation – founded on the principles of involvement and accountability. It works collaboratively with its tenants and communities to providing over 7,000 good quality, affordable homes, alongside a range of excellent customer services and enriching community wellbeing and support programmes.

Gentoo Group Ltd

From being one of the first housing associations to achieve the highest C1 grading in Consumer Standards from the Regulator of Social Housing to achieving Great Place to Work certification through colleague engagement, Gentoo continued to strive to move the dial for its 60,000 customers and 1,100 employees in 2024.

Manningham Housing Association

Manningham Housing Association manages homes for more than 6,000 residents in Bradford district. It is the first association in the country accredited for its work in promoting equality, diversity and inclusion, and the only one in the world to achieve the global Standard for Diversity and Inclusion in HR Management.

Tenant of the Year

Nigel Lambert – Incommunities

Nigel Lambert is a 69-year-old Incommunities tenant whose passion for housing, pride in his local area and desire to help his community has established him as a caring, powerful and respected voice for fellow tenants.

Tausif Mohammed – Manningham Housing Association

Tausif Mohammed is a Manningham Housing Association tenant who also serves as a director of the Hollings Youth Association, a Community Interest Company that has served the Manningham community in Bradford for 15 years. A dedicated community activist, Tausif is committed to enhancing the quality of life for young people.

Delia Hampson-Wild – MSV Housing

Delia Hampson-Wild is a dedicated community leader at Bramhall Community Hub. She combats isolation, offers support, and unites volunteers to help those in need. Her kindness strengthens community bonds, improves lives, and inspires others. A true community champion.

Tris Francis – South Tyneside Council

Tris Francis has chaired the highly regarded Tenants Scrutiny Panel at South Tyneside Council for seven years. His motivation for volunteering is to make positive changes for those living in social housing, and he has been instrumental in delivering many service improvements focused on meeting customers diverse needs.

Northern Housing Team of the Year

Aurora Affordable Homes – Whole Team

Aurora Affordable Homes is run by a small team of two who do literally everything. They are an exemplar landlord who provide quality, affordable housing to low-income earners at no additional cost to the authority.

Believe Housing Limited – Electrical Team

Believe Housing’s electrical team, serving both the organisation and its customers, has made significant improvements in recent years. The team’s achievements in the 2024/25 financial year, including 100% compliance and record performance statistics, demonstrate their commitment to excellence, positioning them as a best-in-class team.

Livv Housing Group – Development and Sales Team

Livv’s development and sales team is on track for its most successful year of delivering new homes. With resilience and dedication, the team is making a significant impact across the Liverpool City Region and beyond, driving and inspiring change and providing homes for communities that need them most.

Manningham Housing Association – Neighbourhood Services team

Manningham Housing Association’s vastly experienced neighbourhood services team goes far above and beyond expectations to support more than 6,000 tenants in Bradford and Keighley. Each day, its hugely dedicated 12 members work unstintingly to safeguard emotional, financial and physical wellbeing in these diverse communities – especially during times of crisis.

North Star Housing – IT Team

North Star’s IT team has revolutionized housing management by replacing legacy systems with a cutting-edge Microsoft Dynamics platform. Through AI-driven compliance, automation, and mobile technology, they have enhanced efficiency, safety, and service delivery – empowering staff and improving residents’ lives while delivering sector-leading digital transformation on time and within budget.

North Tyneside Council – Tenancy & Financial Support Team

The tenancy and financial support team has the full purpose of helping the tenants of North Tyneside Council to sustain their tenancy and fulfil a better a quality of life through economic and social wellbeing support, provided holistically, tailored to the tenant’s needs.

Stockport Homes Group – Customer Finance Team

The Stockport Homes customer finance team’s dedication has led to sector-leading collection levels and minimised legal proceedings. Their customer-centric approach, innovative thinking, and genuine care make them stand out. Their supportive work has been highlighted in a pioneering study, sharing good practices across the sector.

Vico Homes (formerly WDH) – Income Management Team

Through sector-leading innovation and partnership working, along with a customer focused approach, the income management team at Vico Homes has delivered outstanding support for customers through an extended period of economic instability. This has resulted in historically low rent arrears and delivered £36m of financial outcomes to improve tenancy sustainment.

Vico Homes (formerly WDH) – Planned Investment Team

The planned investment team at Vico Homes spearheads planned reinvestment efforts, ensuring that their homes remain safe, compliant, and an excellent choice for customers as they strive to create better futures and vibrant communities.

Wythenshawe Community Housing Group – Youth Team

Wythenshawe Community Housing Group’s youth team empowers young people to reach their full potential through inclusive, person-centred support. Engaging over 2,000 young people in 2024, their innovative programmes foster confidence, skills, and community involvement, addressing key issues like mental health, safety, and inclusion while championing youth voices and leadership.

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Northern Housing Awards: Something to shout about

The excitement is mounting, as the Northern Housing Awards 2025 releases the shortlist of entrants contending for a prize

To discover more about the Northern Housing Awards, explore sponsorship opportunities, or simply book your ticket for the night, visit the website here

The shortlist for the North Housing Awards

Best Resident Safety Initiative

Excellence in Company Culture & Employee Development

Sponsored By RE:GEN North West

Northern Housing Partnership of the Year

Best Repairs and Maintenance Service

Sponsored by TCW

Best Retrofit Initiative or Project

Best Resident Support/Wellbeing Initiative

Best Initiative for Tackling Homelessness

Sponsored by Stanley

Supported/Sheltered Housing Scheme of the Year

Regeneration Scheme of the Year

Best Affordable Housing Development (Up to £5M)

Sponsored by Altair

Best Affordable Housing Development (£5M – £15M)

Sponsored by Altair

Best Affordable Housing Development (£15M+)

Sponsored by Altair

Best Digital Transformation

Best Approach to Decarbonisation

Sponsored by Jewson Partnership Solutions

Professional Services Partnership of the Year

Technology Partner of the Year

Home Builder of the Year

Contractor of the Year

SME of the Year

Supply-Chain Partner of the Year

Best Use of Technology by a Social Landlord

Best Customer Experience

Landlord of the Year

Tenant of the Year

Sponsored by Fortem

Northern Housing Team of the Year

Sponsored by Devonshires

To discover more about the Northern Housing Awards, explore sponsorship opportunities, or simply book your ticket for the night, visit the website here

The contenders for a prize

Best Resident Safety Initiative

Excellence in Company Culture & Employee Development

Northern Housing Partnership of the Year

Best Repairs and Maintenance Service

Best Retrofit Initiative or Project

Best Resident Support/Wellbeing Initiative

Best Initiative for Tackling Homelessness

Supported/Sheltered Housing Scheme of the Year

Regeneration Scheme of the Year

Best Affordable Housing Development (Up to £5M)

Best Affordable Housing Development (£5M – £15M)

Best Affordable Housing Development ( £15M+)

Best Digital Transformation

Best Approach to Decarbonisation

Professional Services Partnership of the Year

Technology Partner of the Year

Home Builder of the Year

Contractor of the Year

SME of the Year

Supply-Chain Partner of the Year

Best Use of Technology by a Social Landlord

Best Customer Experience

Landlord of the Year

Tenant of the Year

Northern Housing Team of the Year

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