Grenfell Tower Inquiry Panel member and ex-housing association chief executive receives OBE

Ali Akbor, the former chief executive of Leeds-based housing association Unity Homes and Enterprise and now one of three members of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Panel, has received his OBE from Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal in a ceremony at Windsor Castle.

Ali Akbor after receiving his OBE at Windsor Castle

The award for services to the community in Leeds was announced in the 2019 New Year Honours List but the investiture was delayed because of the pandemic.

Born in Bangladesh, Mr Akbor began his career as a Youth Opportunities Programme trainee at Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council before qualifying as an accountant and later joining Salford City Council as head of finance in the Community and Social Services Directorate.

He became Unity chief executive in January 1999, holding the position for more than two decades and establishing the organisation as one of the most prominent and respected BME-led housing associations in the country.

He was appointed as a full-time member of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Panel in October 2020.

Mr Akbor was accompanied at this week’s investiture by his wife Safia.

He said: “It was a truly memorable and humbling experience to receive my OBE from Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal.

“It has been almost two years since the honour was announced but the time that has elapsed allowed me to reflect even more on how proud I feel to be recognised in this way.

“It was wonderful to be able to share the day with my wife, Safia, and my daughters who travelled with us to Windsor Castle.

“It was an experience we will never forget.” 

Housing association CEO concerned over Chancellor’s failure to protect people facing cost of living crisis

The chief executive of Bradford-based Manningham Housing Association (MHA) has spoken of his disappointment that today’s Budget did not include more measures to support those on the lowest incomes.

Manningham Housing Association

 Lee Bloomfield said:  “I welcome the cut in the Universal Credit taper rate but this will only benefit a minority of those already losing £20 per week after the Government chose not to extend the uplift.

“With Rishi Sunak admitting that inflation will average at least 4% next year and with National Insurance and other tax increases on the horizon, any perceived benefits from the rise in the National Living Wage and the removal of the pay freeze for public sector workers will be eaten up.

“As energy prices continue to rocket, many people on the lowest incomes, including MHA residents and the wider communities we serve, are likely to be in an even worse financial position as a result of the Chancellor’s failure to properly protect them.”  

UK Government Minister backs peer’s plea to support Northern Ireland pig farmers

Northern Ireland peer Lord Rogan has received a commitment from Rural Affairs Minister Lord Benyon that the growing crisis facing pig farmers will be tackled on UK-wide basis.

Lord Rogan

Speaking in the House of Lords earlier today, Lord Rogan said:  “Over recent days, a succession of Government Ministers has told us how much they value Northern Ireland’s place within the United Kingdom.  As a Unionist, I warmly welcome that.”

But he added: “Almost a month ago, Victor Chestnutt, the President of the Ulster Farmers’ Union, warned publicly that the Province’s pig farmers may have to start culling their animals because of labour shortages.”

Lord Rogan, an Ulster Unionist, asked the Minister: “Can you tell us what contacts you or your officials have had in the intervening weeks with the Department of Agriculture in Northern Ireland and the Ulster Farmers’ Union to help address this perilous situation?” 

Responding, Lord Benyon said that Victoria Prentis, a Minster of State at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, had held “very frequent conversations with all the devolved governments on these issues.”

He continued: “It is absolutely vital that we look at this problem not just within the constituent parts of the United Kingdom. 

“This is an issue that runs entirely across the Union and we want to make sure that we’re protecting pig farmers everywhere.”

Award winning Leeds agile firm celebrates 100th team member

A Leeds-based agile business transformation specialist, with an annual turnover of £16 million just over three years after start-up, has celebrated the appointment of its 100th recruit.  

Burendo team members gather to celebrate the appointment of their 100th recruit  

Burendo provides clients in the UK and overseas with experts skilled in tackling software development challenges in short sprints before rapidly reviewing the results to determine the next step in the project.   

Last month the consultancy triumphed in the International category at the Leeds Digital Festival Awards 2021 following its work to design and deliver an agile operating model to US pharmaceutical giant McKesson.

In addition to running training sessions for hundreds of McKesson’s staff, Burendo team members devised a tailored solution for the RelayHealth division of McKesson which focussed on the reduction of its delivery cycle from 18 months to just three months.

Burendo was founded in 2018 by Gary Green, Austen Bell and Glenn Crossley who also collaborated to launch the Blended Agile Delivery (BAD) Toolkit, providing open access to agile techniques and processes.

Despite the considerable obstacles to growth posed to many businesses by the pandemic, Burendo has continued to gain new clients and expand employee numbers.

Speaking at a special event in Leeds to mark the recruitment of the firm’s 100th team member, Gary Green, People Director, said: “We are proud of every one of our team and delighted to celebrate this landmark moment. 

“Our high-skilled professionals work in challenging environments and on complex projects with some of the brightest minds and agile thinkers.

“With many new roles being advertised on our website, Burendo looks forward to increasing our strength even further in the weeks and months ahead.”

Austen Bell, Operations Director, said: “We have travelled a long way in a short space of time.

“Our success comes from harnessing the pool of talent in the Burendo family and having a clear plan and direction at every level of the business.

“To build on what has been achieved, we must stay lean, efficient and responsive to customer needs.”

Glenn Crossley, Commercial Director, said: “It is tremendous to witness the vibrancy and creativity that Burendo embodies.  Alongside Austen and Gary, I have enjoyed being part of a business finding pragmatic solutions to the business challenges that are out there.

“We are surrounded by a team of incredibly talented people and I look forward to building new relationships and working with organisations to turn possibilities into outcomes.”

New Chief Executive sets out vision for Unity

The Chief Executive of Leeds-based housing association Unity Homes and Enterprise has told its Annual General Meeting that he will be guided by the organisation’s BME status and social purpose during his time at the helm.  

Cedric Boston, whose appointment was announced last week, told a large audience of stakeholders, guests and staff gathered at The Sheepscar in Chapeltown that Unity’s BME status and social purpose “are going to motivate us to move forward, keep us on track when things get difficult and keep us moving in the right direction.” 

Cedric Boston

He said: “We’re not an ordinary housing association.  Unity is much more than a housing association.  Yes, we let houses, we provide housing services and we maintain those houses.  But we are primarily concerned with the people who live in those houses. And what we are quintessentially about is improving the lives of those people.  

“Our social purpose is to fight inequality, regenerate communities and provide opportunities for people.  What motivates me and what Unity is about is giving those people within our communities, who suffer discrimination and disadvantage, an opportunity for their voices to be heard, an opportunity to showcase their talent and an opportunity to make the best of their lives.” 

Mr Boston, who has more than 30 years of senior level experience in social housing, paid tribute to “Unity people past and present because, through their efforts, we have a good platform upon which to build.”

And he commended the Unity Board for “setting really tough challenges,” adding, “they want us to become the best housing association around.”

He said: “We want to be a great landlord.  That means delighting our customers, providing high quality services, engaging well with the community we serve, earning their respect and enabling them to become our cheerleaders – the people that are pushing us forward to do more than we are already doing.

“We want to do a lot more to improve people’s lives, which requires the business to continue to grow through Unity’s great work.

“It also means looking at potential new income streams, ways in which we can attract additional resources to the business and partnering with other organisations, because we are a small organisation with big ambitions.  We know we can do more if we collaborate with the right people who share our aspirations.  We can produce more together than we can individually.”

Welcoming Mr Boston to his role, Unity Chair Shruti Bhargava said she was “absolutely confident in the abilities both of our new Chief Executive and our staff to drive through the ambitious challenges set out in our corporate plan.”    

Shruti Bhargava and Cedric Boston enjoy a lighter moment at Unity’s AGM

She said: “Despite the pandemic, we’ve continued to have an impact in our communities, improve neighbourhoods, build homes, help people into employment and provide space and support for their businesses in our business centres.” 

Ms Bhargava acknowledged that other societal challenges had been highlighted since Unity’s last in-person Annual General Meeting two years ago.

She said: “The murder of George Floyd in America drew attention to the realities of racism, especially anti-black racism.  That and the Black Lives Matter movement has led to a much stronger awareness of the levels of structural racism in our society and the things we really need to do to tackle race inequalities.  So much of that was seen in the really stark impact of how Covid-19 has affected our BME communities, highlighting the poor housing, insecure employment and health inequalities which expose them to greater risk and a disproportionate level of deaths.”

Attendees also heard moving speeches from Leeds West Indian Carnival founder Arthur France, together with Christina Cambridge and Sheila Howarth who have deep connections with Unity and play pivotal roles in the association’s ongoing exhibition showcasing the immense contribution of the Windrush Generation to business success and social reform in Leeds.

Unity Business Centre tenant Christina Cambridge delivering an impassioned speech

The evening included dazzling stage performances from local vocalists Christella Litras and Carmen Brown, plus surprise guest and Five Star lead singer Denice Pearson who performed You Raise Me Up, a charity single she released as a tribute to NHS and social care workers who lost their lives to Covid-19.

Manningham Housing Association in running for two UK Housing Awards

Manningham Housing Association (MHA) has been shortlisted for two UK Housing Awards.

The BME-led association, which manages more than 1,400 homes for 6,000 residents in Bradford and Keighley, is in the final running for the Neighbourhood Transformation Award as well as the coveted title of Landlord of the Year.

Now in their 25th year, the UK Housing Awards celebrate landlords who have gone above and beyond for their tenants across 19 categories.

Entries are judged by an esteemed panel of sector leaders, and shortlisted entrants including MHA have been invited to showcase their work next month as part of the final judging process.

The winners will be announced at a prestigious ceremony at the InterContinental London – The O2 on Thursday 25 November.

Ulfat Hussain

Ulfat Hussain, MHA Assistant Chief Executive and Director of Operations, said: “I am incredibly proud of the team who have worked so hard throughout the last 18 months to help residents and the surrounding communities cope with the immense challenges created by the pandemic.

“MHA’s shortlisting for the Neighbourhood Transformation Award is the result of our Building Bridges Bradford project which has sought to bolster community resilience and challenge racism, prejudice and community division through social action activities.  It has also supported people affected by Covid including those experiencing mental health challenges, loss of income and isolation.

“As a relatively small housing association, being in the final running in the Landlord of the Year category is a huge achievement.

Barrington Billings

“MHA is a wonderful organisation doing remarkable work.  I am thrilled that this has been recognised by the UK Housing Awards judges.”

Barrington Billings, MHA Chair, said: “This is great news and fully deserved.

“The team at every level have worked tirelessly to ensure the needs of all MHA residents have been catered for including during the periods of stringent lockdown.

“Initiatives such as Building Bridges Bradford have also made a major difference in providing much needed social contact for people of all ages, together with opportunities for physical exercise.

“Being shortlisted for two national awards underlines that MHA is now regarded as one of the outstanding housing associations in the country.  This should be source of deep pride for all of our staff and residents.”

Unity announces appointment of new Chief Executive

Cedric Boston is the new Chief Executive of Leeds-based BME housing association Unity Homes and Enterprise.

Unity Chief Executive Cedric Boston

He had served as Unity’s Interim Chief Executive since December 2020, replacing Ali Akbor OBE who was appointed to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Panel.    

Mr Boston has over 30 years of senior level experience in social housing.

He is a former Chief Executive of Arhag, a London BME association dedicated to improving the life chances of migrants and refugees.

Mr Boston was also Director of Housing Services at Lambeth Living with responsibility for the provision of operational services to 65,000 people.   

He read law and politics at Keele University, was called to the Bar in 1985 and is currently studying part-time for an Open University degree in classical history.

Unity was set up in 1987 to meet the housing needs of BME people in Leeds.

Backed by more than 30 years of knowledge and collective experience, it is regarded as one of the country’s most successful and forward-thinking BME-led housing associations and serves people from all ethnic backgrounds in West Yorkshire.

Unity Chair Shruti Bhargava said: “We are delighted to appoint Cedric as Chief Executive of Unity Homes and Enterprise.

Unity Chair Shruti Bhargava

“He was one of five very diverse shortlisted candidates who went through a rigorous assessment centre and final interview process.

“Cedric is committed to Unity, cares deeply about it and what it does for our communities.  He also wants the best outcomes for the organisation and its staff. 

“Cedric has a compelling vision for Unity, and we are confident in the approach he will take to deliver it.”

Mr Boston said: “As well as supporting Unity through the pandemic, my role over the past nine months has included helping the Board to refine its vision and mission, developing a new business corporate plan and leading staff through the initial phases of a change agenda.

“I look forward to building on these achievements and having the opportunity to broaden our external partnership work through building new alliances.

“Everything that Unity does flows from its social purpose which is focussed on fighting inequality and empowering BME people to improve their lives.  

“These will be my guiding principles in the years ahead.” 

First stage of trail blazing Leeds cohousing scheme nears completion

The first part of an innovative combined project to build 63 new affordable homes close to Leeds city centre is due to be completed later this year.

R to L: Cedric Boston, Unity Interim Chief Executive at the Leopold Street development in Leeds with Yoseph Ahmed, prospective member, ChaCo; Alison Phelps, Neighbourhood Task Group, ChaCo; and Wayne Noteman, Unity Regeneration Director

Half of the properties will form a brand new cohousing community, one of around just 20 in the country. 

Work on the £9.3 million development at Leopold Street in Chapeltown began in the summer of 2019 with the Lord Mayor of Leeds, Cllr Eileen Taylor, laying the first stone.

Last week representatives of the project partners visited the scheme which is a joint venture between BME-led housing association Unity Homes & Enterprise and Chapeltown Cohousing (ChaCo).

Despite some delays associated with the pandemic, Unity is on course to complete 30 one and two bed flats for people aged 55 and over by November. 

ChaCo’s element of the scheme - comprising 29 houses and flats, a ‘common house’ and space for three self build units – is expected to be ready in March 2022.

Cohousing is a means of bringing individuals and families together in groups to share common aims and activities whilst enjoying their own self-contained accommodation.

As well as their own private homes, everyone has the use of shared facilities in the ‘common house’ which includes washing machines, guest rooms and a large kitchen and dining room where everyone can eat.

Homes England provided £1.4million in grant support to the project with the Housing Infrastructure Fund allocating £1.34million

The remaining finance was secured by a combination of private finance and savings from ChaCo stakeholders who will live in the cohousing properties upon completion.

Cedric Boston, Unity Interim Chief Executive, said: “The concept behind this scheme is to connect residents to the community even when they are inside their home by having the ability to look out to the shared space, keep in touch with the everyday lives of friends and neighbours and come out to join them. 

“From Unity’s point of view, it is part of a bigger picture to provide high quality accommodation for older people, supporting them moving out of large family properties and backfilling these with families who urgently need that form of housing. 

“It is Unity’s second purpose built facility to support this strategic objective, the first being a £3.2 million development of 28 affordable homes for the over 55s in nearby Chapel Allerton which officially opened in June 2016.”  

Alison Phelps, a member of ChaCo’s Neighbourhood Task Group, said: “It has been a long journey for all of us and it is so exciting to know that we are now just six months from reaching our destination.

“The pandemic affected us hugely after the original contractor went out of business.  But working collectively with Unity, we re-contracted with Torpoint who saw this as a living project that they could take on and we remain hugely grateful that they did. 

“The Covid restrictions also impacted on the community side of cohousing and limited our endeavours to get to know each other before we move into the new properties next year. 

“However, as soon as there was a little easing of lockdown, we started a monthly litter pick around the edge of the site.   It was outdoor and socially distanced, but we could see each other’s faces.  That has been really fulfilling.”

L to R: Cedric Boston, Unity Interim Chief Executive; Yoseph Ahmed, prospective member, ChaCo; Alison Phelps, Neighbourhood Task Group, ChaCo; and Wayne Noteman, Unity Regeneration Director, visiting one of the new Unity flats in Leeds

Wayne Noteman, Unity Regeneration Director, said: “This ambitious scheme has been seven years in the making following our initial meeting with ChaCo.      

“The process has been really rewarding, to see a fledgling community organisation come together and show the resilience not only to get the project up and running, but to see it through to the end. 

“There have been many challenges and knock backs along the way, but everyone has been tenacious and kept at it.

“I believe this is a model that could be replicated across Leeds and the country.”

Housing association CEO critical of ‘catastrophic’ Universal Credit cut for poorest paid workers

The chief executive of one of the country’s leading BME housing associations has said that the Government’s plan to cut Universal Credit by £20 per week will be “catastrophic” for some of the poorest paid workers and their families.

Lee Bloomfield

Lee Bloomfield, who has led Bradford-based Manningham Housing Association since 2018, said he feared that the fall in financial support will be “devastating for those who already have so little to lose.”   

It is estimated that six million of the least well-off households will see their income slashed by around £1,000 a year.

In a statement, Mr Bloomfield said: “The Government announced its intention to proceed with this cut some time ago, but I had hoped that a blend of good sense and decency would ultimately prevail.

“Instead, this week we have seen the Work and Pensions Secretary touring television studios with the message that she is ‘entirely happy’ for the reduction to go ahead from the end of this month.

“This cut will impact on a third of working age families with children across the country, but that will be far from evenly spread.

“Instead, deprived communities in places like Bradford and Keighley, where Manningham Housing Association operates, will be disproportionately affected.

“With furlough also coming to end this month, the cost of living significantly on the rise and National Insurance contributions due to increase in the spring, I fear there will be catastrophic consequences for some of the poorest paid workers and their families in Bradford, Keighley and elsewhere.

“The reduction in Universal Credit payments will be devastating for those who already have so little to lose.

“I urge the Government to think again and, at the very least, pause this cut until its likely impact is properly assessed.

“And If they really want to do the right thing, they should halt it altogether.”   

Manningham Housing Association embraces National Inclusion Week 2021

Manningham Housing Association (MHA) has signed up to take part in National Inclusion Week which runs from Monday 27 September – Sunday 3 October.   

Organised by membership organisation Inclusive Employers, the initiative seeks to bring people together to share best practice in promoting inclusion in the workplace.

The theme of National Inclusion Week 2021, now in its ninth year, is ‘United For Inclusion.’        

To increase the impact of its involvement, MHA will be partnering with the Housing Diversity Network (HDN), a social enterprise that aims to inspire and empower people and promote equality, diversity and opportunity for all.

Both organisations are based at Bank House in Bradford which will be decorated with banners and flags as MHA and HDN staff participate in an array of activities throughout the week.

These will include workshops, games, competitions and a photobooth.

Team members will also be invited to dress traditionally and share national and international dishes each day for lunch.  

MHA’s head office in Bradford

Last year more than 2,000 organisations signed up for National Inclusion Week with events including webinars and daily challenges estimated to have connected around 16 million people.

Lee Bloomfield, MHA Chief Executive, said: “We are really looking forward to working in partnership with the Housing Diversity Network to support National Inclusion Week 2021.

“After another tough year for everyone because of Covid, it is a wonderful opportunity for staff at all levels to celebrate being together and learn more about the importance of a fully inclusive working environment.”

Barrington Billings, MHA Chair, said: “It is essential that Manningham Housing Association plays a lead role in National Inclusion Week.

“Tackling racism will be an area of particular focus throughout the seven days including the launch of an anti-racism toolkit.  I look forward to learning more about this and discussing lessons learnt with colleagues and MHA’s external partners.”         

Rupert Moyne, Managing Director – Corporate Services, Inclusive Employers, said: “I’m delighted that Manningham Housing Association is taking part in National Inclusion Week 2021.

“The last year has really brought the need for inclusion into sharp focus. Many of us have spent the past twelve months working remotely and I therefore hope that ‘United For Inclusion,’ the 2021 theme of National Inclusion Week, brings us closer to our colleagues and other organisations as we together celebrate, share and inspire inclusion practices.

“MHA’s involvement in National Inclusion Week shows that they take building an inclusive workplace seriously and I welcome their commitment to do so.”

More information about National Inclusion Week and how to get involved is available via the Inclusive Employers website. 

Call for urgent talks on reducing Air Passenger Duty in Northern Ireland

Lord Rogan has called for urgent discussions aimed at reducing Air Passenger Duty (APD) rates in Northern Ireland.   

The Ulster Unionist peer was speaking after Ryanair announced it was ceasing flights at both Belfast airports this winter largely because of APD.

In a statement, Lord Rogan said: “APD has been damaging to Northern Ireland since it was introduced by the then Conservative Government in 1994 purely as a money-making exercise for the Treasury.

“However, added to the problems associated with Covid, I fear that its continuation at current levels is placing the future of what’s left of the Province’s aviation sector at grave risk.

Lord Rogan

“Members of Parliament and peers from all of the local parties have lobbied successive UK Governments on this issue with little progress made.

“Concessions were floated as part of the DUP’s backroom deal to keep Theresa May’s Government in power in 2017 and a so-called ‘technical working group’ was set up to examine what may be possible.

“Boris Johnson’s arrival in Downing Street two years later and his disinterest in all things Northern Ireland clearly put an end to these efforts.

“I will be tabling a series of Written Questions when Parliament returns in a few days’ time to try to find out what progress – if any – these talks made.

“In the meantime, I believe that new discussions must be urgently convened between UK Government Ministers and representatives of Northern Ireland political parties, the local aviation industry and business leaders with a view to reducing APD rates.

“Boris Johnson’s Government has an unfortunate reputation for choosing to recognise a problem only when it is too late to do anything about it.

“This must not be the case in relation to APD in Northern Ireland because we are rapidly running out of viable carriers.”         

Manningham Housing Association to join new anti-racism movement

Manningham Housing Association (MHA) has given its full support to a new anti-racism movement being launched later this month by West Yorkshire and Harrogate Health and Care Partnership and the West Yorkshire Violence Reduction Unit.

Established in 1986, MHA manages more than 1,400 homes for over 6,000 residents in Keighley and Bradford.

Created to proactively challenge racism in all areas of society, the movement is part of an ongoing commitment to tackling structural and institutionalised racism, and addressing health and social inequalities across West Yorkshire and Harrogate. 

Lee Bloomfield

The movement, a recommendation from a West Yorkshire and Harrogate Health and Care Partnership review published last autumn into the impact of COVID-19 on health inequalities, will see staff and members of the local community putting their faces to the movement’s visuals in high profile places including sports clubs and hospital grounds.

Imagery from the campaign will be displayed on buses and across social media platforms with the hashtag #WYHRootOutRacism.

The movement will encourage people to better inform themselves on anti-racist behaviours and practices whilst highlighting real life stories.

Developed from insight gained through people’s personal experiences of racism, the initiative will encourage everyone to root it out and stand together.

Lee Bloomfield, MHA Chief Executive, said: “Manningham Housing Association rejects racism and will challenge it wherever it is found.

“We are proud to join colleagues around the region in opposing racist behaviour and shining a spotlight on those who seek to sow hatred, discrimination and division in communities.

Barrington Billings

“I congratulate West Yorkshire and Harrogate Health and Care Partnership and the West Yorkshire Violence Reduction Unit for devising this innovative campaign and look forward to MHA playing a full part in ensuring it achieves positive results.”       

Barrington Billings, MHA Chair, said: “As one of the country’s leading BME housing associations, MHA has always taken a lead in tackling racism head on.

“Racism was an evil blight on society when MHA was founded 35 years ago and it remains equally abhorrent now.

“We will stand up for those who are subjected to vile racist abuse and discrimination, and stand against the sick individuals and groups who peddle racist words and deeds.” 

Housing association CEO condemns racist abuse of England footballers

The Chief Executive of Bradford based Manningham Housing Association has condemned the online abuse of three black England footballers and called on public figures and institutions to speak out against racism.   

Lee Bloomfield, Chief Executive, Manningham Housing Association

In a strongly worded statement, Lee Bloomfield, said: “On behalf of everyone at Manningham Housing Association, I wish to unequivocally condemn the abhorrent racist comments and rhetoric directed at black members of the England football team on social media following the loss to Italy.

“As a BAME association which stands for equality and diversity and against any form of racism or prejudice, it is critically important that public figures and public-facing organisations with the ability to speak out against such appalling behaviour now take a stand.

“Turning a blind eye to unashamed racism will lead our country towards an abyss.     

“Instead, a spotlight must be shone on this cancer and those individuals who have committed crimes of hate must be harshly dealt with by the criminal law.

“I implore the Government, the police and social media platforms to work together to identify the perpetrators and bring them swiftly to justice so we can have faith that this disgusting behaviour will not be tolerated now or at any time in the future within our borders.”   

Peer demands UK Government action to stop processed animal protein entering Northern Ireland food chain

Senior peer Lord Rogan has called on the UK Government to act to stop the European Union allowing animal remains to be fed to livestock in Northern Ireland.

There has been a ban on feeding processed animal protein to livestock since the BSE crisis in the 1990s.  However, discussions are ongoing about lifting the ban in the EU as early as next month.

Lord Rogan

Lord Rogan told the House of Lords this afternoon: “The Prime Minister’s decision to sign up to the Northern Ireland Protocol has placed the Province’s agri-food business in an increasingly perilous situation.

“We were promised that Brexit would improve food standards right across the United Kingdom, but this will not be the case if processed animal protein is allowed to enter the food chain in Northern Ireland.”

He asked Rural Affairs Minister Lord Benyon: “What representations has the Government made to Brussels to stop this policy from being extended into Northern Ireland?

“Can you tell the House if Boris Johnson was aware that the EU’s ban on animal protein was about to be lifted before he agreed to place a regulatory border in the Irish Sea?”

Replying, Lord Benyon conceded that “this was a matter that was announced in May, but it has been under discussion for a long time.” 

He told Lord Rogan: “This is a not an issue that is affecting the Northern Ireland Protocol or any other aspect of trade with Northern Ireland,” adding, “we have ongoing discussions with the EU at a scientific and animal heath level and will continue to do so.”  

Speaking afterwards, Lord Rogan said he was “alarmed that Lord Benyon had singularly failed to grasp the nature and seriousness of the issue we are facing.”

He added: “Yet again, the UK Government is asleep at the wheel and driving towards a very large wall in relation to Northern Ireland in general and the agri-food sector in particular.”  

Housing associations must prioritise investment in residents’ homes - CEO

Safeguarding the health and wellbeing of residents should be the “absolute priority” for housing associations, the Chief Executive of Bradford-based Manningham Housing Association (MHA) has argued.

Lee Bloomfield was speaking after National Housing Federation Chief Executive Kate Henderson responded to a series of ITV News reports about social housing residents living in homes with damp, mould and other types of serious disrepair.

In an interview, she said the affected residents had been “let down” by being forced to live in conditions which were “just not acceptable, not only because of the levels of disrepair in these homes but also because the residents have not felt listened to.”   

Mr Bloomfield, who has led MHA since January 2018, said in a time of an acute shortage of social and affordable homes, housing associations are hungry for growth to help meet this shortfall however some larger housing associations were “placing growth ahead of maintaining and improving their existing properties.”

Lee Bloomfield

In a statement, he said: “The ITV reports were shocking and having spoken to senior colleagues in other housing associations, I know there is a feeling of widespread revulsion across the sector about what was uncovered.  It is fair to say that the majority of larger housing associations strike a balance of providing new homes whilst maintaining and improving their existing stock.

“I have long been of the view that some large housing associations have been focussed almost to the point of obsession on building up their stock portfolios at the risk of allowing the quality of their existing properties to deteriorate.

“In contrast, smaller housing associations with lower stock numbers often tend to focus their resources on organic growth and maintaining their existing stock to higher standards.

“MHA undertook a comprehensive stock condition survey in 2017 which confirmed that our more than 1,400 properties are in good condition.  

“Since then, we have invested a further £2.5million in these homes including upgrades to kitchens and bathrooms.

“Our corporate strategy contains four key objectives including a steadfast commitment to looking after our existing homes.    

“When we consulted with residents in Bradford and Keighley in 2019 about the association’s growth plans, they supported our desire to build new properties but not at the expense of existing homes falling to lower standards.    

“The most recent residents survey, carried out in May this year, saw satisfaction levels with our repairs and maintenance service rise to 91%. That is a positive outcome, although I still want this figure to rise further.

“MHA’s determination to look after the needs of our residents is matched by many other housing associations around the country.  However, cases like those highlighted on the news over recent weeks reflect badly on the sector. 

“A valuable lesson would be to strike the correct balance of properly investing in current stock whilst achieving unit growth.”   

Leeds BME housing association launches search for new Chief Executive

One of the country’s leading BME housing associations has begun the search for a new Chief Executive.  

Unity Homes and Enterprise, which has its headquarters in Leeds, is seeking a permanent replacement for Ali Akbor OBE who left his post after more than two decades to join the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Panel.

Established in 1987, the association manages more than 1,300 rented and shared ownership homes in Leeds and Kirklees - with ongoing developments continuing to increase its affordable housing stock - and holds the highest available (G1/V1) gradings for governance and viability from the Regulator of Social Housing.

Unity also provides affordable business units for more than 80 diverse businesses across three centres in Leeds and has dedicated financial inclusion and employment support teams to help stimulate social and economic regeneration, improve life opportunities and address inequalities.

Shruti Bhargava, Chair, Unity Homes and Enterprise

Unity Chair Shruti Bhargava said the Board was “open-minded” about where the rigorous recruitment process might take them but made clear that the association’s unwavering commitment to diversity and social purpose was “non-negotiable.”

She said: “This is a great opportunity for a creative person with the right track record and who ‘gets’ what we are all about to work with the Board, staff, tenants and local communities, to put their stamp on our next stage of development.

“The successful candidate will have the vision to further advance our distinctive identity, build upon the success of our enterprise centres, deliver change through the development and involvement of local communities and have the ability to make sound financial decisions.

“We have also progressed an innovative draft corporate plan - produced by our Interim Chief Executive, Cedric Boston - which has social purpose at its heart and will guide Unity’s journey over the next five years.

“The new Chief Executive will have the opportunity to bring their own creative thinking to the task of delivering this plan in a way that enhances our customer service and engagement, improves our business performance, strengthens our partnership working and invests in our social purpose which underpins everything we do.”

The recruitment process is being delivered in collaboration with leadership recruitment consultancy Green Park which specialises in identifying talent from diverse communities.

A microsite dedicated to the Unity vacancy has just gone live with a range of avenues being explored over the coming weeks to encourage top level candidates to apply.

The selection process will move into a new phase in early August when applications close with interviews in differing formats and an assessment centre due to be held.

It is expected that that identity of the new Unity Chief Executive will be announced in September.

John Jeffries, a Unity Board member who serves on the task group overseeing the recruitment procedure, said: “Unity may be small in size but has always punched well above its weight - locally, regionally and nationally. 

“Alongside responsibility for the day to day running of the association, the successful candidate will be tasked with building new working relationships with partners and agencies which can help us to grow our core business and progress our social purpose ambitions.

Andy Welsh, who also sits on the task group and is a member of the Unity Enterprise Board, said: “We exist to provide high quality affordable homes, but also to fight inequality and empower BME people to improve their lives by creating opportunities and helping to regenerate communities.

“That is our commitment to social purpose and it will also be the mission of Unity’s new Chief Executive.”   

Unity marks Windrush Day with public exhibition set to open next month

Leeds BME housing association Unity Homes and Enterprise has announced that a major exhibition showcasing the ground-breaking contribution of the Windrush Generation to business success and social reform in the city will open to the public on 20 July, subject to Government Covid restrictions being eased.

The team behind the ‘The Windrush Project’ exhibition which is due to open to the public at Unity Business Centre in Chapeltown, Leeds next month 

A limited number of guests were invited to a scaled down preview of the exhibition at Unity Business Centre in Chapeltown on Tuesday (22 June) to mark Windrush Day 2021.

It was hoped that the full public opening would take place on the same important date, but this was ruled out after the Prime Minister delayed the relaxation of rules on extended indoor gatherings until next month.

Delivered in partnership with Leeds Trinity University, ‘The Windrush Project’ exhibition features a series of video interviews with local Windrush reformers, together with a photographic display illustrating the growth and diversity of Leeds Windrush businesses and their positive impact on local communities.

The films were produced by Leeds Trinity’s final year journalism students under the guidance of the University’s Senior Professional Practice Fellow and Broadcast Journalism Programme Leader Katherine Blair.

The project is being supported by grant funding from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government’s Windrush Day Grant Scheme.

Cedric Boston, Unity Interim Chief Executive, said: “Whilst it was disappointing not to be able to open our doors to the public on Windrush Day itself, it was a privilege to welcome a small number of guests who were so important in helping us put the exhibition together.

“We are immensely grateful to Katherine and her team at Leeds Trinity for producing the inspirational videos.

“Alongside the photographic display, they provide a truly fascinating insight into the life experiences of local Windrush Generation descendants who play such a critical role in everyday community and business life in Leeds.”

Cy Powell, a Unity Enterprise Board member who came to the UK from Jamaica in 1966 and features prominently in ‘The Windrush Project’ exhibition, said: “It is fantastic to see the exhibition ready to go.

Left to right: Hughbon Condor, High Esteem Carnival Design; Katherine Blair, Leeds Trinity University; Jackie Walker, Phun in The Sun; Patrick Bernard, Bernard Solicitors; Christina Cambridge, Cardinal Care Services Ltd; Adrian Green, Unity Enterprise; and Sharron Smithen, Kalabash 

“Unity’s history and progress as a community-focused organisation with a strong social purpose is rooted in the Windrush Generation.

“I am proud that Unity has stepped forward to enable these stories to be told.”    

Katherine Blair said: “After such a difficult year for our students where much of their work had to be done online, I jumped at the offer of doing these interviews with people in the Chapeltown community.

“Everyone we interviewed had such rich stories to tell. They were so generous with their time and their memories.

“It was an absolute pleasure to have worked on this and the students are delighted with what they created.”

Martha Sanders, Leeds Trinity MA Journalism student and producer of the series, said: “The people we spoke to had so much to say and it was fantastic being part of the team that put the project together.

“The stories we helped to tell are so important to Leeds as a city and it was a privilege to be asked to produce the show.  

“I hope that people who visit the exhibition find the work impactful and that we have done the amazing interviewees justice.”

It is intended that that the exhibition will be open to the public between 10am and 3pm from 20 July until 15 December.

Further information including details of Covid-related safety restrictions that may be required will be announced next month.  

MLCSL and Kepak agree deal to boost independent carcase classification

Carcase classification specialist Meat and Livestock Commercial Services (MLCSL) has announced a seven-year contract to provide leading international meat processor Kepak Group with three automated carcase classification machines in two of its UK plants overseen by MLCSL’s independent, on-site classification officers.

MLCSL, which was acquired by Vorenta Limited - which also owns Hallmark Veterinary Compliance Services – from the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board in 2018, plans to install the VBS 2000 machines this year in Kepak’s facilities at Merthyr Tydfil in South Wales and Bodmin in Cornwall.  MLCSL is working with the Rural Payments Agency to secure the appropriate licences for them.   

David Peace

The automated carcase classification process, known as Video Image Analysis (VIA), uses cameras and bespoke software to classify carcases on the EUROP scale.

David Peace, Chairman, MLCSL, said: “We are absolutely delighted to agree this new partnership with Kepak, one of Europe’s foremost meat processers. 

“The machines use E+V camera-based technology which is already widely utilised in Kepak’s Irish manufacturing sites.    

“It is a superb opportunity for MLCSL to demonstrate that we can provide these machines, as well as maintain the overall independent classification service which includes having our own classification officers permanently overseeing the grading process in each plant.”

Tom Finn

Tom Finn, Chief Commercial Officer, Kepak, said: “The move into automation in two of our UK plants is a significant advance for Kepak, whilst continuing to rely on the long-standing and highly-respected independent classification service.

“MLCSL has agreed to provide three machines as well as classification officers to manage the work on a permanent basis.

“It is an exciting development which further emphasises Kepak’s established reputation for efficiency and transparency in our relationships with suppliers and customers. The support of the NFU and FUW will contribute to a smooth changeover of systems to include VIA grading.” 

Wyn Evans, Vice Chair, NFU Livestock Board and Chair, NFU Cymru Livestock Board, said: “I welcome the rollout of automated carcase classification at two Kepak sites, Merthyr and Bodmin.

“Crucially we must continue to maintain trust and transparency in the weighing and grading/classification process that ensures producers are adequately and fairly rewarded for the livestock they produce. 

“The introduction of automated classification at Kepak, where this will be supported by a fully trained independent MLCSL classification officer, will give producers the confidence that their livestock are classified consistently and accurately.”

Glynn Roberts

Glyn Roberts, President, Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW), said: “Getting such technology up and running has been supported by FUW for many years, and we therefore fully support this move.

"The independent oversight of the system will bolster the transparency this system brings, and we look forward to seeing the machines being installed and the new automated grading process being launched in the coming months.”

Housing association secures funds for Leeds Windrush Generation exhibition

Leeds-based housing association Unity Homes and Enterprise has been awarded Government funding to stage an exhibition showcasing the huge contribution of the Windrush Generation to business and social reform in the city.

The project, which will be hosted at Unity Business Centre in Chapeltown, will feature short video interviews with local Windrush reformers sharing their stories of resilience.

The videos are being produced in collaboration with Leeds Trinity University which has kindly agreed to support the initiative.

These will be complemented by a photographic display illustrating the growth and variety of Leeds Windrush businesses and their positive impact on the diverse communities they serve.

Funding for the exhibition follows a successful bid to the Government’s annual Windrush Day Grant Scheme which first launched in 2019.

Applicants were invited to devise projects that “will bring communities together, create a lasting impact and improve education and learning through building a deeper understanding of the Windrush Generation and their contributions to British society.”

Cedric Boston

Cedric Boston, Unity Interim Chief Executive, said: “We are proud to have secured the funding to deliver a truly first-class exhibition, in partnership with Leeds Trinity University, which will be closely aligned with our values and social purpose.

“The Windrush Generation has been pivotal in Unity’s establishment and growth and so much of our success as a community-focused organisation rooted in Chapeltown is down to them.

“Everyone at Unity is looking forward to raising awareness of the challenges the Windrush Generation faced and how they overcame each hurdle with dignity and grace.”  

Katherine Blair

Katherine Blair, Senior Professional Practice Fellow and Broadcast Journalism Programme Leader at Leeds Trinity University, said: “We are delighted to work with Unity on this exciting and timely project to celebrate the hugely positive impact the Windrush Generation and their descendants have made on the city. 

“It is a privilege for Leeds Trinity University journalism students to have the opportunity to provide a medium for these inspirational people to tell their stories.”            

Cy Powell

Cy Powell, who came on a scholarship to the UK from Jamaica in 1966 and serves on Unity’s Enterprise Board, said: “The exhibition will be about remembrance and informing younger people about the significant contribution of the Windrush Generation to this country.

“Their achievements have not been forgotten but they have been elided.

“Unity now has a platform to change that.” 

The exhibition will open to the public on Tuesday 22 June - Windrush Day 2021 – and run until the end of the year.

More information, including opening hours and details of Covid-related safety restrictions that may be required, will be announced shortly.