Partou expands UK nursery portfolio with first post-brand launch acquisition

Leading Dutch childcare provider Partou has added to its extensive portfolio of nurseries in England with the acquisition of Wonder Years Nursery in Coventry.

Wonder Years, which holds an Ofsted ‘Good’ rating, is the first British nursery to join the Partou family since the merger of Just Childcare and All About Children under the brand earlier this year. 

The Wonder Years Nursery in Coventry, Partou’s first acquisition since launching its brand in the UK

Established in 1984, Partou is the biggest childcare group in the Netherlands with more than 700 settings, over 70,000 children and 9,000 team members.

The acquisition of Wonder Years, its 106th nursery in England, bolsters Partou’s position as one of the largest nursery providers in the UK.   

Wonder Years opened in 2004 as a 69 place neighbourhood nursery with five classrooms. 

Over the past two decades, it has more than doubled its capacity and now provides 142 places with eight classrooms and a large nursery garden for outdoor play. 

Samantha Rhodes, Partou Managing Director, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Wonder Years to Partou.

Samantha Rhodes, Partou Managing Director

“The team at Wonder Years has a well-earned reputation for providing strong support to the children in a positive environment with first-class facilities, making it an excellent choice as the first acquisition since the official launch of our brand in the UK. 

“The Partou UK team look forward to working closely with them to team to deliver our child-led approach to care, learning and development.”

Tracy Simpson, Wonder Years Nursery Manager, said: “I feel privileged to lead the Wonder Years team as Nursery Manager. These are exciting times for everyone here.

“We’re proud of the role Wonder Years has played over the past 20 years in supporting so many local children on their learning journey.

“Joining the Partou family presents a wonderful opportunity for us to begin an exciting new chapter for the team and the nursery.”        

Development consortium gains momentum in quest to deliver affordable homes in Yorkshire and Humber

A recently established partnership tasked with supporting young and fledgling housing associations and community groups to build new affordable housing in Yorkshire and Humber is having a positive impact across the region.

The Unity Community Development Consortium (UCDC) was set up in May 2021 by Leeds-based BME housing association Unity Homes and Enterprise. 

The consortium has since expanded its membership to include Chartford Housing, Manningham Housing Association, Harrogate Housing, and Hull and East Yorkshire Mind.

Unity has also been supporting Pickering and Ferens Homes to deliver new properties in Hull.  To date they have completed eight new homes and are due to complete on a 24 unit bungalow development in September.

In the past year, Unity assisted Hull and East Yorkshire Mind to convert three large properties to produce 21 flats for people suffering from mental health and are also working on a development opportunity which will yield 26 new properties on behalf of Harrogate Housing.

UCDC has been granted Investment Partner status by the government’s housing and regeneration agency, Homes England, which allows it to apply for grant funding to deliver new properties through the Affordable Homes Programme 2021 to 2026 and the Rough Sleepers and Single Homelessness Programmes, providing much needed affordable accommodation for some of the most vulnerable people in the region.  

Wayne Noteman, Director of Regeneration at Unity Homes and Enterprise

Wayne Noteman, Director of Regeneration at Unity Homes and Enterprise, explained that the partnership arrangements have enabled consortium members to support each other’s development plans by sharing best practice, resources and expertise.

He said: “The vision behind the establishment of the consortium was to create a pathway for smaller providers to utilise their development capacity and increase the supply of affordable housing for the public good. 

“Not all housing associations possess in-house development expertise to build homes.  However, by drawing on the professional support of other members, construction programmes have gained momentum with numerous schemes now on site or at an advanced stage of preparation.

“Alongside new properties, assistance has also been given by Unity to acquire existing properties from the open market for affordable rent and facilitate the transfer of housing stock from other Registered Providers.”

Gudrun Haskins-Carlisle, CEO, Chartford Housing

Gudrun Haskins-Carlisle, CEO of Chartford Housing, said the knowledge transfer between the six housing associations which form UCDC has been “hugely beneficial.”

She continued: “We are a small organisation which manages more than 600 properties across West Yorkshire.

“Through our involvement as a founder member of the consortium, Chartford has developed four flats for homeless people and secured capital and revenue funding of over £2 million to deliver a further 22 new properties.  

“The assistance we have received is also supporting our efforts to identify and acquire suitable properties on the open market to add to our existing stock.”

Lee Bloomfield, CEO, Manningham Housing Association

Manningham Housing Association, which manages more than 1,400 homes for over 6,000 residents in Bradford and Keighley, has joined UCDC more recently.

Its CEO, Lee Bloomfield, said: “We were seeking to reboot our development plans and the support from UCDC and Wayne has been vital in progressing these.  

“The result has been the stock transfer of 18 houses and the acquisition of a further 14 properties through Home England’s Purchase and Repair programme.

“On top of these achievements, we have concluded a deal to purchase 20 new homes and remain in negotiations to secure a further 30 properties.”  

Inspirational Carolina is a Housing Hero

A Manningham Housing Association (MHA) employee who paved the way for the Bradford-based organisation to become the first housing association in the world to achieve the global Standard for Diversity and Inclusion for HR Management has been named Inspirational Colleague of the Year at the Housing Heroes Awards 2024.

Carolina Padovezi de Oliveira, who joined MHA as Administrative Assistant to the Executive Team in 2019 before rising to her current role as Corporate Project Manager, triumphed over nine other finalists to collect the trophy at a ceremony in Manchester.

The national awards - organised by Inside Housing magazine as part of Housing 2024, Europe’s leading housing festival - celebrate “the leaders, innovators and changemakers across the housing sector.” 

In their final adjudication, the Housing Heroes judges wrote: “Carolina has demonstrated a great ability to blend technology, AI and services to deliver improved customer satisfaction at Manningham Housing Association.

“She is also always willing to share her experiences and successes at Manningham with the rest of sector and demonstrates a high level of professional curiosity and continuous learning.

“Very impressive - the true spirit of the housing hero!"

MHA Corporate Project Manager Carolina Padovezi de Oliveira receiving her Inspirational Colleague of the Year trophy at the Housing Heroes Awards 2024 in Manchester

Speaking after receiving her award, Carolina said: "I am incredibly thrilled and humbled to have won the Inspirational Colleague of the Year award at the Housing Heroes Awards 2024.

“Manningham Housing Association has allowed me to thrive and learn, and I am so grateful for this recognition. I wouldn't be able to fly if they had not given me wings.

“This award reflects our team's collective efforts and dedication, and I am proud to represent MHA as we continue to drive positive change and innovation within our community."

Lee Bloomfield, MHA Chief Executive, said: “We are over the moon that Carolina has won this high profile award which she received in the presence of the great and the good in the UK housing sector .

“She is incredibly modest and never acknowledges the huge impact she makes.  Her remarkable efforts on behalf of MHA, our tenants, stakeholders and staff colleagues are always fully focused on delivering positive results for them and never about gaining recognition or praise for herself.

“Her limitless energy and refusal to accept second best inspires her colleagues at every level. 

“She truly is a housing hero and her recognition on the national stage is thoroughly deserved.”

Ulfat Hussain, MHA Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Operations, said: “It is difficult to describe how proud we are of Carolina and how excited we feel about her success. 

“She has instigated and improved processes, procedures and projects which have benefitted MHA and the communities we serve around digital inclusion, making services slicker, more efficient and more convenient for customers.

“Carolina demonstrates a genuine commitment to work and the ethos and values of the organisation, striving for excellence and always volunteering to assist colleagues who may feel overwhelmed or be facing challenges.

“Her commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion is also second to none, as exemplied by her efforts to ensure MHA is at the forefront of National Inclusion Week each year.

“We could not be more happy for her.”    

Affordable homes scheme underscores association’s strong commitment to Keighley

The chief executive of Manningham Housing Association (MHA) has spoken of his pride after the organisation handed over the keys to new tenants of 11 properties which make up the first phase of a new development of 20 affordable homes in Keighley.

The remaining nine properties are nearing completion and will be occupied later this year.

The £4.3 million scheme at Odette’s Point, Shann Lane - comprising 14 three-bed and six four-bed detached and semi-detached houses for social rent - has been delivered in partnership with Avant Homes with support from Homes England and Bradford Council.

Speaking after a site visit, Lee Bloomfield explained that the new homes had been tailored to meet the needs of MHA’s diverse breadth of tenants, with a special emphasis on South Asian families.

He said: “There is a particular requirement for larger family properties in Keighley and Bradford, which many housing associations are unable to address.

“Rising to this challenge is central to our ongoing development plans, together with an absolute commitment to sustainability through environmentally friendly design which reduces our carbon footprint.

“A number of the new properties benefit from integral solar panels, highlighting our environmental responsibility and foresight to create homes that are adaptable to future needs.”

MHA chief executive Lee Bloomfield (centre left) and regeneration manager Tracie Naylor (centre right) join colleagues on a visit to the association’s new affordable housing development at Odette’s Point, Shann Lane in Keighley

Mr Bloomfield stressed that the development also underscores MHA’s deep resolve to support local communities in Keighley.

He said: “MHA currently owns and manages 223 homes in the area.  The new scheme is in an established local community with a robust identity and reliable communal services, ensuring a high quality of life for its residents.

“The proximity to our existing housing stock and the high demand for housing in the area contribute to the long-term viability of the project for current and future generations.

“We are proud of what we are doing in Keighley and look forward to providing many more high-quality affordable homes in the town and surrounding areas in the years to come.”    

Mr Bloomfield was joined on the site visit by MHA board members and staff, including the association’s regeneration manager, Tracie Naylor.

She said: “We are dedicated to ensuring that every individual and family we serve feels valued and supported. 

“These new properties represent another major step forward in achieving that goal.

“The development not only expands our housing stock but reaffirms our dedication to being the landlord of choice, providing secure and comfortable homes for local communities at an affordable cost.”

Fun on the run in support of Guiseley School pitch appeal

Guiseley School Parent Teacher Association is hosting a run in the school playing fields on Saturday 6 July to kickstart its campaign to raise funds for the installation of a 3G sports pitch.

There will be an 5k elite race starting at 10am and a more relaxed option for recreational runners.

Participants and spectators will also be able to enjoy live music from the Bellatones, purchase a range of refreshments and try their luck at the tombola.  

Although the event is free to join, a suggested donation of £5 is encouraged with all proceeds going towards the 3G pitch.

We have received planning permission and are seeking funding from the Football Foundation. The remaining funding will come from Guiseley School, Guiseley Juniors and Guiseley School PTA.

Andrew Thomson, Chair of Guiseley Parent Teacher Association, said: “We are really excited about the run which is open to people of all ages and abilities.

“The entertainment will continue until 1.30pm so runners, friends, family and anyone else is welcome to stay around and enjoy the fun - hopefully in the summer sun.

“We are also seeking additional prizes for the tombola which can be dropped off at the school reception.

“It is a terrific opportunity for the local community to come together in support of a first- class cause.”

Paul Clayton, Guiseley School Headteacher, said: “Delivering a 3G for the school and wider community has been a long-term goal for the school and is now within touching distance.

“We will need to raise an additional £25,000 to ensure the school funding element and the support of the Parent Teacher Association is invaluable in enabling us to reach the target.

“I am confident we will have a huge turnout for the fun run and a memorable day.”     

You can register to take part in the Guiseley School Run or make a donation to the fundraising effort by logging on to events.guiseleyschool.org.uk/FunRun

Volunteers are also being invited to assist with the event and can get involved by emailing pta@guiseleyschool.org.uk. 

Flash Kitchen Roll hits the shelves as market leaders join forces

The Flash family has gained an exciting new member with the launch of Flash Kitchen Roll.

Manufactured and marketed by Lancashire-based Accrol Papers Ltd under licence from Procter & Gamble, the three-ply roll is available in two sizes – handy sheets for quicker jobs and XL sheets for bigger jobs.

Both products come embossed with the Flash name and famous lightning bolt logo.

Made from 100% FSC sources, Flash Kitchen Roll is thicker than established brands for greater strength and absorbency at a fiercely competitive price.

Founded in 1993 and employing more than 400 people at sites in Blackburn, Flint, Leicester and Leyland, Accrol supplies toilet tissues, kitchen rolls, facial tissues and wet wipes to many of the UK’s leading retailers.  

Flash Kitchen Roll is the first brand licence the company has brought to market.

Flash Kitchen Roll, manufactured and marketed by Lancashire-based Accrol Papers Ltd, is now available in stores around the country

Graham Cox, Chief Operating Officer of Accrol, said: “We are thrilled to be working with Procter & Gamble to launch Flash Kitchen Roll for UK consumers.

“The Flash brand has been the leader in its field since 1958 and we have developed a product worthy of the name.

“Using FSC sourced material, as is standard at Accrol, Flash Kitchen Roll is engineered to deliver superior absorbency and strength to help consumers achieve an impeccable hygienic clean with minimal effort.” 

Ashley Taylor, Sales and Marketing Director of Accrol, said: “This collaboration with Procter & Gamble represents a major step towards realising our ambitious licensing plans.

“Flash Kitchen Roll is now available in selected stores and, given the iconic status of the Flash brand, will be instantly recognisable to shoppers as it is rolled out across the country in the months ahead.

“We are incredibly proud of what has been accomplished.”   

Joint call for urgent regulation of human embryo research

Clear rules governing human embryo research must be established to enable regulators, researchers and funders to assess whether stem cell-generated models should be considered as human embryos, two leading experts from The University of Manchester have argued.

In a joint article published online by Policy@Manchester, Dr Jonathan Lewis and Professor Søren Holm explain that studies with “human embryo models” have the potential to improve understanding of some hereditary diseases, early miscarriages and IVF outcomes.

But they warn: “In most countries, including the UK, human embryo models are not formally defined in legislation, and are therefore not captured by regulations governing in vitro embryo research.  While creating opportunities to explore aspects of embryo development that would generally be impermissible were real human embryos to be used, this regulatory climate has also attracted concern from stakeholders involved in human embryo model research.”

Credit: Istock/Koto_Feja 

The authors reference the HYBRIDA project - a three-year initiative funded by the European Commission - which revealed that researchers were concerned about whether certain types of human embryo model research would be deemed to be creating human embryos and thereby excluded from EU funding programmes, as well as potentially running counter to local laws and guidelines.

However, Lewis and Holm stress that defining the human embryo for the purposes of human embryo model research “is no easy task.”

They continue: “There is a lack of consensus regarding what a human embryo is in terms of its defining properties and determining conditions.  An alternative approach involves focusing on the typical functional capabilities of a human embryo (e.g. the capacity to form a human being). This would entail testing a human embryo model to see whether it possessed the relevant functional capabilities. The problem is that such tests would undoubtedly be held to be unethical because they would require implantation in a uterus.”

The academics believe that “a regulatory definition of a human embryo” is therefore required.   They write: “This would not only ensure that sufficiently advanced human embryo models are, from a legal point of view, treated comparably to IVF embryos, cloned embryos, and other human embryos intended for research, but it would also allow researchers to develop and study human embryo models with a greater level of certainty as to what legislators and funders require of those models.”

As a result, and as outlined in their final report for the HYBRIDA project, Lewis and Holm advocate two new measures.

“Firstly, individual countries and the EU Commission should develop a regulatory definition of a human embryo to provide certainty to researchers concerning whether their models are captured by legislation or guidelines for embryo research,” they argue.  “This presents an excellent opportunity for the UK to be a global forerunner in developing such a regulatory definition for the purposes of human embryo model research and enshrining it in relevant legislation.”

And second, “the UK and the EU must develop agreed standard clauses for collaborative agreements, to ensure that a commitment not to generate human embryos is recognised as valid in all countries participating in the collaboration.”

The authors conclude: “Failing to respond urgently to these calls for regulatory reform could not only lead to potential legal challenges to the research being undertaken by those currently developing increasingly advanced and complex human embryo models, but also severely impede cross-border collaboration on which human embryo model research and its claimed downstream healthcare advances rely.”

‘Regulation of human embryo models is urgent’ by Dr Jonathan Lewis and Professor Søren Holm is available to read on the Policy@Manchester website.  

Unity brings success as Northern Housing Awards Team of the Year

Unity Homes and Enterprise has achieved a remarkable feat in winning the Team of the Year prize at the Northern Housing Awards 2024.

The BME housing association’s Employment Services and Enterprise team triumphed over eight other shortlisted finalists from across the north of England to scoop the highly coveted accolade at a ceremony in Manchester.  

Founded in 1987, Unity manages over 1,386 affordable properties for tenants from all communities and ethnic backgrounds in Leeds and Kirklees.

Working alongside housing officers, the Employment Services and Enterprise team helps people in hard-to-reach communities to access jobs and training.  They also assist those already in work to boost their career prospects by gaining new skills including how to set up and run their own business.

In the last financial year, the team helped 198 people to find jobs, 256 people to improve their skills and employability through training and 15 people to enter voluntary work. 

The team also operates three enterprise centres including Leeds Media Centre which recently underwent a £1.8 million upgrade in partnership with Leeds City Council and the European Regional Development Fund.  

Collectively the centres provide 142 affordable units for more than 80 diverse businesses employing over 900 people. 

Receiving the Northern Housing Team of the Year Award 2024 from Steve Gayter (centre), Executive Director from Novus who sponsored the category, are (from left to right) Sue Pennock, Kelly Jennings, Lorraine Charlton, Sean Kelly and Cedric Boston   

Cedric Boston, Unity Homes and Enterprise Chief Executive, said: “I am incredibly proud of the team’s achievement which is thoroughly merited.

“Being shortlisted for this prestigious award was a great success in itself. 

“To win it in the face of such stiff competition from housing associations many times bigger than ourselves is outstanding.

“I want to congratulate every member of the small but immensely talented team who work hard every single day to change people’s lives for the better.   

“They are a credit to themselves and to Unity.”  

Adrian Green, Unity Enterprise Manager, said: “It has been a rollercoaster year with the redevelopment of Leeds Media Centre including a brand new hi-tech business hub.

“That has placed us in a perfect position to devise a series of exciting enterprise focused initiatives with a number already being rolled out.

“Winning Team of the Year at the Northern Housing Awards is the best possible catalyst towards future success.” 

Parliamentarians and industry experts attend University of Manchester resilience report discussion in Westminster

The House of Lords was the venue for a special reception for MPs, peers, academics and senior industry representatives to discuss a collection of articles drawing on research from The University of Manchester which examine ways to strengthen national resilience.  

From left to right: Dr Eduardo Martinez-Cesena, Professor Paul Jarman, Dr Robin Preece, Lord Howell of Guildford, Dr Alan Whitehead MP, Professor Mike Bromley and Dr Wendy Thompson at the On Resilience reception in the House of Lords  

The gathering was addressed by Dr Alan Whitehead MP, Shadow Minister for Climate Change and Net Zero, and Lord Howell of Guildford, the former Secretary of State for Energy, who wrote the foreword for the 40-page report titled On Resilience.   

Guests also heard from four University of Manchester experts – Dr Robin Preece, Professor Maria Sharmina, Dr Wendy Thompson and Professor Mike Bromley – who contributed to the Policy@Manchester publication.    

Paul Jarman, Professor of Electrical Power Equipment and Networks at The University of Manchester, said: “The UK is not alone in its vulnerability to global events and reliance on international partners for essential resources, particularly energy.  However, there are policy options with the potential to significantly lessen this exposure.

“On Resilience explores how the tide can be turned through solutions that strengthen our national resilience.

“The diverse range of research-based articles in the report encompass topics critical to meeting this challenge. 

“These include the pressing need for domestic low-carbon renewable energy sources, how AI can mitigate risks to food production, measures to tackle water shortages, the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance, resilience in the national grid, and the task of meeting our critical mineral requirements.

“It was incredibly useful to exchange views and ideas with Parliamentarians, industry experts and fellow academics on how best to deliver robust policies in these areas.”    

Dr Wendy Thompson from The University of Manchester (second left) addressing the On Resilience roundtable meeting in the House of Lords

Lord Howell said: “To guide the British nation through the complex and challenging pathway of the energy transition we need realism, honesty about the true costs, resilience of both policy and implementation and above all public understanding and consent. 

“The University of Manchester is making a clear and very worthwhile contribution in all these respects, and it is a privilege to be associated with their excellent work.”

On Resilience is available to read on the Policy@Manchester website.  

New business hub offers hope and inspiration for next generation of Leeds entrepreneurs

VIP guests including the city’s Lord Mayor joined project partners and community members at Leeds Media Centre in Chapeltown to celebrate the opening of its new hi-tech business hub.   

Guests and project partners including the Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Al Garthwaite (centre left), celebrate the opening of the Leeds Media Centre business hub

The building underwent a £1.8 million redevelopment last year to create extra business space and boost opportunities for aspiring local entrepreneurs.

The scheme was delivered by Unity Enterprise – a not-for-profit subsidiary of BME housing association Unity Homes and Enterprise – in partnership with Leeds City Council and the European Regional Development Fund.

Leeds City Council, which owns the building, also provided £80,000 from the Innovation@Leeds capital fund to equip the new business hub with furniture, video conferencing facilities and computer hardware.

Unity Enterprise Chair Sharon Jandu OBE addressing guests and project partners at the opening of the Leeds Media Centre business hub

Speaking at a special ceremony to mark the completion of the hub kit-out, Unity Enterprise Chair Sharon Jandu OBE paid warm tribute to Unity Homes and Enterprise Chief Executive Cedric Boston, Unity Enterprise Manager Adrian Green and Leeds City Council Head of Business Support Phil Cole and their teams for successfully completing the building refurbishment and business hub. 

She said: “This is a real celebration because it has taken a lot of hard work to get here. 

“These projects are instrumental for our community.  

“To have an enterprise hub at the heart of the community with high level people bringing in their resources and social capital will provide a huge lift.”

The Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Al Garthwaite, unveiled a wall plaque as a permanent reminder of the hub opening. 

Unity Homes and Enterprise Chief Executive Cedric Boston makes a presentation to the Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Al Garthwaite, at the opening of the Leeds Media Centre business hub

She said: “There is something about the structure of this building.  It encourages entrepreneurialism, it encourages success, it encourages looking upwards and feeling hope.

“A new generation of entrepreneurs will really do well here.  It is fantastic.

“It will do wonders, not just for the local community, but for others as well. 

“On behalf of the city of Leeds, I really welcome from the bottom of my heart initiatives like this.  They make so much difference to so many people.”

The gathering was also treated to a short address from Hanif Malik OBE, Director of the Parklane Foundation.

He told guests: “People living in inner-city localities should not have second class facilities.

“Being originally from Chapeltown, it is brilliant to see the quality of this building.  It is only through having this class of facilities that we can inspire the next generation. 

Hanif Malik OBE, Director of the Parklane Foundation, addressing guests and project partners at the opening of the Leeds Media Centre business hub

“When I visit centres like this, it is always important to get past the actual bricks and mortar. Yes, the façade looks brilliant and when you walk in it is brilliant, but centres do something more than give you access to what I would say are international class facilities. 

“What they do is inspire hope and enhance aspiration.  The most important thing we can give, particularly to our younger generation, is hope.

“Through having something as brilliant as this, if we can inspire that hope, if we can provide that inspiration and, most importantly, we can retain that rich cultural heritage then I think that it itself will be a fantastic achievement.

“Congratulations to everyone who has been involved in this development.

“I wish it all the best.  May it inspire the next generation of business and social entrepreneurs.” 

Leeds business hub set for take off with week-long celebration of enterprise

Leeds Media Centre (LMC) in Chapeltown will host a series of enterprise themed events next week to celebrate the opening of its new hi-tech business hub.

The packed schedule kicks off at noon on Monday (13 May) with the launch of Steps to Business, a start-up training programme for aspiring entrepreneurs aged 16-25 in need of a helping hand.  The scheme will provide participants with direct access to investors and business advisers as well as state of the art learning facilities and a podcast booth.

The new business hub at Leeds Media Centre

Wednesday is Enterprise Takeover Day, an informal event offering a one-stop shop for all business support needs from industry experts across West Yorkshire.  Delivered by AD:VENTURE, attendees will also have the opportunity to network with fellow entrepreneurs over lunch and take part in half-hour workshops on topics critical for business success including marketing on a budget and boosting your online presence.

The week will climax on Friday with the business hub’s official opening ceremony in the presence of the Lord Mayor of Leeds.

Leeds Media Centre - one of three business centres operated by Unity Enterprise, the not for profit subsidiary company of BME housing association Unity Homes and Enterprise - recently underwent a £1.8 million refurbishment in partnership with Leeds City Council and the European Regional Development Fund.

Leeds City Council, which owns the building, also provided £80,000 from the Innovation@Leeds capital fund to equip the new business hub with furniture, video conferencing facilities and computer hardware.

Adrian Green, Unity Enterprise Manager, said: “We are excited to be hosting such an impressive line-up of activities over the course of five days, each with entrepreneurship at its heart.

“Steps to Business will use non-conventional training methods to help those taking part realise their dreams.  The launch event on Monday is free to attend and we are expecting lots of foot fall from noon until 4pm when it concludes.

“We are also hugely grateful to AD:VENTURE for organising the Enterprise Day on Wednesday which, again, is free entry for all.”    

Phil Cole, AD:VENTURE Programme Director, said: “Alongside colleagues from AD:VENTURE and Unity Enterprise, business support experts and providers available for a chat on Enterprise Day will include Start Up West Yorkshire, West Yorkshire Combined Authority, People Plus, Digital Enterprise, the Business Enterprise Fund, Trust Leeds, The Prince’s Trust and the Yorkshire Asian Business Association.

Leeds Media Centre in Chapeltown

“The gathering presents a gilt-edged opportunity for local people in business or wishing to start up to be informed about all available business support options.  There will also be the chance to meet other entrepreneurs and gain new contacts.” 

“It promises to be a memorable day with the potential to change lives.”   

Cedric Boston, Unity Homes and Enterprise Chief Executive, said: “Leeds Media Centre is already a hive of entrepreneurial activity.  The new business hub will enable it to play an even greater role in empowering local people to succeed in business.

“Creating and improving life chances is at the heart of everything we do.  Starting and growing a sustainable business can be the key that unlocks doors to social and economic progression in vibrant neighbourhoods.

“As a BME housing association with our roots firmly in the local communities we serve, we know that the entrepreneurial talent is out there.  We will continue to do everything we can to find and nurture it.”      

Frmation on Steps to Business is available from Cris on Tel: 07737 604 542 or email: unityps@unityha.co.uk

Tickets for the Enterprise Day, which begins at 9.30am with registration and refreshments, are available free of charge on Eventbrite.

Unity Employment Services team shortlisted for Housing Heroes Award

A small team dedicated to supporting housing association tenants and their surrounding communities in Leeds and Kirklees to enter employment and training has been shortlisted for a high-profile national award.

Established in 2011, Unity Employment Services (UES) is a pivotal part of BME housing association Unity Homes and Enterprise.

Their mission is to support unemployed people to find jobs, set up a business, become self-employed, access training and education opportunities or work as a community volunteer Team of the Year in the Housing Heroes Awards 2024..

Their achievements in the last financial year have led to them being shortlisted for Team of the Year in the Housing Heroes Awards 2024.

Over that period, UES helped 198 people to find jobs, 256 people to improve their skills and employability through training and 15 people to enter voluntary work.  Of these, 137 were classified as facing secondary or tertiary barriers to career progression. 

 Kelly (left), Ben and Lorraine from Unity Employment Services who have been shortlisted Team of the Year in the Housing Heroes Awards 2024

Wayne Noteman, Unity Homes and Enterprise Regeneration Director, said: “Being shortlisted for a Housing Heroes Award is a remarkable achievement but absolutely deserved.

“Using a Social Value calculator with an annual investment of circa £60,000, the team generated £2,812,785 of value in the last financial year and approximately £17.4 million since UES was created.   This represents phenomenally good value for money in comparison with others, including most if not all housing associations many times our size. 

“The team’s achievements are even more impressive given the small geographical area in which they operate relative to larger associations.  

“I am delighted that their incredible efforts have caught the attention of the judges.”    

Cedric Boston, Unity Homes and Enterprise Chief Executive, said: “The team has particular expertise in helping people overcome often difficult barriers to become job and training ready. This includes providing one-to-one mentoring to build self-confidence, resilience and motivation.  

“They are also wonderfully effective at collaborating with partners including Job Centre Plus, Citizens Advice and Learning Partnerships to deliver regular training sessions in numerous areas including ESOL, digital inclusion, job clubs and employability.

“They have had outstanding success in transforming life chances for so many individuals and families.  We are immensely proud of them.”

The Housing Heroes Awards ceremony will be held in Manchester on Monday 24 June.

Relentless dedication earns Housing Hero status for Carolina

Carolina Padovezi de Oliveira, Corporate Project Manager at Manningham Housing Association (MHA) in Bradford, has been shortlisted in the Inspirational Colleague of the Year category for the Housing Heroes Awards 2024.

Organised by Inside Housing magazine, the awards celebrate “the leaders, innovators and changemakers across the housing sector.”  

Carolina Padovezi de Oliveira, MHA Corporate Project Manager, who has been shortlisted for the Housing Heroes Awards 2024

Originally from Brazil, Carolina joined MHA as an Administrative Assistant to the Executive team and was promoted to Corporate Project Manager within four years.

Her current role is unique in the organisation and covers all aspects of its work including recruitment, training, IT and communications.

Carolina has placed MHA at the forefront of digital innovation and become a national speaker on the subject, specialising in AI.  

She also leads on equality, diversity and inclusion with her work paving the way for MHA to become the first housing association in the world to achieve the global Standard for Diversity and Inclusion in HR Management.

Lee Bloomfield, MHA Chief Executive, said: “Carolina’s achievement in being shortlisted for this prestigious national award provides the wider MHA family with the opportunity to celebrate her contribution and showcase her achievements to an audience far beyond our locality, whilst inspiring others to follow her selfless approach to success. 

“She is incredibly modest and never acknowledges the enormous impact she makes. 

“Her dynamic work on behalf of the organisation, our tenants, stakeholders and fellow staff members is always fully focused on delivering positive results for them and never about gaining recognition or praise for herself.

“We wish her every success at the awards ceremony.”  

Ulfat Hussain, MHA Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Operations, said: “Carolina exemplifies the true spirit of a Housing Hero.

“Through her visionary leadership, our small housing association has made remarkable progress in implementing AI and digitisation, revolutionising our tenant services and operational efficiency.

“Carolina's relentless dedication and pioneering efforts have shattered barriers, breaking down resistance and fostering a culture of embracing technological innovation.

“Her unwavering commitment to everything she does has elevated our organisation, empowering us to deliver excellent services and create lasting impact in our community.”

Housing Heroes Awards nominee Carolina Padovezi de Oliveira (centre) with staff colleagues at Maningham Housing Association head office in Bradford

Carolina Padovezi de Oliveira said: “I am deeply honoured to be nominated as an Inspirational Colleague of the Year for the Housing Heroes Awards 2024.

“This nomination by Manningham Housing Association is not only a personal accolade but a testament to our collective efforts to drive positive change within the community.

“I share this recognition with my exceptional team, as it mirrors our shared commitment to excellence in service and innovation.

“Together, we are dedicated to fostering an environment where inspiration and collaboration lead the way."

The winners of the Housing Heroes Awards will be announced at a ceremony in Manchester on Monday 24 June.

Learning the lessons of mpox to prepare for future pandemics

Targeted support for marginalised communities, strong public messaging and a properly coordinated Government approach led by Ministers are amongst the recommendations contained in a new evidence-based article examining how the UK should respond to future pandemics.

A new article published by Policy@Manchester examines how the UK can learn the lessons of mpox to respond to future pandemics (Credit: iStock.com/whitemay)

Published by The University of Manchester’s policy engagement unit, Policy@Manchester, Dr Maurice Nagington, Dr Jeremy Williams and Dr Jaime Garcia-Iglesias set out key findings from their research on how the country tackled the 2022 outbreak of mpox, formerly known as monkeypox.

Their conclusions were informed by interviews and focus groups with stakeholders including affected communities and healthcare workers.     

The academics found “shortcomings in national leadership, stark local and regional inequalities in relation to vaccine access, and inadequate communication infrastructures.”

They offer advice to policymakers and public health officials in four key areas for addressing future infectious disease outbreaks, beginning with reflections on how mpox disproportionately affected marginalised communities.

“People from BAME backgrounds appeared to have lower levels of accessing the vaccine, while those from lower-income populations faced additional barriers to engaging with health and care services,” they observe.  “Some individuals also faced challenges in self-isolation such as financial or emotional difficulties.”

They advise: “Public health teams need to be empowered to give additional support (such as financial) where necessary so people can self-isolate.”

The team argue that the needs of marginalised individuals merit equally important consideration when developing effective communications strategies, a second area examined in their article.

“We note social media emerged as a powerful tool in the response to the mpox outbreak, facilitating rapid dissemination of information, promoting awareness, and helping collaboration of a wide range of actors involved in the mpox response,” Nagington, Williams and Garcia-Iglesias write.  “The reliance on social media also poses challenges, particularly in terms of equitable access to information.”

In their view, “additional forms of communication that can reach individuals who are marginalised should also be simultaneously developed during outbreaks.” They add: “Community organisations play an important role in developing and distributing information that is suitable and impactful.”

Addressing a third area where they believe action is needed, the academics call for Government agencies - primarily the Department for Health and Social Care – to produce guidance for local public health teams to follow, backed by additional financial support. 

They recommend: “Governments should provide Ministerial level co-ordination to ensure all relevant professionals, policymakers and community representatives work together to proactively address any emerging inequalities in the immediate outbreak and plan for future outbreaks.”

And, with knowledge gained from their research of the “pivotal role” played by sexual health services during the mpox outbreak, Nagington, Williams and Garcia-Iglesias call for policymakers and legislators to “secure adequate funding and support for sexual health services to enhance their capacity to address the demands of outbreaks.”

‘Did the UK fail in its management of mpox? Lessons for future pandemics’ by Dr Maurice Nagington, Dr Jeremy Williams and Dr Jaime Garcia-Iglesias can be read free of charge on the Policy@Manchester website.

Award recognition for ‘magnificent team’ which brings Unity to local communities in Leeds

Leeds-based housing association Unity Homes and Enterprise has been shortlisted in the Team of the Year category for the 2024 Northern Housing Awards.

The accolade recognises housing teams which are “truly making a difference to the lives of residents and the communities” where they operate.

Unity Business Centre in Chapeltown, Leeds

Working alongside housing officers, Unity’s Employment Services and Enterprise team supports people in marginalised communities in Leeds to access employment and training or become volunteers. 

They also help those in work - particularly female entrepreneurs - enhance their career prospects, boosting economic wellbeing and regenerating neighbourhoods.

In the last financial year, the team helped 198 people to find jobs, 256 people to improve their skills and employability through training and 15 people to enter voluntary work. 

Since being established in 2011, they have supported a total of 3,131 people into employment and training.

The team also operates three business centres providing 142 affordable units for more than 80 diverse businesses which collectively employ over 900 people. 

The number of business units increased from 130 following the recent completion of a £1.8 million Leeds Media Centre redevelopment scheme - in partnership with Leeds City Council and the European Regional Development Fund - which created 12 new units and a hi-tech business hub. 

Cedric Boston, Unity Homes and Enterprise Chief Executive, said: “I am thrilled that our small but magnificent team has received this well-deserved recognition.

Cedric Boston, Unity Homes and Enterprise Chief Executive

“They are focused on addressing inequalities and changing lives by providing a hand-up to personal development and a path to economic opportunity. 

“They also deliver pathways to business support by establishing trust-based relationships with black and minority ethnic communities in Leeds – fostering local networks through partnerships. 

“The team do not remain behind desks waiting for people to come to them.  Instead, they are pro-active on the ground and are constantly finding new ways to engage.”  

Adrian Green, Unity Enterprise Manager, said: “The newly refurbished Leeds Media Centre has been a gamechanger for us, especially as a catalyst for the team’s efforts to help local women and girls establish and grow their own sustainable business.

“It was recently the venue for the inaugural meeting of West Yorkshire Ethnic Minority Women in Tech, and it hosted the launch of Breaking Barriers, an innovative series of workshops for female entrepreneurs from black and minority ethnic communities.

“We are currently finalising preparations for a series of events themed on entrepreneurship to celebrate the completion of the centre’s new business hub.  

“Being shortlisted for this prestigious award has provided a welcome and timely boost to these endeavours.”

The winners of the 2024 Northern Housing Awards will be announced at ceremony in Manchester on Thursday 23 May.

Manningham Housing Association shuts down X account

Manningham Housing Association (MHA) has closed its account on X, formerly known as Twitter.

In a statement, a spokesperson for MHA – which manages more than 1,400 homes for over 6,000 residents in Bradford and Keighley – said: “Following a review of our internal and external communications strategy, we have decided to withdraw from X.

“We provide a myriad of ways for our customers to contact us across a range of digital platforms.

The head office of Manningham Housing Association in Bradford

“Our online offer has recently been extended following the launch of an exciting new website including a chatbot facility.  

“Interactions with our customer base on X were minimal. 

“It also cannot be ignored that the general content on the platform is often prejudicial, racist and deeply unpleasant.

“This does not fit with the values of MHA, which made the decision to close our account the logical and responsible conclusion.

“No further comment on this matter will be made.”            

Guiseley School PTA to host fundraising pub quiz

Guiseley School Parent Teacher Association is holding a pub quiz next Friday (19 April) at Green Lane Cricket Club, Nunroyd Park to raise funds to support the development of the school’s 3G sports facility.

Tickets costing just £5 are available for the event with doors opening at 7pm and the quiz beginning at 7.30pm.

Several local organisations have donated raffle prizes including vouchers, a chocolate and wine hamper, and tickets to a Guiseley AFC football match of the winner’s choice.

Guiseley School in Leeds

Andrew Thomson, Chair of Guiseley Parent Teacher Association, said: “We have had a really positive response so far from parents, teachers and friends of the school. Tickets are available to buy for parents via ParentPay and we are aiming to be fully booked.

“The event provides a wonderful opportunity for the school community to come together for a few hours of fun in aid of a great cause.

“It marks the launch of an exciting campaign to boost the funds available to deliver the long awaited 3G pitch and help us to enhance other facilities available to our students.

“We are grateful for the generosity of local businesses who have provided some brilliant raffle prizes.  Additional contributions to the raffle would be greatly appreciated.  These can be dropped off at school reception or brought along on the night.”

The quiz is open to over 18s with a maximum of six people in each team.

Parliamentarians respond positively to challenging School Matters report

A new collection of articles from University of Manchester academics dissecting the ever-growing education challenges facing pupils, teachers and policymakers in England has been warmly welcomed by members of both Houses of Parliament.

The front page of School Matters by Policy@Manchester (credit: Istock/Wirestock) 

School Matters, published online by Policy@Manchester examines five policy areas where the eight authors believe attention is required.

These include childhood literacy, maths to 18, the role of area-based partnerships, primary-secondary school transitions, and the impact of young people’s everyday lives on learning.

Each individual article also advances evidence-based recommendations for improvement.

The document begins with a foreword by Paul O’Neill, Deputy CEO of Right to Succeed which supports communities in areas of high deprivation to give children the best start in life.

“The vital contribution from academics at The University of Manchester in this Policy@Manchester report provides further thought-provoking insight and evidence around both the key areas of focus and the collective, contextual, community-centred approach required to implement any future policies or programmes effectively,” he writes.  “Ultimately, if we can uplift our most vulnerable children, young people, and communities, we uplift society as a whole.”

Robin Walker MP, Chair of the House of Commons Education Select Committee, responded positively to the School Matters report. “School undoubtedly matters and attendance is vitally important,” he said. “After all the disruption of the pandemic, the Education Select Committee has been at the forefront of debate and discussion on how we support attendance and tackle persistent absence.

“The new research from the University of Manchester is a welcome contribution to this debate and amongst other things supports our recommendation of an enrichment guarantee from our report into persistent absence and support for disadvantaged pupils.”

Labour MP Catherine McKinnell, the Shadow Minister for Schools, highlighted the attention given in the online document to pupil wellbeing and the enjoyment of school. She said: “With young people experiencing some of the lowest levels of wellbeing in years, it’s so important we ensure school is enjoyable, with a focus on developing interests and passions as well as knowledge and skills.”  

Looking beyond the forthcoming General Election, she added: "We know that persistent absence and mental health go hand in hand with raising school standards and therefore we need to deliver a curriculum which is rich, broad and inclusive. As part of our mission to break down barriers to opportunity, we will launch a curriculum and assessment review in government to look at how we can best achieve this and build up skills that set young people up for life.”

And after reading the report, Lord Knight of Weymouth, a former Minister of State for Schools and current Vice-Chair of the All-Party Parliament Groups both for Education, and School Exclusions and Alternative Provision, called for urgent change in the school system.

“Teachers are leaving, pupil attendance is falling, buildings are crumbling and attainment has stalled,” the Labour peer said. “At its best, England’s school system still fails a third of children, despite the best efforts of teachers. 

“The School Matters report indicates ways forward that are more human, have place-based variation and more real life relevance in the curriculum. Every child and teacher must feel that they belong in school. These changes could be the start.”

School Matters is available to read on the Policy@Manchester website.

Nurses need greater support to embrace the digital revolution

A major upsurge in digital skills training and support for nurses is required if full benefit is to be gained from technological advances in healthcare, two leading academics have argued.

In an article based on their own research, Professor Dawn Dowding and Dr Sarah Skyrme from The University of Manchester highlight the role technological innovation – particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI) – is expected to play in addressing challenges in the NHS such as the recruitment and retention of nursing staff.

But they add: “Moving to a digital environment with care provided remotely and contact via digital technologies rather than face to face, provides both challenges and opportunities for the existing nursing workforce.”

Consequently, Dowding and Skyrme believe that nurses must be adept at using digital tools.

Professor Dawn Dowding

“Digital technologies have the potential to free up nursing time; one potential outcome of the generation of AI-based tools is that they will take on routine tasks and administrative duties,” they write.  “This could lead to a shift in the approach to staffing services that may encourage some nurses to stay in practice longer, as well as providing opportunities for delivering care in individualised, remote ways.”

But for any digital solution to work effectively, the authors believe there is a need for good infrastructure, including Wi-Fi and access to the appropriate hardware and software.

“There is a lack of equality in availability of internet access among the general population, with individuals on the lowest incomes (and often the highest healthcare needs) more likely to be without internet access or devices to connect to Wi-Fi,” they write.  “Our study highlights how this inequality in access extends to nurses.”

In the article, published by Policy@Manchester, Dowding and Skyrme stress the need for nurses to be properly trained in the use of digital technology.

“Resources to enable nurses to develop digital skills are required,” they explain.  “Many organisations offer their own training, and NHS England has produced a number of digital capability frameworks, though currently not one specifically focused on the nursing workforce. In addition, we need to ensure that nurses graduating from education programmes have the skills to perform in a digitally enabled NHS.”

Dr Sarah Skyrme

They continue: “It is often assumed individuals who have ‘grown up’ with digital technologies and use them daily will automatically have the required skills. However, it is clear from our research that this is not the case, and teaching students to use the types of tools currently used in the NHS and care sector requires a well-targeted approach.”

Concluding, the University of Manchester academics urge government and NHS policymakers to focus investment on enhancing the digital skills of the nursing workforce. 

“This must involve ongoing training and support for the future, to enable skills development for innovations that are currently hard to predict,” they argue. “Recognition that nurses are essential to the effective and efficient delivery of care services should be included in planning to redesign services, and in the procurement of technologies to support their changing role.”

‘Implications of the digital revolution for the nursing workforce’ by Professor Dawn Dowding and Dr Sarah Skyrme can be accessed free of charge on the Policy@Manchester website.