In less than a month, Awaab’s Law comes into force. For social housing providers across the UK, this marks the start of a new legal duty to act…
The Clock is Ticking: Meeting Awaab’s Law Compliance in Time
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Strengthening Our Sales Team with the Appointment of Carl Knowles
Vericon Systems, a leader in smart technology solutions, announces the appointment of Carl Knowles as their new Business Development Manager. Knowles joins the company from Salamander Pumps, bringing over 15 years of sales expertise in the technology and manufacturing sectors.
With a proven track record of developing strong client relationships across multiple sectors, Knowles has extensive experience working with merchants, contractors, social housing providers, and end users. His appointment reinforces Vericon Systems’ commitment to expanding their market presence and enhancing customer relationships.
“One of the first things I noticed when meeting everyone at Vericon Systems is the passion each individual has,” says Knowles. “This is key for any business, and I am excited to join the team. My vision is to work closely with everyone and bring what is a fantastic portfolio of products to a market that it will truly benefit.”
Knowles began his sales career while traveling abroad 15 years ago, discovering an immediate affinity for relationship building and collaborative goal achievement. His approach aligns perfectly with Vericon Systems’ customer-centric philosophy and growth strategy.
“Throughout my career, I have gained experience within many different sectors,” Knowles explains. “I really enjoy a challenge and love to gain as much experience as possible from all people I meet.” This adaptable mindset and breadth of experience make him well-suited to drive Vericon Systems’ expansion plans.
The appointment comes at a strategic time for Vericon Systems as the company continues to strengthen its position in the smart technology solutions market. Knowles will play a key role in bringing the company’s innovative product portfolio to new markets and customers.
To discuss partnership opportunities or learn more about Vericon Systems’ solutions, contact Carl Knowles directly:
Email: [email protected]
Mobile: 07947 763238
Would you like to find out more?
For more information about how Vericon can benefit your housing projects call 01242 582 555 or email [email protected]
Together, we can make a significant impact in combating fuel poverty and ensuring a better future for social housing.
The Connected Data Revolution: Transforming Social Housing
Executive Summary
The social housing sector faced unprecedented change in 2024, with new regulatory requirements and operational challenges demanding strategic responses. This piece examines how connected solutions can help housing providers:
- Achieve operational excellence while managing costs
- Meet enhanced regulatory requirements
- Improve resident satisfaction and engagement
- Drive sustainable performance improvements
- Deliver measurable returns on investment
As we begin 2025, the UK social housing sector faces unprecedented change with the introduction of the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023. According to recent analysis, these changes are reshaping how housing providers operate and serve their communities, making connected solutions more crucial than ever.
The Current Social Housing Landscape
The Regulator of Social Housing notes that providers must deliver both more and better social homes against a backdrop of higher borrowing costs and increased regulatory requirements. This challenge makes the adoption of connected solutions not just beneficial, but essential.
Why Connected Solutions Matter for Social Housing Providers
Meeting Regulatory Requirements
From 1 April 2024, social housing regulation has changed significantly. Connected solutions help providers:
- Monitor compliance with new consumer standards
- Generate automated regulatory reporting
- Track building safety requirements
- Maintain digital audit trails
Addressing Core Challenges
Recent research identifies key areas where connected solutions can make a difference:
- Property management
- ESG & sustainability
- Fuel poverty
- Asset management
- Customer service
Improving Operational Efficiency
Housing providers report that digital transformation is driving:
- Better operational efficiency
- Enhanced tenant experiences
- Improved maintenance planning
- More effective resource allocation
Impact on Social Housing Operations
Building Safety and Compliance
Connected solutions support:
- Real-time monitoring of critical systems
- Automated safety checks
- Immediate fault detection
- Compliance documentation
Resident Welfare
Housing associations are discovering that digital solutions help:
- Monitor environmental conditions – MultiDOT
- Detect damp and mould early – Surveyor Cube
- Track heating efficiency – BCM
- Support vulnerable residents – HomeHub
Maintenance and Emergency Repairs
Recent data shows that maintenance and repair costs in the social housing sector increased by 15% from 2023 to 2024. Connected solutions can help address these rising costs through:
- Predictive maintenance scheduling
- Remote monitoring capabilities
- Early fault detection
- Automated pressure management
Research indicates that under-pressure boiler faults are the most common reason for emergency maintenance requests, leading to significant operational costs. Connected solutions help providers:
- Monitor boiler pressure in real-time
- Identify potential issues before they become emergencies
- Reduce unnecessary emergency call-outs
- Schedule preventative maintenance more effectively
Housing providers report that reactive maintenance approaches are increasingly unsustainable, making the shift to connected, preventative solutions essential for:
- Reducing emergency repair costs
- Improving resident satisfaction
- Extending asset lifespans
- Optimising maintenance resources
Cost Management
Recent analysis shows that while operating margins for social housing providers have improved to 19.3% in 2023-24, connected solutions remain crucial for:
- Optimising operational expenditure
- Reducing reactive maintenance costs
- Improving void management efficiency
- Enhancing resource allocation
- Streamlining administrative processes
- Maximising return on investment
- Supporting evidence-based financial planning
The Path Forward
Industry data shows that while only 31% of social housing providers have implemented a digital transformation strategy, over 50% recognise its importance. Key developments include:
Data-Driven Decision Making
-
- Asset performance monitoring
- Predictive maintenance
- Resource optimisation
- Compliance tracking
Resident Engagement
-
- Digital communications platforms
- Service request tracking
- Community engagement tools
- Feedback mechanisms
Environmental Sustainability
-
- Energy usage monitoring
- Carbon footprint reduction
- Smart heating controls
Strategic Value and ROI
Recent analysis reveals that while organisations typically realise 67% of potential financial gains from digital investments, strategic planning can significantly improve returns. Key value drivers include:
Financial Impact
- Reduced operational costs
- Optimised maintenance scheduling
- Improved void turnaround times
- Enhanced rent collection rates
- Better resource utilisation
Operational Benefits
Research shows that connected solutions deliver:
- Streamlined workflow management
- Automated compliance reporting
- Real-time performance monitoring
- Enhanced data-driven decision making
- Improved service delivery metrics
Risk Management
- Proactive maintenance planning
- Enhanced regulatory compliance
- Better safety monitoring
- Improved financial forecasting
- Strengthened governance frameworks
Performance Metrics
Track success through:
- Customer satisfaction scores
- Response time improvements
- Maintenance cost reduction
- Void period duration
- Regulatory compliance rates
- Staff productivity gains
Implementation Strategies
For social housing providers embarking on digital transformation, research indicates that success depends on:
Strategic Investment Planning
-
- Prioritise initiatives based on ROI
- Align with regulatory requirements
- Focus on scalable solutions
- Establish clear governance frameworks
Operational Excellence
-
- Implement data-driven decision making
- Streamline core business processes
- Develop robust risk management
- Enhance resource optimisation
Change Management
-
- Comprehensive training programmes
- Clear communication strategies
- Regular stakeholder engagement
- Cultural transformation support
Performance Monitoring
-
- Define measurable outcomes
- Track regulatory compliance
- Monitor financial metrics
- Assess service delivery KPIs
On a larger scale, data helps social housing organisations make quicker and smarter decisions. It provides valuable insights into communities, highlighting crucial demographic information.
Andy Greenhorn, National Sales Director at Vericon Systems
Conclusion
As the sector faces increasing pressures, from funding constraints to regulatory requirements, connected solutions offer a path forward. They enable social housing providers to meet their obligations more efficiently while improving services for residents.
The future of UK social housing lies in connected, data-driven operations that support both regulatory compliance and resident welfare. For providers yet to embrace digital transformation, the time to act is now – not just to meet current challenges, but to build a foundation for future success in social housing delivery.
Would you like to find out more?
For more information about how Vericon can benefit your housing projects call 01242 582 555 or email [email protected]
Together, we can make a significant impact in combating fuel poverty and ensuring a better future for social housing.
Real-Time Data: The Backbone of Modern Social Housing Operations
In an era where data drives decision-making, social housing providers can no longer afford to lag behind. The key to unlocking operational efficiencies, cost savings, and most importantly, ensuring resident safety lies in embracing intelligently designed remote technology solutions. At Vericon Systems, we believe that connected solutions can transform the way social housing is managed, enhancing the lives of thousands of residents across the country.
Heating System Failures: A Reactive and Costly Approach
For years, the maintenance of heating systems has followed a reactive pattern – wait for a breakdown, then scramble to repair or replace. This approach is not only costly but leads to resident dissatisfaction and even safety risks. By harnessing real-time data from Vericon’s BCM, which tracks boiler performance metrics such as flow temperature, return temperature, and system pressure, social housing providers can proactively schedule maintenance, reducing unexpected failures and keeping residents warm and safe.
BCM’s real-time monitoring capabilities send intelligent performance data to the cloud, where it can be interrogated and analysed to predict and identify common failures such as low pressure, loss of gas, and even a frozen condensate pipe. Its GSM connectivity provides a secure data stream to and from the device, reporting in real time to the cloud, removing any dependence on an occupant’s Wi-Fi network. Plus, each BCM has a complete and detailed record of its history and audit trail, allowing for the review of all actions, alerts, and notifications that have occurred throughout its entire lifetime. And with universal compatibility, BCM is designed to monitor housing stock in real time and is capable of operating with all major boiler brands, as well as being future compatible with air source heat pumps and hydrogen boilers.
The Hidden Inefficiency: Under-Pressure Boiler Callouts
Boiler breakdowns due to low pressure are a common and frustrating emergency. These avoidable callouts place a burden on maintenance resources and leave residents without heating or hot water. Vericon’s AutoFill solution autonomously monitors boiler pressure in real-time, detecting when a system is losing pressure and autonomously repressurising the system to prevent breakdowns. When the boiler pressure falls below a specific limit, the AutoFill system initiates the filling procedure. During this process, AutoFill operates for three seconds to fill and subsequently checks the pressure. This cycle continues until either the desired 1.5 bar is attained or a failure is identified within the system.
AutoFill provides real-time notifications, with every top-up recorded on the portal with a timestamp. Should another top-up be necessary within a 90-day period, an engineer will be alerted to address the issue. In the event that a third top-up is needed, the system will be identified as needing an engineer visit and preventing any further top-ups. AutoFill is seamlessly integrated within the existing fill loop of the boiler, ensuring complete compatibility with any boiler system.
Environmental Risks: The Hidden Dangers in Every Home
Mould growth and damp conditions pose serious health risks to residents, from respiratory issues to long-term conditions. Traditional methods of detection rely on visual inspections, often missing early signs of moisture issues. Vericon’s MultiDOT sensors track temperature and humidity in real-time, enabling the swift identification of potential mould and damp risks, allowing for prompt remediation and ensuring a safe living environment. MultiDOT serves as a diagnostic tool that can be reused for properties experiencing damp and mould issues. After installing the device and resolving the issue, it can be installed in the next property. Landlords and property managers can use MultiDOT to monitor temperature and humidity levels in specific areas where it is installed, ensuring tenant safety by identifying potential mould and dampness problems early. MultiDOT provides instant, real-time information, its technology enabling seamless analysis of critical data points, enhancing the decision-making processes.
“Although the Vericon system has only been live for a matter of months, we are already seeing positive results,” says Chris Roberts, Sustainability Manager at Plus Dane Housing.
“With the ability to proactively monitor, manage and evaluate humidity levels within our properties, we can prevent the build-up of damp and mould and all of the problems they bring. Vericon’s ongoing service and support has been first class.”
Fuel Poverty and Vulnerable Resident Monitoring: Data-Driven Approaches to Pressing Issues
Fuel poverty and being able to monitor vulnerable residents is a growing concern within the social housing sector. These individuals may face various physical, mental, or financial challenges that could impact their safety and well-being. Vericon will monitor properties of residents tagged by the housing provider as vulnerable for signs of activity.
Vericon can monitor energy usage in real-time, identify properties with low room temperatures, frequent energy outages, or unusual energy usage patterns, highlighting where support is needed. By targeting assistance to those most in need, social housing providers can make a real difference in tackling fuel poverty and helping vulnerable residents.
Void Management: Eliminating Inefficiencies and Damage
Vacant properties pose unique challenges, from being able to prevent damage to avoiding unnecessary energy waste. Vericon’s BCM enables the remote management of heating in void properties, ensuring pipes don’t freeze and avoiding costly repairs. It’s a simple yet effective way to increase operational efficiency and reduce costs.
Compliance and Reporting: No Longer a Burden
Ensuring statutory compliance for emergency lighting is a critical yet often time-consuming task. Vericon’s Emered solution automates the testing and reporting of emergency lighting, providing full audit trails and ensuring all systems are safe and compliant. Emered can be installed and commissioned on to any luminaire in under 10 minutes and will carry out tests over the next 10 years and beyond. Importantly, Emered performs both monthly and annual tests, including the mandatory 3-hour test, and the flick test, for complete compliance. Using Vericon’s Portal, test schedules can be set per device allowing for staggered testing in a single building, ensuring compliance with BS5266. The EmeRed will automatically send all test results to Vericon Connect. The Connect system will then notify specified users to any failed lamps or those requiring preventative maintenance.
Real-World Results
Don’t just take our word for it. Our solutions are already delivering real results for social housing providers.
“Working with the Vericon team and their eco-system has been a refreshing experience,” said Paul Hutchins, Innovations Contract Manager at LiveWest.
“The Vericon trial has given LiveWest an opportunity to fully understand an option as a future service strategy and how the innovative concepts could flow into existing structures and workflows.”
Rob McFerran of Selwood Housing commends Vericon’s Surveyor Cube, stating, “The implementation of The Surveyor Cube has proved to be a valuable tool for Selwood Housing and our customers, improving resident comfort and aiding in our joint effort to eradicate damp and mould from our housing stock.”
The Surveyor Cube consists of a plug & play BCM, several MultiDOT devices, adhesive pads and full portal access with the capability to instantly view and report on a properties environmental conditions. The Surveyor Cube can be installed in minutes, with no specialist tools or knowledge. The Plug and Play BCM has a three pin plug fitted to allow for simple power-up and re-deployment. All information collected by the devices is sent via the plug and play BCM to Connect to be interrogated and analysed by our machine learning algorithms. The data can then be reviewed and downloaded for a full audit trail.
Vericon Systems: Your Partner in Connected Property Management
At Vericon Systems, we’re dedicated to improving the lives of social housing residents through innovative connected solutions. By partnering with us, housing providers can benefit from streamlined operations, significant cost savings, and improved resident satisfaction. Our mission is to enhance property management and resident living, one connected home at a time. We believe that intelligently designed remote technology solutions that provide insightful data and enable remote interventions are the key to unlocking a more efficient, effective, and resident-focused future for social housing.
The question is, are you ready to unlock the power of real-time data and start transforming your operations with intelligently designed remote technology solutions?
Would you like to find out more?
For more information about how Vericon can benefit your housing projects call 01242 582 555 or email [email protected]
Together, we can make a significant impact in combating fuel poverty and ensuring a better future for social housing.
AutoFill: Your Solution to Pressure-Related Heating Issues
The Importance of Reliable Heating
As temperatures drop, the reliability of your residents’ heating systems becomes paramount. Pressure-related issues are all too common, leading to costly repairs, inconvenient breakdowns, and unhappy residents. In fact, under-pressure faults are the most common reason for boiler faults, resulting in systems shutting down and leaving residents without heating or hot water until the issue is resolved. According to Rightio, up to 45% of people have experienced a boiler breakdown in the winter, highlighting the importance of proactive maintenance during the colder months.
The Cost of Under-Pressure Faults
When under-pressure faults occur, they often require immediate attention from an engineer. This can lead to increased costs for emergency callouts, not to mention the inconvenience and potential disruption for residents. By preventing these faults from occurring in the first place, social housing providers can avoid these unnecessary expenses and ensure residents stay warm and comfortable.
Introducing Vericon’s AutoFill
Vericon Systems’ AutoFill is the intelligent solution you need. This innovative device intelligently monitors and automatically repressurises central heating systems, preventing pressure-related issues before they become major headaches. With real-time notifications and alerts, your team can conduct proactive maintenance to keep systems in optimal condition – no matter the temperature outside. AutoFill records each top-up made, along with the corresponding date and time, providing a clear history of maintenance activities.
Proactive Maintenance with AutoFill
If another top-up is required within 90 days, the system will flag it for an engineer to attend to, ensuring potential issues are addressed promptly. In the event of a third top-up being necessary, AutoFill will deactivate the device and immediately alert an engineer to ensure urgent assistance and prevent any further top-ups, minimising downtime and disruption for residents.
Benefits of Partnering with Vericon Systems
AutoFill is universally compatible with traditional boilers, making it the perfect addition to your existing infrastructure. By partnering with Vericon Systems, you’ll not only streamline your heating maintenance but also enhance resident satisfaction, reduce costs, and stay compliant.
Take the First Step
Don’t let pressure-related issues leave your residents in the cold this winter. Discover how Vericon’s AutoFill can revolutionise your approach to heating system maintenance.
Is your organisation ready to embrace a more proactive, efficient approach to heating maintenance? Our team is here to discuss how Vericon Systems can help you transform your operations and improve the lives of your residents.
Would you like to find out more?
For more information about how Vericon’s products can benefit your housing application call 01242 582 555 or email [email protected]
Together, we can make a significant impact in combating fuel poverty and ensuring a better future for social housing.
Deliver Successful Wave 3 Projects with Real-Time Data Insights from Vericon
The Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund Wave 3 (WH:SHF) supports the Government’s Warm Homes Plan by providing funding to upgrade the energy efficiency of social housing in England. The fund aims to reduce carbon emissions, tackle fuel poverty, and support green jobs. Here’s how Vericon Systems empowers housing providers to make informed decisions about retrofit measures, supporting a robust WH:SHF application:
Eligibility and Funding Allocation
WH:SHF Wave 3 is open to local authorities, combined authorities, registered social housing providers, and registered charities that own social housing in England. Funding will be allocated to projects that upgrade social housing stock to an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) band C standard, prioritising homes currently in bands D to G. The fund encourages the use of energy efficiency measures and low-carbon heating solutions.
Measuring Retrofit Success with Vericon
The WH:SHF Wave 3 guidance favours applications that utilise Internet of Things (IoT) data to measure pre- and post-retrofit property improvements. This is particularly relevant for the Strategic Partnerships funding stream. Vericon Systems specialises in providing IoT-enabled monitoring solutions that track the effectiveness of retrofit measures.
By collecting real-time data on energy consumption, heating system performance, temperature, and moisture levels, Vericon empowers housing providers to:
- Quantify the impact of retrofit interventions on energy efficiency and carbon reduction
- Identify the most effective retrofit measures for specific property archetypes
- Optimise retrofit strategies based on data-driven insights
- Strengthen WH:SHF funding applications with robust, data-driven evidence
Vericon’s IoT Solutions
Vericon’s product suite includes a range of IoT environmental sensors, boiler and ASHP monitoring solutions and an online data analytics platform, designed to provide granular insights into building performance. Their solutions include:
- Boiler and Heat Pump Monitoring: Heating and Environmental Pack (BCM + MultiDOTs): Monitor the performance of air source heat pumps (ASHPs) and boilers, and manage heating and home environments. Gain insights into home habitability, heating efficiencies, and potential damp and mould issues while Identifing optimisation opportunities.
- Energy Monitoring (PowerSense): Monitor real-time energy consumption to measure the impact of retrofit measures on energy efficiency.
- Temperature and Humidity Sensors (Surveyor Cube): Track room by room environmental conditions, assessing resident comfort and wellbeing, and identifying potential issues related to moisture and mould.
- Data Analytics Platform (Connect): Visualise the data and generate actionable insights to optimise retrofit strategies and building performance.
Vericon’s Value Proposition
Vericon Systems offers a unique opportunity for social housing providers to invest in IoT-enabled monitoring and maximise the success of their WH:SHF applications. By leveraging Vericon’s solutions, providers can:
- Enhance their funding bids by demonstrating a data-driven approach to retrofitting
- Ensure retrofit measures achieve the desired energy efficiency and carbon reduction outcomes
- Optimise long-term asset performance and maintenance strategies
- Improve resident comfort and wellbeing through data-driven property management
The WH:SHF Wave 3 presents a significant opportunity for social housing providers to secure funding for retrofitting their stock to meet EPC band C standards. By partnering with Vericon Systems, providers can leverage IoT data to measure retrofit success, optimise strategies, and strengthen their funding applications. Vericon empowers providers to make data-driven decisions, ensuring retrofit measures deliver the desired energy efficiency, carbon reduction, and resident wellbeing outcomes.
Would you like to find out more?
For more information about how Vericon’s products can benefit your housing application call 01242 582 555 or email [email protected]
Together, we can make a significant impact in combating fuel poverty and ensuring a better future for social housing.