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Expansion Report for Credit Unions Welcomed

by Ethos public relations

The Association of British Credit Unions (ABCUL) has welcomed the publication of the report from the Project Steering Committee which has provided recommendations for how the DWP Credit Union Expansion Project can help credit unions to sustainably provide affordable financial services to up to a million more people within five years.

Research for the report found that a market exists amongst over 7 million people on lower incomes for locally provided banking, savings and loan services from trusted providers such as credit unions. More than 60% of over 4,500 people consulted said they would use credit union services if they were available to them.

In order for credit unions to modernise and expand, the report asserts that they need to demonstrate a commitment to change, work more closely together and make greater use of technology. This in turn, the report says, can improve loan making decisions, provide the online banking, jam jar accounts and automated savings and credit products that people want. This shared technology would also allow a link in with the Post Office which would greatly increase both accessibility and membership.

The report also recommends that a rise in the interest rate ceiling for credit union loans from two to three percent a month on the reducing balance should be considered by relevant Government departments and the credit union sector. This would be likely to only apply to the smaller loans for which credit unions are valued by lower income consumers, but which currently cost more to provide than they generate in income.

ABCUL Chief Executive Mark Lyonette said: “We welcome today’s report and its recognition of the greater role credit unions can play. We are pleased that the report identifies the need for credit unions to become more convenient to use, more efficient and attractive in order to serve millions more consumers. We also agree that increasing collaboration between credit unions is the best way to do this.

“We understand the thinking on interest rates and look forward to discussing the best way forward on this with the Government, our members and other stakeholders. Increasing costs for consumers should not be done without weighing up all the implications. But if, as the report suggests, hundreds of thousands of people will save hundreds of pounds in interest payments to high cost lenders because of the increased availability of credit union loans then it is something that the sector needs to seriously consider.”

Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Credit Unions, Damian Hinds MP said:

"This is an exciting point in the development and growth of credit unions in Britain, with growing demand, the opportunities created by new legislation and the prospect of major infrastructure investment from government. To make best use of this, credit unions need to build unit scale and broaden the base of borrowers and savers. And if they are to be able to compete sustainably on smaller, short-term loans, then clearly the interest rate cap does need to be looked at afresh."

The report can be accessed here - http://www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/credit-union-feasibility-study-report.pdf

For more information about credit unions visit www.abcul.coop.

To read other news from ABCUL click here .

An Evening with Frank Bruno & Rasheda Ali

by Ethos public relations

On Monday 4th June Muhammad Ali’s daughter, Rasheda Ali, will be joining Britain’s best loved boxer Frank Bruno, to attend a dinner event at the Sheridan Suite in Manchester to help raise awareness of Parkinson’s.

Muhammad Ali was diagnosed with the condition at the early age of 42 and Rasheda now travels all over the world in order to improve understanding of Parkinson’s and give encouragement and hope to those families struggling with the condition.

“My purpose for travelling is to help local organisations raise insight and funds for their programmes - and specifically to help local families suffering with Parkinson’s,” she said.

Former heavyweight boxing champion Frank Bruno, himself a supporter of the cause, still treasures a photo of himself and Ali playfully sparring. “I went to the United States when I was a young man and people ask me what Ali was like,” he said. “I tell them Ali was the legend, everybody knew him to be and that he was also very warming, inspiring and uplifting”.

The event is sponsored by Bolton businessman Yasin Aslam who as well as running a home and security business Inview Monitoring Solutions, is also a keen boxing coach working with young people in the area.

Muhammad Ali is a sporting legend and much-loved in the UK," said Parkinson's UK Chief Executive, Steve Ford. "Everyone who knows Muhammad Ali knows how facing the daily challenge of Parkinson's has been the other big fight of his life. We are grateful to Rasheda Ali and all the Ali family for their support in the UK.

“As a degenerative neurological condition, Parkinson's can affect every aspect of a person's life, restricting movement and causing shaking and tremors. Parkinson's UK is honoured to be chosen as the beneficiary of this event. It is hugely important to make people aware of Parkinson's, because we want everyone to know we are here to help and because we are passionately committed to trying to raise money to support everyone affected by Parkinson’s."

Tickets for the event, which will include entertainment and a three course dinner are available at £50 per head or £450 for a table of ten and VIP tickets at £75 per head or £700 for a table of ten. Tier 2 tickets (no food or beverages) are also available at £25 per head.

There will also be an auction and raffle to raise money for Parkinson’s UK during the evening. To book tickets, visit, www.sportscorporation.com or contact us directly on 0845 163 0845 / 07989 991316.

Scottish landlords embrace e-learning

by Ethos public relations

The Scottish Social Housing Charter and the new regulatory framework from the Scottish Housing Regulator (SHR) have recently come into effect. In response to this new legislation, one of the UK’s leading e-learning providers is gearing up to help Scottish landlords comply.

Chloe Weatherhead, Head of Housing e-Academy, a division of Virtual College, said:

“We are reviewing a number of our e-learning courses to ensure they meet the specific requirements of housing legislation in Scotland.

“Scotland’s social housing sector is facing a reduction in its capital budget of 30 per cent and e-learning is a cost effective solution to training requirements.

“Despite having less money to spend, our Scottish providers still have to ensure that both staff and involved tenants are fully conversant with legislation and issues facing the sector.”

Hanover (Scotland) Housing Association recently took the decision to move to a blended learning approach, (i.e., combining face to face training with e-learning) through the Housing e-Academy as part of its corporate-Learning and Development Programme for 500 staff in Scotland.

Jackie Carter, Learning and Development Advisor, said: “E-learning means we can offer a wider selection of training to all staff using a flexible approach which allows them to learn at their own pace and in their own environment.

“Feedback so far has been positive and from our point of view it means we don’t have to organise cover for staff attending a training course.

“We are very encouraged by the result of e-learning and we are hoping to add more e-learning modules during the coming year.”

There are over 180 social housing providers in Scotland and the feedback received by Housing e-Academy suggests e-learning will be a pivotal part of staff and tenant learning in the future. As well as offering value for money, it is ideal for those organisations that have staff based across a wide geographical area.

Cairn Housing Association in Edinburgh is one such member of the Housing e-Academy. Sandra Stock, Director of Human Resources at Cairn Housing Association said: “As one of the largest national providers of social housing in Scotland, we have a widely dispersed staff, some of whom find it difficult to attend classroom training sessions due to travel and cover arrangements.”

Using e-learning in place of traditional classroom training can save thousands of pounds from the annual training budget and with less money to deliver arguably more services, Housing e-Academy believes its bespoke packages for the Scottish social housing sector will help relieve some of the pressure.

For more information about e-learning call 01943 885085 or e-mail info@housingea.co.uk. Click here to read more press releases for Housing e-Academy from Ethos public relations.

500th Member signs up to Housing Mutual

by Ethos public relations

Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH) officially became the UK’s first tenant and employee co-owned mutual landlord on 26th March and already the society is celebrating its 500th Member.

43 year old John Whetton works for Manchester based ‘Back on Track’, a charity that helps vulnerable adults re-engage with education. He has been an RBH tenant for over ten years and welcomes the change to a mutual set up.

“In the 1980’s my parents were very active in the co-operative housing movement in the Midlands,” he said.

“I can remember how they held resident meetings in our front room and how the discussions there really helped to make a difference to our local community - and so I particularly appreciate what RBH is trying to do.”

RBH Chief Executive, Gareth Swarbrick, said; “Our new model will help find solutions to the challenges we are facing and the active involvement of both tenants and employees will be crucial.

”We are delighted with the way in which both tenants and employees have supported us and the membership drive is well on track.”

The mutual model adopted by RBH has a structure that means tenants and employees can choose to become members of the new mutual - giving them ownership with the right to elect their representatives onto a Representative Body. This will comprise of elected tenants and employees who will be joined by council representatives and co-opted external stakeholders. It will monitor the success of the society, shape the policy framework and prioritise spending. It will also appoint (and remove) the Board of Directors.

Lynne Brosnan, Chair of the Constitution Commission at RBH welcomed Mr Whetton to the membership and explained the work of the committee and how the mutual will develop in the future.

“The mutual model is about facing the future together,” she said. “In order to do that there has to be a consensus about what we want from our housing and our communities and we are all very excited to be at the forefront of this new thinking in the housing sector.”

John said that he was keen to get more involved in the management of the organisation and to have a say in the way in which RBH develops.

He said: “Personally I have a great fondness and belief in the mutual model which gives tenants and staff a genuine voice.”

To read other news from Rochdale Boroughwide Housing click here.

Co-operatives UK launches online support service for start-up co-operatives

by Ethos public relations

With a surge of interest in co-operatives, the national trade association for co-operatives - Co-operatives UK - has today launched a new online support service for start-up co-operatives.

As the trade body that campaigns for co-operation and works to promote, develop and unite co-operatives, Co-operatives UK has unique tools and resources to help guide people through the early stages of setting up a co-operative business.

It provides assistance and support to help start-up co-operatives get off the ground and is at the heart of a national network of specialist co-operative business advisers who can provide further advice.

The new online support service will help to strengthen Co-operatives UK’s position as the first port of call for anyone thinking about starting a co-operative – a business that is owned and run by its members.

The new online support service for start-up co-operatives will include:

- An accessible guide through all of the basic steps to consider before setting up a co-operative;

- A useful quiz designed to help determine whether the co-operative option is the right one;

- Case studies and examples of how other successful co-operatives work;

- Links to relevant resources and publications;

- Clear links to specialist business advisers who can help make a co-operative dream a reality.

Commenting on the launch of the new online support service, Ed Mayo, Secretary General of Co-operatives UK, said: “The co-operative sector as a whole has been outperforming the UK economy since the start of the credit crunch, reflecting a turn to more trusted businesses following the financial crisis of the last few years.

“With the co-operative way of doing business enjoying such a renaissance, our new online support service will really help people to develop their ideas and access the advice they need to build sustainable co-operative businesses.”

The new online support service launches as part of the International Year of Co-operatives 2012 - a unique opportunity for co-operative businesses and their members and supporters to come together as a global movement to promote how co-operatives build a better world.

This is the first of three phases of the new online support service. In May, the second stage will focus on how to grow a co-operative. In June the final phase will focus on providing business advisers with the support they need when working with co-operatives.

To access the new online support service for start-up co-operatives, please visit www.uk.coop/start.

To read other news from Co-operatives UK click here.

Online training now available for PAT

by Ethos public relations

Responding to customers’ requests, the Housing e-Academy, a division of Virtual College with over 700,000 learners, has introduced an online training solution that provides competency for Portable Appliance Testing (PAT).

The course has been developed in line with the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, which places a requirement upon employers to implement a programme of maintenance, testing and record keeping of all electrical appliances within a workplace situation.

This competency based online training ensures that the learner has the knowledge and skills required to carry out a PAT test. Persons testing appliances must be familiar with the test instruments used and, in particular, their limitations and restrictions so as to achieve repeatable results without damaging the equipment or the appliance.

Chloe Weatherhead, Head of the Housing e-Academy, said "We are pleased to be able to provide an online training solution for PAT testing. The course has been broken down into sections, enabling people to work through the content in their own time and revisit any material as and when necessary. Throughout the course there are videos which provide a visual representation of the steps involved in PAT testing."

For more information about e-learning call 01943 885085 or e-mail info@housingea.co.uk

Green light for Heywood new homes

by Ethos public relations

Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH) has recently received planning permission to develop 14 new homes for rent on a £1.4 million scheme at Longridge Drive, Heywood.

Gareth Swarbrick, Chief Executive for RBH said: “Heywood is an important regeneration area for RBH and these new homes will mark the start of our future investment in the area.”

The planning permission allows RBH to develop two 2-bedroom bungalows; eight 3-bedrooms houses and four 4-bedroom houses which will be available at an affordable rent advertised through the company’s choice based letting system.

The properties have been designed by TADW Architects and will include sustainable features which will help to minimise fuel bills.

RBH plan to start on site in May and the properties are expected to be ready for occupation in March 2013.

Click here to read more press releases for Rochdale Boroughwide Housing from Ethos public relations

Add value to your home this Home Improvement Month

by Ethos public relations

April is Home Improvement Month and with property prices in London and the Home Counties so expensive - improving your home with a professional loft conversion will not only provide more space but is also likely to add more value to your home.

Becke Livesey from national loft conversion company Econoloft said: “In some parts of the country where space is at a premium you could pay up to £100K to upgrade to a bigger house. No bedroom is worth that amount of money especially when you can extend the home you live in for an average of £25,000. It’s no wonder that loft conversion remain as popular as ever.”

Econoloft has been established for thirty years and carry out around 300 loft conversions every year. It says the most popular loft conversion remains an additional bedroom. “If you’re looking for extra space – you don’t need to go through the expensive and stress of moving home,” adds Becke.

“A loft conversion could provide the ideal solution to your space problem and it remains the best way to add value to your home.”

If you are interested in adding more space to your property visit the national loft conversion experts at www.econoloft.co.uk or call the freephone number on 0800 269 765.

To read other news from Econoloft click here.

New Housing Award is launched

by Ethos public relations

The Housing e-Academy, a division of Virtual College with over 700,000 learners, has just launched a new housing award for the sector.

Chloe Weatherhead, Head of the Housing e-Academy, said: “As a leading e-learning provider working with 130 housing associations across the country, we have the privilege of seeing some fabulous best practice.”

“We think it’s about time therefore, this hard work and innovation was recognised using an award scheme especially designed for e-learning in social housing. We are delighted that the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) share our enthusiasm for the project and is the main sponsor of the awards.”

There are 11 categories in the e-learning social housing awards, the majority of which are open to any housing association or ALMO which has successfully adopted e-learning within its organisation.

They include:

Outstanding achievement - organisation
Outstanding achievement - individual
Outstanding Tenant engagement award
Tenant learner of the year
Best use of resources to make e-learning accessible to all staff
Best internal marketing campaign
Outstanding adoption of e-learning into organisational culture
Most successful roll out strategy

“The awards will be a fantastic opportunity for the housing sector to celebrate the hard work individuals and organisations put into making a success of e-learning,” said Kathy Hanson, Head of Learning, CIH. “They will also be a great platform from which to share best practice in this new area of learning delivery.”

The awards are free to enter and the deadline for nominations is 11 May. Shortlisted entries will be informed on 15 May. The overall winners will be announced through the Housing e-Academy website and Twitter feed in a Virtual ceremony on 14 June. Winners will receive a trophy and certificate from the Housing e-Academy.

Go to www.housingea.co.uk for a full list of category descriptions and to download the application form. For more information about e-learning call 01943 885085 or e-mail info@housingea.co.uk

To read other news from Housing e-Academy click here.

Credit unions welcome Big Society Capital announcement

by Ethos public relations

ABCUL – the Association of British Credit Unions Limited – has welcomed today’s launch (4 April) of Big Society Capital by the Government and is pleased that organisations engaged in financial inclusion, such as credit unions, have been identified as potential beneficiaries of the new bank.

Mark Lyonette, Chief Executive of ABCUL says: “Credit unions are social enterprises which create both a social and financial return through providing affordable and appropriate financial services on an ethical, not-for-profit basis to those who are underserved or poorly served by the mainstream.

“Big Society Capital is therefore right to identify organisations such as credit unions as potential beneficiaries of increased social investment.”

As financial co-operatives, owned and controlled by their members, credit unions have no outside shareholders to pay and any profit they make stays in the community and is used to develop the credit union and provide a return to savers.

Credit unions offer a range of financial services including savings accounts with payroll deduction, the Credit Union Current Account, the Credit Union Prepaid Card and an affordable source of credit.

Mark Lyonette adds: “Although Big Society Capital has an ambitious programme which will be difficult to achieve, if it is able to meet its objectives it will have a significant, positive impact on the development of credit unions and other social enterprise sectors.”

For more information about credit unions visit www.abcul.coop.

To read other news from ABCUL click here.

Flying the flag for Action For Kids at Gold Challenge Charity event

by Ethos public relations

Young people and staff from Hornsey-based charity, Action For Kids, had a day out with a difference when they took part in the Gold Challenge Charity test event and parade at London's Olympic Stadium on Sunday 1 April 2012.

Students, staff and volunteers from the national disability charity - one of the Gold Challenge’s 150 charity partners – were among thousands of people taking part in the event, watched by a crowd of 20,000 spectators.

In addition, fundraisers who signed up to the Gold Challenge to help raise money for Action For Kids had the chance to run 100m in the Olympic Stadium, competing alongside other Gold Challengers, as well as celebrities and sports stars.

The Gold Challenge is the UK’s only Olympic and Paralympic sport based charity event and the staff and students at Action For Kids have signed up to the 2012km Challenge, and have pledged to run, walk, swim, cycle and row to meet the total.

Lyn Prodger, Corporate Partnerships Manager at Action For Kids, who took part in the parade on Sunday 1 April, said: “It was a fantastic day! One we will never forget!

“It was amazing to be part of such a truly momentous occasion and be able to experience the Olympic track for ourselves alongside our fundraisers and all the other amazing challengers, celebrities and sports stars.

“It was a real celebration which helped to build even more excitement and anticipation ahead of the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. It was a privilege to be part of it.”

Everyone who attended the Gold Challenge Charity event played an important role in helping London 2012 prepare for the Games as it was one of the key test events in the Stadium.

Action For Kids is a charity that is dedicated to helping transform the lives of children and young people with physical and learning disabilities across the country by removing barriers to independence.

To find out more about Action For Kids and its work, please visit the website www.actionforkids.org.

To read other news from Action For Kids click here.

RBH launches YouTube Film Channel

by Ethos public relations

Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH) has today (2nd April 2012) released a film to celebrate its achievements and to look to an exciting future as it became the country’s largest housing mutual in March.

The film has been developed to mark the launch of the company’s official YouTube site: RBHousing Film. RBH Board Member, Tim Byrne, said: “It’s really exciting that RBH is exploring new media as an alternative way of reaching out to our tenants, employees and Members. The possibilities for RBHousing Film are phenomenal. We’ve made a great start but I look forward to what it can deliver in the future.”

Tony Lafferty, Project Manager for RBH believes that the use of film will bring a new angle to communications work. Tony said: “Film is a really flexible medium that we can use to speak to a variety of audiences. Not all our tenants have their own computers, but as technology advances we know we can use the video on other applications such as smart phones and digital TV so that eventually the films can be seen by almost anyone.”

RBH anticipates using video for a variety of purposes, such as making films to show tenants how to do basic DIY work and locate things such as stop taps within their homes. This will help the contact centre when speaking with tenants over the phone and could result in savings in the long term.

RBH is looking forward to an exciting future as the country‘s largest housing mutual and RBHousing Film will provide the ideal vehicle to disseminate its progress to a potentially world wide audience.

To view the film please visit: http://www.youtube.com/user/RBHousingFilms

Students lead the way when it comes to sharing

by Ethos public relations

As new research shows that almost double the number of full time students, at 20%, buy in bulk co-operatively compared to people who have retired (12%), a new £60k community buying innovation challenge is encouraging more people to go back to their heady student days and think collectively to combine their buying power.

Figures revealed by Co-operatives UK show the latest trend in young people’s buying habits is streets ahead, with students (31%) also more than three times as likely to buy and share items with others compared to the nation as a whole (9%).

“Students are best at sharing,” says Ed Mayo, Secretary General of Co-operatives UK, the national trade body for co-operative enterprises, “and they could teach us all a thing or two about buying co-operatively to help make our money go further.

“Living with debt is a fact of life for many full time students,” Ed Mayo adds, “yet they emerge in our research as the most financially astute group in the population when it comes to saving money.”

The research, as part of Co-operatives UK’s ‘Buy Better Together Challenge’ in partnership with The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS), reveals that 20% of full time students regularly buy in bulk with others in order to reduce costs compared to just 12% of people in retirement.

The ‘Buy Better Together Challenge’ is an exciting initiative to help inspire new models of community buying, stimulate enterprise and promote shared learning and both Co-operatives UK and BIS have contributed £30k to the prize fund.

Community buying, which involves groups of individuals combining their buying power to purchase goods or services together and get better deals from shops and other suppliers, can help businesses spread their overheads and in turn lowers costs for consumers. The challenge is now open to applications from students as well as groups and organisations within the public, voluntary or business sectors, which focus on creating new or developing existing community buying schemes.

To give guidance to applicants there are three challenges. They are:

- Challenge One: A project aimed at creating a platform, tool or vehicle to help individuals to come together and form a community buying group.

- Challenge Two: A project aimed at enabling existing or new community groups to develop their purchasing power by working collectively.

- Challenge Three: A project aimed at businesses to empower their employees or consumers to group for community buying.

The ‘Buy Better Together Challenge’ £60k pot will go towards training and mentoring for stand out projects and includes £15k for the overall winner.

Norman Lamb, Consumer Affairs Minister, said: “Students are a resourceful bunch and this shows that they already understand the benefits of buying collectively. The Buy Better Together Challenge is a fantastic partnership between BIS and Co-operatives UK and gives groups a great opportunity to deliver real deals and social benefits for their communities.

“I would encourage everyone to get involved, read the guide on how to get started and submit an entry on the website. Community buying has a range of uses to give consumers a bigger voice - from food co-operatives to heating oil groups - and I look forward to seeing the innovative ideas later this year.”

Ed Mayo adds: “Co-operative buying, whether informal with friends, student food co-ops or of crowd-sourcing online, is a growing trend among consumers and a good way to make your money go further. The ‘Buy Better Together Challenge’ is intended to stimulate enterprise and promote shared learning and we look forward to receiving many innovative and inspiring ideas!”

All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 2069 adults of which 64 were full time students. Fieldwork was undertaken between 13th - 15th February 2012. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all UK adults (aged 18+).

To find out more about the ‘Buy Better Together Challenge’ and to complete an application form, please visit www.bis.gov.uk/buying/. You can also join the conversation on Twitter by using #communitybuy. If you would like to speak to somebody in more detail about the Challenge, please call the helpline number – 0207 215 6570.

To read other news from Co-operatives UK click here.

Rochdale home to UK’s biggest housing mutual

by Ethos public relations

The largest housing mutual in the country has been created in Rochdale. Ownership of 13,700 homes transferred from Rochdale Borough Council to Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH) on Monday 26 March making RBH the UK’s first tenant and employee co-owned mutual housing provider.

The transfer follows a ballot amongst tenants last December when three quarters of the 9,000 people who voted said ‘yes’ to the transfer.

That result was the catalyst for a £169 million improvement programme for homes and estates in the first five years following the transfer – more than would have been possible if the houses had stayed with the council.

Andy Zuntz, Executive Director at the council, said: “Since tenants made their decision at the end of last year we’ve been working hard to ensure a seamless transfer to RBH and I’m delighted that we’ve achieved that.

“This is just the start of a bright future for residents who, in partnership with RBH employees, are now in charge of the future of their homes.”

Noel Chambers, Chair of the RBH Board, said: “The completion of the transfer is a major milestone and the new mutual RBH is determined to both deliver the Offer Document promises and build a strong tenant and employee membership base.”

Chair of Rochdale Tenants’ Panel, Lynne Brosnan, added: “Since the ballot result we have been working hard with RBH to develop the detailed rules and ways of operation for the mutual and it’s now up to us to make it work.

“It’s an exciting time for us as what we’re doing here in Rochdale is groundbreaking. I’d urge as many residents as possible to become members and to work with RBH employees to help further improve services and support local communities."

The creation of the mutual, which will run along co-operative principles, comes during the International Year of Co-operatives and follows the announcement that the borough of Rochdale has been declared the World Capital of Co-operatives.

Click here to read more press releases for Rochdale Boroughwide Housing from Ethos public relations.

New residents for St Mary’s site

by Ethos public relations

Contour Homes, part of Symphony Housing Group, recent welcomed the first new residents to its £15m St Mary’s development close to Oldham town centre.

Six new families have moved into properties on Mackintosh Way the first street of homes to be built - and they represent the first new residents on the site for 15 years.

For one couple in particular, their new address is like coming ‘home’ as Bev Hannan and her partner Terence Jaffray actually lived in the former flats on the site which were demolished in 1997.

“When we left the old flats we moved into local authority housing close by and we have lived there for sixteen years,” said Bev. “We really didn’t want to move out of the area and were delighted when our bid for a new home here was successful.”

The couple who share their home with Bev’s 15 year old daughter Shannon both agree they absolutely love their new house.

“It’s great that Contour Homes are regenerating this whole area,” said Terence. “This is a fabulous spot close to all local amenities and of course the town centre. When we lived here all those years ago, we never imagined we would be back here living in this spacious, modern home.”

Contour Homes is developing 52 social rented homes and 41 shared ownership properties on the land which in partnership with Oldham Council. St Mary’s will also include some of the most eco-friendly designs in the North West.

The Chowdhury family are also very happy with their new 3-bedroom house. Mizanur Rahman, Wijida Begum and their young family Mohammed (4), Mobinee (1) and Zidan (2) say the house means they have more space for their family.

“We have a lot more room for the children,” said Mizanur, “and we know we will be very happy here.”

Bramall Construction is developing the site and it is anticipated that these first new residents will soon be joined by other families in spring time when the next new homes should be ready for occupation.

Chris and Joanne Bowers have moved to the area from Fitton Hill but are no strangers to St Mary’s as Chris was brought up in the area and his Mum lives close by.

“This is a nice place to raise a family,” said Joanne, “and our oldest daughter enjoys a lot more freedom than she did in our old place.”

The children including Aimee (11), Reece (6) and Remy (4) have already settled into their new house and Chris says all the local facilities nearby will make life a lot easier.

“It’s really handy for everything here,” he said. “Aimee can now go swimming with her friends and we like having so many local facilities close by."

As well as developing the new properties, Contour Homes has also invested in a range of community activities which it hopes will continue to foster good relationships with the growing new community and the existing communities who live so close by.

Chris adds: “We really love the house and we already know some of the neighbours – hopefully we will get to meet more over the coming months as everyone settles in.”

To read other news from Contour Homes click here.

Two specialist mobility trikes donated to Columbus School and College, Chelmsford; courtesy of national disability charity

by Ethos public relations

To help pupils at The Columbus School and College in Chelmsford learn how to cycle and find out more about bicycle and tricycle safety as part of a national campaign, two specialist trikes have been donated by Action For Kids.

Learning to cycle is one of the milestones of childhood, and the specialist trikes will not only enable pupils with a range of disabilities to learn how to cycle but they will also help them to develop self-confidence and increase their sense of independence.

The trikes will now be used as part of the school’s ‘Cyclability’ programme designed to teach primary aged children about road safety for trikes and bicycles.

“Cycling enables our students to enjoy new levels of independence and challenge,” said Ginny Bellard, Deputy Chief Executive of Columbus School and College.

“These trikes also provide therapeutic benefits; helping to strengthen muscles and improve balance and co-ordination. We extend our sincerest thanks to Action for Kids for this kind donation.”

On a recent visit to Columbus School and College, a special school for children and young people with profound and complex learning difficulties, Sally Bishop and Beryl Hall from Family Support Services at Action for Kids, had the chance to see how much the children are already benefitting from the donated trikes.

“It is no exaggeration to say that a tricycle can really change a disabled child’s life for the better,” Sally Bishop said. “And it has been fantastic to see the difference this equipment is already making to the lives of the children here at the school.”

Ginny Bellard added: “This donation enables our young people to develop a skill they will retain for life. A skill they can enjoy with their friends and their families whether in school or out in the local community. We look forward to celebrating the students’ achievements with Action for Kids in the future.”

To find out more about Action For Kids and its work, please visit the website www.actionforkids.org.

To read other news from Action For Kids click here.

Contractors can embrace renewable revolution via e-learning

by Ethos public relations

With more and more housing associations including some form of renewable energy source into new build homes, it is important that contractors are kept fully up to date on the latest installation and maintenance techniques.

However, face to face training courses can mean a lot of down time off site - but a new course from Virtual College, the umbrella organisation of Housing e-Academy, in partnership with NICEIC will enable learners to satisfy the requirements of the City & Guilds 2399-01 scheme without spending two days in the classroom.

Alternative and renewable energy sources are a high priority on the Government's agenda and the demand for environmental technologies is growing and will continue to do so.

This means that when it comes to awarding contracts, housing providers are increasingly looking for contractors with operatives who have specialist knowledge.

Chloe Weatherhead, Head of Housing e-Academy, which works with over 100 social housing providers across the UK said: “The competition for contracts is intense and so the more diverse skills a contractor can offer – the better.

“Many social housing providers are looking for renewable energy expertise. E-learning allows builders to demonstrate that knowledge and they don’t have to pay a hefty price tag.”

There are no formal entry requirements for candidates undertaking this qualification. However, it is recommended that learners complete their 17th Edition before attempting this course which is available for just £60 + VAT - for a single user or at a discounted price for group sales of 10 or more.

“Don’t be left behind in the renewable revolution,” said Chloe. “Thanks to our partnership with NICEIC, contractors have the ability to build that all important competitive edge.”

For more information please contact info@housingea.co.uk, or telephone on 01943 88508.

To read other news from Housing e-Academy click here.

85 year old delighted with new bungalow

by Ethos public relations

85 year old Eileen Howard had lived in her family home in Huncoat for a very happy 12 years, but when she could no longer manage the stairs she thought she would have to look further afield for a property that would meet her needs. However, thanks to social landlord Hyndburn Homes, part of Symphony Housing Group, she has now moved into a lovely new home - and it’s just across the road!

Eileen said: “I was finding the stairs in our house very difficult, and I knew I had to find somewhere more suitable.

“We’ve been living in a Hyndburn Homes property for years - and we really didn’t want to go with any other landlord as we are very happy with the services we’ve received from them.

“I was delighted when I found out that I would just be moving over the road into a lovely brand new bungalow – in fact I couldn’t have asked for anything better.”

Eileen’s home is one of five new bungalows to have been built as part of a £500,000 scheme supported by Hyndburn Homes, Symphony Housing Group, Hyndburn Borough Council and the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA).

The residents moved into their new homes just before Christmas and have now settled in. Eileen’s daughter Gillian, 50, has moved in with her and her son Michael also comes to visit regularly.

“Most of our friends and family live in Huncoat,” said Eileen. Everyone is so lovely and it wouldn’t feel right living anywhere else,” she added. ”We’ve had lots of compliments about the bungalow and my son Michael is very impressed with it. It’s ideal for me and Gillian and the grandchildren love playing in the garden.”

Nigel Fenton, General Manager at Hyndburn Homes said: “The bungalows were built specifically for over 55s and are part of a major regeneration programme at Within Grove. We are delighted that Eileen and the other residents have now settled into their new homes.”

Oldham pioneers green homes for region

by Ethos public relations

Contour Homes, part of the Symphony Housing Group, recently laid the first bricks for what will be some of the region’s ‘greenest’ homes on the St Mary’s development in Oldham.

Contour Homes is developing 93 new homes on the 2.2 hectare flagship site and four homes will be built to the ‘Code for Sustainable Homes Level 6’, the highest level of sustainable construction which offers many benefits to residents and the environment.

In addition, Contour Homes is also developing two Passivhaus properties.

Louise Marsden, Project Coordinator at Contour Homes, said: “Developed in Germany in the early 1990’s, the Passivhaus standard requires homes to be constructed using extremely thermally efficient building fabrics. This element, coupled with the excellent air-tightness and mechanical ventilation demanded by Passivhaus reduces the need for a traditional central heating system.

“The eventual tenants will benefit from considerably reduced heating bills, saving them hundreds of pounds a year.”

Bramall Construction, part of the Keepmoat Group, is developing the homes on St Mary’s, and Area Director Steve Parrington said the development of the green homes has presented opportunities for the site team to demonstrate their green credentials:

“Thanks to this flagship project, our team is building on Bramall’s existing track record of incorporating renewable technologies into the build programme to deliver homes to Levels 3 and 6 (the ‘zero carbon standard’) of the Code for Sustainable Homes, as well as two Passivhaus properties.

“Bramall is delighted to be working with Contour Homes at St Mary’s to deliver these sustainable homes to help tenants save energy and reduce their fuel bills, which helps to tackle fuel poverty.”

St Mary’s was previously home to deck access flats which were demolished over ten years ago. After several failed attempts to bring the site back to life, this ambitious proposal has been fully supported by Oldham Council which is particularly pleased to be piloting the Passivhaus properties.

Councillor Dave Hibbert, Cabinet Member for Housing, Transport and Regeneration, said: “This project will provide more than 90 new homes, built to the highest specification and green standards. Once finished the houses will not only benefit the people living in them but also make a positive impact on the area.

“The building work has provided seven residents with employment and provided a boost to local firms who are connected with the construction industry. “Job creation and the regeneration of Oldham are priorities for the Council and a strong local construction industry is a cornerstone of this.”

It is anticipated that the new homes will be ready for occupation in October this year and the partners involved want to ensure that their energy efficiency is monitored for several years to come.

“This is a really important project for the region,” said Louise Marsden.

“It has provided the partners with an excellent opportunity to explore more sustainable construction methods helping limit the effects of climate change for future generations. Our new tenants will be pioneers in that process.”

To read other news from Contour Homes click here.

Credit unions welcome initial results of Government study

by Ethos public relations

The Association of British Credit Unions Limited (ABCUL) has welcomed a Government announcement of initial results from a feasibility study carried out last year to examine the options for the modernisation and expansion of credit unions.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) study recommends that credit unions could increase access to basic financial services – banking, savings and credit – for up to a million people on lower incomes, and do this in a sustainable way.

ABCUL Chief Executive Mark Lyonette said: “I’m very pleased that the valuable work of credit unions and their potential to do much more has been recognised by the Government. I look forward to seeing more details that will explain how credit unions can be supported to increase their capacity.”

The announcement was contained in Social Justice Transforming Lives, published by the DWP, available here: http://dwp.gov.uk/docs/social-justice-transforming-lives.pdf.

To read other news from ABCUL click here.

Win a treat for your Mum (and you) with Laserase Bolton

by Ethos public relations

Laserase Bolton, a leading medical laser and skin care specialist in the North West, has launched a competition which will see a lucky customer win a skin treatment for their Mum and themselves in celebration of Mother’s Day.

The competition, which is to run for one week only, asks people to send in a short message about why their Mum deserves a pamper treatment - with the most worthy being chosen on Friday 16 March.

Julie Kershaw from Laserase Bolton said: “Mother’s Day is the perfect opportunity to let your Mum know how much you appreciate her. Everyone loves to be pampered and so will your Mum – but better still you get to join in too!”

After a skin consultation, the winners will be treated to a laser treatment most suited to their skin type– this could be to refresh the skin or treat a specific problem such as fine lines and wrinkles.

The competition is online now and closes on Thursday 15 March at 5pm. For more information and to enter the competition, visit the website at http://laserase-bolton.co.uk/

To read other news from Laserase click here .

Minister visits Rochdale to learn more about housing mutual plans

by Ethos public relations

The Rt. Hon. Francis Maude MP, Minister for the Cabinet Office, yesterday met with Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH) tenants and employees to discuss the organisation’s forthcoming plans to become the largest housing mutual in the country. The Cabinet Office is supporting mutual public service through its Mutuals Taskforce.

On his visit, the Minister heard how RBH had developed its unique tenant and employee mutual ownership model and how, from the start, the Council and local MPs supported the mutual transfer process.

Mr Maude met with the elected tenant and employee members of a Constitutional Commission, established to develop the rules for the new mutual RBH. They were among the first tenants and employees to sign up as members of the new mutual.

The Commission representatives explained how they had worked with RBH’s legal advisors to draft the mutual rules for RBH in readiness for registration with the Financial Services Authority and the housing regulator. It also had to deal with issues raised by stakeholders including the lenders who are providing over £100m funding for the new mutual RBH’s transfer business plan.

Lynne Brosnan, tenant and chair of the Constitutional Commission said: “The Minister was very keen to learn from our work and particularly interested in how and why we had brought tenants and employees together to give them genuine mutual ownership of RBH.”

The Minister then had a discussion with a group of employees who have acted as internal champions for the mutual transition.

The Minister also heard RBH’s ambitious plans to use the mutual model as a way of supporting older people in local communities, assisting tenants and their families into training and employment and developing community owned local energy production schemes.

Tony Dempsey, RBH Senior Technical Officer and elected employee member of the Constitutional Commission said: “We were really pleased to have a government minister in Rochdale learning more about the unique mutual model we have developed for the forthcoming housing stock transfer.

“It was apparent from his questions and our discussions that Mr Maude is a keen supporter of what we are seeking to achieve.”

Mr Maude said: “It’s particularly pleasing to see Rochdale – the historic home of co-operatives – still at the forefront of the movement. Rochdale Boroughwide Housing’s plan to form an employee and resident owned mutual is truly ambitious and demonstrates the benefits in this way of doing things.”

Devon residents invited to join Devon Community Wind Co-operative

by Ethos public relations

With the Prime Minister reaffirming his commitment to community-led renewable energy initiatives, people in Devon have the opportunity to make a positive contribution to the issues of climate change with the proposed Devon Community Wind Co-operative.

The Devon-wide wind energy co-operative will be the subject of public open evenings in March and Energy4All, the UK’s leading expert in community-owned renewable energy schemes, is urging Devon residents to attend the events and support the project.

“We very much welcome recent calls for more community involvement in renewable energy. This project offers Devon residents the chance to do this and to ensure that the benefits remain in the local area”, says John Malone, Development Director at Energy4All.

The aim is for the new co-operative to own and operate two medium sized wind turbines at Bratton Fleming in North Devon and at Higher Torr in South Hams. The two sites will each have an installed capacity of up to 1.5MW and are being developed by wind power specialists, ClearWinds, working in partnership with Energy4All.

The project will also provide a fund for use on energy efficiency and climate change awareness projects in the local area.

“Membership of the proposed Devon-wide wind energy co-operative provides an opportunity for people to engage in an active way with the issues of climate change and energy insecurity,” John Malone adds. “And I would encourage anyone who is interested in finding out more about the project to come along to the open evenings.”

Devon residents are invited to find out more about the proposed Devon-wide wind energy co-operative at the following events:

- Wednesday 21 March, 7:30pm to 9:00pm, at The Kings Arms Hotel, 93 Forestreet, Kingsbridge, TQ7 1AB

- Thursday 22 March, 7:30pm to 9:00pm, at The Castle Centre, 25 Castle Street, Barnstaple, EX31 1DR.

The open evenings will provide attendees with background information about co-operatives, including the ethics, values and principles of co-operative enterprises.

John Malone, Development Director at Energy4All, will explain how the co-operative will work and will discuss the funding aspect of the project. He will also provide further details about how local people can get involved in the project and what needs to happen next in order to get the project up and running.

For more information about the Devon Community Wind Co-operative open evenings or to find out more about Energ4All and its projects, please contact John Malone, Development Director at Energy4All on 01229 821028 or email info@energy4all.co.uk.

For more information about Energy4All and its projects, please visit www.energy4all.co.uk or to find out more about ClearWinds visit www.clearwinds.co.uk.

To read other news from Energy4All click here.

Momentum builds for first ever Wigan Galleries Arts Festival

by Ethos public relations

Excitement is building ahead of the first ever Wigan Galleries Arts Festival, sponsored by Wiganplus, where local amateur artists from across the borough will showcase their work throughout The Galleries Shopping Centre during May.

In partnership with Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, the two-week festival, with its Wigan Heritage theme – ‘Past, Present and Future’ – will run from 1 May to 15 May.

And the festival will see traders in The Galleries Shopping Centre displaying paintings in their shop windows. There will also be a main exhibition which will be held in the Wiganplus shop at Standish Galleries.

Half way through the festival, on Wednesday 9 May, a judging panel, made up of some very well-known names from across the borough, will visit the shops to choose the top five paintings, which will then form a permanent display within The Galleries.

Commenting in the run up to the festival, Mike Riddell, Head of Partnerships at the Wigan-wide loyalty card scheme, Wiganplus, said: “We are very pleased to be sponsoring the first Wigan Galleries Arts Festival to help celebrate the past, present and future of our town and we cannot wait to see what our region’s talented amateur artists create.

“Since September last year, we have made the walls of our Wiganplus shop available to various Art Groups and individual amateur artists to display their work, and we’ve been delighted with the success of these exhibitions and the high standard of work we’ve seen.”

Now in the run up to the Wigan Galleries Arts Festival, artists from across the borough as well as local art groups, such as Standish Art Group and Scholes Art, are enquiring about taking part and displaying their work throughout the two-week celebration.

Mike added: “We are very much looking forward to working with The Galleries and Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce to ensure the Wigan Galleries Arts Festival is a massive success and a real celebration of our rich history and wonderful Wigan heritage.

“We look forward to seeing you there!”

The two-week art festival will not only be a great event for the people of Wigan, but it will also help to attract more visitors into the town centre, and reinforce the important role of the high street in defining the economic and social fabric of the town.

To find out more about Wiganplus, please visit the website - www.wiganplus.com - or email info@wiganplus.com. Or call the team on 01942 247091.

To read other news from HometownPlus click here.

Here comes the sun & cheaper bills for thousands

by Ethos public relations

Later this month the clocks go forward and we can all look forward to longer days as we approach summer. However, thousands of homeowners across the UK can also look forward to considerably reduced electricity bills!

Dave Langford from Solar Direct Savings (SDS), a national solar PV installer, said:

“Over 45,000 homes in the UK have invested in solar PV panels and as British Summer Time officially begins on 25 March, this means more hours of daylight and hopefully more sunshine.

“Solar panels actually work all year round but obviously the amount of electricity generated will ultimately increase during the summer and so if you have been thinking about having solar panels installed – now is the time to do so.”

SDS say that properties with solar panels installed report savings of up to 50% on their electricity bills. This could be even greater if homeowners plan how they use their major appliances.

“Everyone realises that utility bills are only going to continue to rise and this is proving to be a huge worry for many people,” said Dave.

“Many of our customers see an investment in solar panels as one way to protect their future. It means high bills are one less thing to worry about.”

As well as reducing electricity bills, homeowners can also make more money. The government feed in tariff (FIT) will pay 21p per kWh for any electricity generated, which is index linked, tax free and guaranteed for 25 years.

SDS says that an average semi-detached home can expect to make between £500 - £600.

If you have been considering having solar PV panels installed in your property, SDS advise that you have a solar panel system ordered by the 10th march this year in order to avoid having to have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).

Dave adds: “From 31 March homeowners will need to possess an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) Level D. If you have your new panels ordered before 10th March, the EPC is one less hassle to worry about.”

For further information about solar PV go to www.solardirectsavings.co.uk

To read other news from Solar Direct Savings click here.

New hub taking shape in Hattersley

by Ethos public relations

The new Community Hub in Hattersley is well on schedule for completion later this year and looks set to become a new iconic gateway for the area.

Phil Corris, Managing Director of Peak Valley Housing Association, part of Symphony Housing Group which is developing the site said: “Anyone driving to Hattersley for the first time in a while will be amazed at how the Stockport Road site has come on!

“Both the new superstore and Hub are at the structural frame stage making it easier to envisage how the new buildings will look once complete.”

The £3.8million Community Hub will form part of the new Hattersley District Centre and is a crucial element of the wider multi million regeneration of the area.

Built over three storeys, the Community Hub will include new offices for Peak Valley Housing Association, Hattersley Neighbourhood Partnership, the Hattersley Community Forum Association, the library service and a satellite post for the police.

There will also be space for youth facilities, a community hall and meeting rooms to accommodate community activities and functions, allowing residents to access several neighbourhood services within one facility.

Helen McGrath is managing the project for Peak Valley Housing Association. She said:

“As well as providing modern new facilities for existing businesses and groups, we are confident that by providing these new facilities, it will encourage new groups to meet and develop.

“This will be a striking, gateway development for Hattersley which offers a flexible space which can be used for many things. We believe it will become a vibrant focal point for the whole community and enhance local services.”

To read other news from Peak Valley click here.

Co-operatives UK publishes new guide to help Move Your Money

by Ethos public relations

To coincide with Move Your Money month this March, Co-operatives UK - the trade association for co-operative enterprises – is publishing a ‘Little Book of Money’ to help people move their money to more ethical banks.

The Move Your Money campaign which launched earlier this year, hopes that March will see people across the UK pledging to move their money to fairer and more local forms of banks.

And in support of Move Your Money Month, Co-operatives UK is producing a short guide to moving current and savings accounts to co-operative and mutual providers such as credit unions, building societies and The Co-operative Bank.

The 'Little Book of Money' provides a light and informative guide to why and how to move money to a better bank. It includes:

- A short history of banking
- A short history of mutual finance
- An outline of the key co-operative and mutual banking options
- Why move your money
- How to move your money.

Ed Mayo, Secretary General of Co-operatives UK, said: “Bank switching is more fun than bank bashing and it is more likely to be effective too. There are now co-operative and mutual options across the UK for current accounts, savings and investment.

“This guide, based on the experience of people who have already moved their money, will help make it easy for you to join in.”

Danielle Paffard, Move Your Money spokesperson, said: “Empowering consumers to understand and engage with ethical, social and mutual financial institutions strengthens the alternative banking sector, intensifies pressure on the big five banks and gives greater cause to the political agenda for change.

“During Move Your Money Month we hope to see people across the country joining the movement to build a better banking system.”

10 Tips On How To Move Your Money

1. Your choice. You have more choice than you think. Member-led organisations include building societies, credit unions and organisations like The Co-operative Bank.

2. Every day or rainy day? Decide whether you wish to move your current account, your savings account or both.

3. Make it personal. Decide what matters to you with a new account. Is it the functions such as internet access, financial returns, interest rates and ethical policy or assurance of good service?

4. Prepare to make a statement. Make opening an account easier by having the following ready: two forms of Identification, one form of photograph identification, a proof of address (such as an old bank statement), your national insurance number and your old bank account details.

5. An open and shut case. You can open your new account without closing your old one. Choose to manage this yourself or ask the new bank who will do this for you.

6. Let standing orders stand. Completing a switch form allows your new bank to transfer all standing orders and direct debits to your new account.

7. Be assured. If the move goes wrong then you have got consumer rights to put things right. Start complaining to your bank and escalate the complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service if you are not happy.

8. Membership matters. Remember, when you open an account you can also become a member. Take a look at the benefits.

9. Spread the word. Let others know by adding your name to the Move Your Money campaign www.moveyourmoney.org.uk.

10. Feel good. Congratulations, you have chosen to make your finances fair trade.

Visit www.uk.coop/moveyourmoney to download the ‘Little Book of Money’.

To read other news from Co-operatives UK click here.

Stephen James Enfield presents specialist car seat to six-year-old local boy

by Ethos public relations

A six-year-old Enfield boy with Dystonic Cerebral Palsy has been presented with a brand new specialist car seat today – thanks to the fundraising efforts of the team at Stephen James Enfield and Action For Kids.

Fundraisers at London’s number one BMW and MINI Dealer managed to raise nearly £2,000 to purchase the car seat for Kai Surrey, as part of the organisation’s commitment to supporting national disability charity, Action For Kids.

The specialist car seat will enable Kai to sit perfectly straight and comfortably in the car, while travelling long distances with his mum, Amy, to and from school every day. Thanks to a special swivel turntable on the car seat, Amy will be able to get Kai in and out of the car with much more ease.

“Kai is absolutely thrilled with his new car seat,” Amy says. “He had grown out of his previous one and really needed a specially designed car seat that would help him maintain an upright position and make travelling much safer and hopefully more fun!

“We are extremely grateful to the team at Stephen James Enfield and Action For Kids for the brilliant new car seat!”

Trevor Jones, Dealer Principal at Stephen James Enfield, who presented the new car seat to Kai and Amy today, said: “We are delighted to hand over the specially designed car seat to Kai and his mum.

“It’s a great piece of kit which we know will help Kai and his mum travel in much more ease and comfort and we are all really looking forward to seeing what a difference it makes to them both.”

Lyn Prodger, Corporate Partnerships Manager at Action For Kids, who attended the presentation, said. “We are always pleased to be able to help support young people like Kai.

“We know that the new car seat will offer him great benefits and we look forward to hearing how Kai is getting on over the next few months.”

To find out more about Action For Kids and its work, please visit the website www.actionforkids.org.

FrithRugs 'Vibrance' Collection comes with a health warning

by Ethos public relations

FrithRugs has issued a health warning with the launch of its latest collection of new rugs – sunglasses may be necessary.

The FrithRugs Vibrance Collection features a quite literally dazzling array of rugs that are guaranteed to sweep the dark, dreary days of winter well and truly behind us. From tangerine to turquoise – from shocking pink to electric blue – these fabulous funky rugs are going to make a bold statement in any room of the house.

And the daring designs come with the quality you would expect from the UK’s biggest rug and large rug retailer.

They are handmade in India and made from 100% wool. The Vibrance Collection is exclusive available to FrithRugs online and in store and rugs are available in a range of sizes. A 2.44 m x 1.52 m rug (8' x 5') retails at £299.00 – sunglasses not included!

To read other news from FrithRugs click here.

Devon residents have opportunity to shake up energy market

by Ethos public relations

As a new report calls on the government to overhaul the “closed shop” energy market, the UK’s leading expert in community-owned renewable energy schemes is urging Devon residents to support new co-operatively owned wind energy projects in North Devon and South Hams.

Energy4All, a not-for-profit organisation that facilitates and supports community ownership of renewable energy generation in the UK, says the study by social and economic think-tank ResPublica, is a positive step for all those who believe in co-operative solutions to climate change.

John Malone, Development Director at Energy4All, says: “We very much welcome the report, which advises government to ‘embrace community schemes’ and warns that failure to support the community sector will have serious consequences on the government’s climate change, emissions and fuel poverty targets.”

He adds: “The proposed co-operative will provide an opportunity for the people of Devon to contribute to this transformation of the energy market and to engage with the issues of climate change and energy insecurity.

“Devon is almost totally dependent on its neighbours for its electricity and this project offers the chance to begin to put that right in a way that benefits local people rather than major corporations. Co-operatives are democratically run on a one member, one vote principle, ensuring control by the ordinary members.”

The aim is for the new Devon Community Wind Co-operative to own and operate two medium sized wind turbines at Bratton Fleming in North Devon and at Higher Torr in South Hams. The two sites will each have an installed capacity of up to 1.5MW and are being developed by ClearWinds working in partnership with Energy4All.

The intention is that the whole project will be owned by the new co-operative which will offer the opportunity for local residents and people living across Devon to purchase a stake and to receive annual share interest payments from the sale of the electricity generated by the turbines. The projects will also provide a fund for use on energy efficiency and climate change awareness projects in the local area.

The Devon Community Wind Co-operative would welcome your support.

If you are interested in supporting the wind energy projects, helping with the set-up of the co-operative, being involved in discussions about the community funds or simply would like to be kept informed then please contact John Malone, Development Director at Energy4All on 01229 821028 or email info@energy4all.co.uk.

For more information about Energy4All and its projects, please visit www.energy4all.co.uk or to find out more about ClearWinds visit www.clearwinds.co.uk.

To read other news from Energy4All click here.

New £60,000 Community Challenge Prize now open to applications

by Ethos public relations

As new figures show that over eight million people - almost a fifth of people in the UK - buy in bulk co-operatively, a new £60k community buying innovation challenge opens to applications today.

The ‘Buy Better Together Challenge’ is encouraging more and more people to think collectively to combine their buying power.

The research, carried out by Co-operatives UK, the national trade body for co-operative enterprises, reveals that 17% of people already buy in bulk with others.

The community challenge prize, launched by Co-operatives UK and the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) hopes to see this increase throughout 2012 by encouraging new models of community buying.

The challenge is now open to applications from groups and organisations within the public, voluntary or business sectors, which focus on creating new or developing existing community buying schemes.

To give guidance to applicants there are three challenges. They are:

- Challenge One: A project aimed at creating a platform, tool or vehicle to help individuals to come together and form a community buying group.

- Challenge Two: A project aimed at enabling existing or new community groups to develop their purchasing power by working collectively.

- Challenge Three: A project aimed at businesses to empower their employees or consumers to group for community buying.

The ‘Buy Better Together Challenge’ £60k pot will go towards training and mentoring for stand out projects and includes £15k for the overall winner.

Norman Lamb, recently appointed Consumer Affairs Minister, said: “The Buy Better Together Challenge is a fantastic partnership between BIS and Co-operatives UK and gives groups a great opportunity to deliver real deals and social benefits for their communities.

“I would encourage communities and businesses to get involved, read the guide on how to get started and submit an entry to the challenge on the website. Community buying has a range of uses to give consumers a bigger voice - from food co-operatives to heating oil groups – and I look forward to seeing the innovative ideas later this year.”

Ed Mayo, Secretary General of Co-operatives UK, said: “Co-operative buying, whether informal with friends, student food co-ops or of crowd-sourcing online, is a growing trend among consumers and a good way to make your money go further. Our research shows that almost 20% of people are buying co-operatively and with household budgets under such a squeeze, we are finding more interest than ever in co-operative models of business.

“The ‘Buy Better Together Challenge’ is intended to stimulate enterprise and promote shared learning and we look forward to receiving many innovative and inspiring ideas!”

All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 2069 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 13th - 15th February 2012. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all UK adults (aged 18+).

To find out more about the ‘Buy Better Together Challenge’ and to complete an application form, please visit www.bis.gov.uk/buying.

You can also join the conversation on Twitter by using #communitybuy. If you would like to speak to somebody in more detail about the Challenge, please call the helpline number – 0207 215 6570.

To read other news from Co-operatives UK click here.

Oldham community centre gets a revamp

by Ethos public relations

The much used and well loved community centre for the Avenues & Hollins Tenants & Residents Association in Oldham has recently been fitted with a brand new kitchen thanks to social landlord Contour Homes, part of Symphony Housing Group, and funding from the National Lottery.

Shanine Meadowcroft from Contour Homes said: “The community centre is home to a large number of groups in the area, and the building, which was built in 1981, was in dire need of a replacement kitchen after 30 years of use.”

Contour Homes helped the residents association apply for financial support through the ‘Awards for All’ lottery scheme which provides grants to local community-based projects in the UK. Funding was secured last year and also included money for kitchen furniture, flooring, and electrics.

Shanine said: “The kitchen is used on a regular basis and plays an important part in community activities that take place at the centre.

“The renovation project has provided a more spacious, safe and efficient kitchen facility which will contribute to the success of future activities in a clean and modern environment.”

Throughout the year there are lots of activities hosted at the centre and groups using it include toddlers and parents, youth groups, older people and estate residents on training sessions.

To read other news from Contour Homes click here.

New play area for Limeside residents in time for Spring

by Ethos public relations

A new play area at Limeside Park in Oldham officially opened this week just in time for Spring.

Oldham Roughyed’s mascot, Roary, joined local group, Limeside ‘Friends of the Park’ for a ribbon cutting ceremony to mark the official opening of the play area, which was constructed after the group secured £50,000 from the Community Spaces scheme.

The scheme helps community groups in England create or improve green, open spaces to enhance people’s quality of life and has helped to provide traditional equipment for the play area including swings, a climbing frame and a roundabout-which is also wheelchair accessible.

Sarah Furbey, Community Development Worker for Contour Homes and Secretary of ‘Friends of the Park’, said:

“It is fantastic to see this new play area open to the public in time for Spring.

“We hope the new modern equipment will encourage parents to bring their children to the park where they can play safely and enjoy the fresh air and exercise.”

The opening event saw local residents and their children enjoy an afternoon of face painting, circus skills and balloon modelling, plus they had the chance to try out the brand new equipment.

Sarah added: “The event was a lovely way to officially open the play area. The children of Limeside finally have somewhere suitable to play and we are so grateful for the huge amount of support we’ve had.

“Without the funding this just would not have been possible.”

The group has also secured another £6,000 from the Natwest ‘Community Force’ scheme, an initiative that supports local people, projects and charities and £14,000 from the Procure Plus ‘Sense of Place’ scheme which helps to finance construction-based projects.

This additional funding will help to provide further equipment which will be added to the existing play area.

Click here to read more press releases for Contour Homes from Ethos public relations

‘Loyalty is key to our Retailers and to the community’

by Ethos public relations

“It’s time to inject a big dose of community into retailer loyalty schemes,” says Tony Meehan, Chief Executive of HometownPlus.

Launching a new white paper on where next for loyalty schemes, Tony says: “Retailers’ loyalty schemes have, in recent years, focused on providing benefits to the retailer and its shareholders rather than instilling a real sense of community that could pay dividends both to the local community and the retailer itself.

“Town-wide community loyalty schemes, using smart card technology to connect individuals and organisations but which also reward citizens for volunteering can lead the fight against declining towns and high streets and really bring the communities back to life.”

To date, schemes such as Tesco Clubcard have focused on how the retailer can ‘exploit’ customer information in order to improve its performance. Loyalty in such a scheme is targeted to maximise benefit to one side only, namely Tesco, argues the HometownPlus white paper.

But it does not have to be that way. HometownPlus, a community loyalty scheme, delivers the transactional element of contribution and reward, but has wider ambitions.

HometownPlus aims to improve communities and the well-being of local people, creating a sense of belonging, pride and increased prosperity, by bringing together individuals, businesses and local authorities and rewarding all parties for their participation.

According to Tony Meehan, a mutual scheme such as HometownPlus, can deliver so much more than a ‘Clubcard’ in that it can bring benefits to retailers and customers.

HometownPlus not only enables local town centre retailers to be more competitive and engage with the right customer, through the right offer at the right time and place but it also gives consumers the information they want, when they want it, where they want it.

HometownPlus can also provide a local brokering service between members with spare assets, such as cars, domestic tools or spare bedrooms and members needing these things. This mutual collaboration benefits both parties.

Changes in shopping patterns and the rise of the internet are resulting in major challenges to both retailers and communities, says Tony.

“Now really is the time to establish mutually rewarding behaviour and facilitate community co-operation. Then we might be able to counteract decline and rebuild local communities.”

A copy of the white paper, From Loyalty to Community: an Enabling Platform, is available to download now at http://hometownplus.co.uk/_lib/downloads/whitepaper.pdf.

For more information about HometownPlus, please visit www.hometownplus.co.uk.

To read other news from HometownPlus click here.

CIH embraces e-learning

by Ethos public relations

Several housing associations recently attended the launch event of a partnership between e-learning experts Housing e-Academy and the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH). The partnership will see CIH members given access to Housing e-Academy training in order to work towards their continual professional development record.

Housing e-Academy, a division of Virtual College, with over 700,000 learners, already works with over 100 social housing providers across the UK and sees this partnership as providing an opportunity for more organisations to embrace this cost effective training and learning route.

Chloe Weatherhead, Head of Housing e-Academy, said: ‘More and more social housing providers are beginning to see the benefits of e-learning, such as having a consistent training programme in place for all staff and the ability to train staff who work remotely.

“The partnership with CIH will make learning even more cost effective and is a great opportunity for CIH members.”

The Housing e-Academy and CIH partnership will allow CIH members to receive 15% off the Housing e-Academy’s Professional Individual Membership (PIM). The PIM allows users to access three continuing professional development accredited courses, making it the perfect solution for those who require further training for their CIH development record.

Red Kite Community Housing, North Hertfordshire Homes, Poplar HARCA and Habinteg Housing were among the attendees who were keen to take advantage of the new offer.

Martin Winn, Director of Professional Development, CIH, said: “I am delighted that we are working with Virtual College to develop the e-Academy. Its specialist experience in delivering e-learning courses mean that we will be able to offer high quality courses at an excellent price.

“In future, everyone working in housing will be able to access these courses wherever they are in the country and be able to learn at any time to suit their work commitments and lifestyle.”

CIH members can access this training via the Housing e-Academy website – www.housingea.co.uk For more information about e-learning call 01943 885085 or e-mail info@housingea.co.uk

To read other news from Housing e-Academy click here.

Leading Economist predicts era of ‘Co-op Capitalism’

by Ethos public relations

Leading Economist, Professor Noreena Hertz, who for more than two decades has made accurate predictions about economic trends, has named ‘Co-op Capitalism’ as the next economic era.

In a paper published today by Co-operatives UK, Professor Hertz states that ‘The model of capitalism that was dominant for the past 30 years has clearly failed. It’s time to embrace a new model of capitalism, Co-op Capitalism, for reasons of social justice but also enlightened self interest.

“Co-op Capitalism offers a new way forward that reconnects the economy with society and puts collaboration, community and the collective first.”

The ‘Co-op Capitalism’ paper highlights how other countries, with a more co-operative mindset, are growing because of a more collaborative relationship between the state, market, individual and society. It also highlights how businesses that embrace the Co-op ethic are weathering the economic downturn better than traditional ones.

According to Professor Hertz, the next economic era of ‘Co-op Capitalism’ will have four distinctive characteristics:

- Community and collective will be valued as we recognise that connections allow us to achieve more that we could by ourselves.

- ‘How’ we interact will matter, as the process and quality of relationships is viewed as integral to what it is we achieve.

- Connections and networks will be recognised as having economic and social value.

- Collaboration will be recognised as having the potential to trump competition.

“In the Co-op Capitalism era” says Professor Hertz “the businesses that thrive will be those that acknowledge the power of collaboration, are able to engage in meaningful ways with their customers, workers and suppliers, are proficient in investing in long term relationships and embrace the ethos of co-creation and co-design.”

Commenting on the publication, Ed Mayo, Secretary General of Co-operatives UK, says: “It is no coincidence that in thriving economies such as the BRIC countries (Brazil, Russia, India and China) fifteen percent of their population are member-owners of co-operative enterprises. Co-operation is a proven global model that is well-equipped to meet new economic needs.”

Professor Noreena Hertz will present ‘Co-op Capitalism’ in a keynote speech at ‘The Co-operative Opportunity’ in London on Wednesday 15 February 2012.

To read other news from Co-operatives UK click here.

Families move into new homes

by Ethos public relations

Contour Homes, part of Symphony Housing Group, has recently handed over the keys to 11 new homes on Vernon Street in Bolton - bringing affordable family homes to Bolton and bringing one family in particular together.

Paul Ainscow is a divorcee and has been living in a hostel for several months. His two teenage children had opted to live with him but they had to remain separated until a suitable family home became available. Thanks to this new scheme, the Ainscow family is now re-united.

“The kids are thrilled with the move,” said 47 year old Paul. “We know this area well and they have lots of mates living close by.

“It’s fabulous for me to move from the hostel to a family home again and it’s really handy for town as well as local shops,” said Paul. “Even my doctor’s surgery is close by – we couldn’t have wished for a better location.”

The social landlord has developed this £1.2 million project with a £615,000 grant from the Homes and Communities Agency and assistance from Bolton Council to develop these new family homes for rent.

Louise Marsden from the company said: “Working closely with the Council we recognised the need for high quality family homes in this area. We are delighted to have completed the scheme and provided much needed affordable accommodation to the local community."

The architect designed homes comprise a kitchen/diner, living room and downstairs cloakroom as well as three bedrooms, a family bathroom, a rear garden and parking.

Situated close to Bolton Town Centre, other local amenities include excellent public transport links and local shops less than half a mile away.

As well as developing the new properties, Contour Homes will also be improving the rear access road and altering the right of way to make the road a one way system which will also benefit the new residents.

14 year old Dana Ainscow a student at Smithills School added: “I really like this house a lot. It is quite quirky on the outside and inside it is really modern and I like the open plan feel it has.

“My brother Harrison is a student at Pendleton College and he is really pleased to be able to have his own bedroom again.

“In fact I think we are both going to be having lots of friends to stay because the house is so big and we are really proud of it.”

Click here to read more press releases for Contour Homes from Ethos public relations.

Apprenticeships available now in Salford

by Ethos public relations

This week (6th–10th February) is National Apprenticeship Week and with the number of young people not in employment or training (NEETs), at an all time high, apprenticeship programmes could help tackle the problem.

Salford based Contour Homes is part of the Symphony Housing Group which is looking to recruit four apprentices as part of the Salford 500 pledge. Alice Bennett who coordinates the apprenticeship programme at Contour explains:

“We have recently signed up to the Salford 500 pledge, a partnership between Salford City College, Trinity Business Training and the Salford business community. The pledge essentially wants to see 500 young people employed in meaningful apprenticeship programmes across the city.”

As part of its commitment, Symphony Housing Group has recently recruited 16 year old Amber Ormandy from the Lower Kersal and Charlestown area of Salford as an Apprentice in Business Administration. Amber received recognition for her involvement in the Salford 500 pledge by Hazel Blears MP who supports the scheme.

The housing company is no stranger to operating successful apprenticeships and has been running its own scheme for four years.

Gaynor Leary from the company said: “The apprenticeship programme allows us to deploy our apprentices where the business needs them most, giving us the flexibility to meet changing demands. It provides apprentices the opportunity to develop a wide range of skills and gain work experience in various departments.

“Participation in the scheme has provided us the opportunity to develop individuals, giving them the skills they need to be successful in their future career choices, whether they choose to remain with Symphony Housing Group or look for opportunities elsewhere.”

Three young people from the original apprenticeship scheme were recently provided with full time positions with the company in October 2011 and Alice is confident that as the new recruits develop in their roles to meet Symphony Housing Group’s high professional standards, it is likely that they will benefit from full time employment once they have successfully served their time with the company.

She said: “Statistics show that employees who come through this type of scheme are good for business thanks to their knowledge of the company and loyalty. I would encourage more businesses to get involved. It is hard work but it does pay off.”

For more information about apprenticeships with Symphony Housing Group, please contact alice.bennett@symphonyhousing.org.uk.

To read other news from Contour Homes click here.

Apprenticeship success for young people in Greater Manchester

by Ethos public relations

Next week (6th–10th February) is National Apprenticeship Week and with the number of young people not in employment or training (NEETs) at an all time high, apprenticeship programmes could help tackle the problem.

Contour Homes, part of the Symphony Housing Group, introduced its own apprenticeship programme in 2008 and says the scheme has worked well. Gaynor Leary from the company said:

“The Business Administration Apprenticeship Programme at our Salford Head Office is now in its fourth year. The apprenticeship programme allows us to deploy our apprentices where the business needs them most, giving us the flexibility to meet changing demands.

“It provides apprentices the opportunity to develop a wide range of skills and gain work experience in various departments.

Hannah Smith, Wes Cunningham and Kate Garner completed their apprenticeships in October 2011, and have all been given a full time job with the company.

Wes, 21, studied IT at college after leaving school but found it hard to get a job because he lacked real work experience. He recently completed his third year in the Group’s IT department.

“My apprenticeship helped me a great deal, as I not only learned the trade but also got that all important work experience,” he said. “My college course helped with the specifics of the job and I was able to apply the theory to the real world.”

Hannah, 19, has been employed as a receptionist. “When I left college I had good enough grades to go on to university,” she said. “But I just didn’t want to do more years of study with no guarantee of a job at the end of it. I knew that work experience would open more doors for me and I’m glad I made this decision.

“Many of my friends are in higher education but are building up debt. By the time they leave university, my career will have progressed even further – and I won’t have a student loan to pay off.”

Kate also 19, is now a Trainee Leasehold Administrator. Kate started her apprenticeship straight out of school at 16 and said: “I would highly recommend an apprenticeship. I have learned so much about people and business in these three years and it has paid off. I have a great career ahead of me.”

There are over 200 different types of Apprenticeship frameworks, covering more than 1,200 different job roles in a range of industry sectors, from engineering to boat building, veterinary nursing to accountancy but all three young people believe that more companies should offer apprenticeships.

Alice Bennett from Symphony Housing Group added: “We are delighted that through our apprenticeship scheme we have been able to offer three young people full time employment.

"Statistics show that employees who come through this type of scheme are good for business thanks to their knowledge of the company and loyalty. I would encourage more businesses to get involved. It is hard work but it does pay off.”

For more information about apprenticeships go to www.apprenticeships.org.uk. Vacancies are advertised online and you can choose from over 190 types of apprenticeships.

Click here to read more press releases for Contour Homes from Ethos public relations.

First members for pioneering new housing mutual

by Ethos public relations

Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH) recently held its first event to recruit Members to what will be the UK’s first tenant and employee co-owned mutual landlord.

In December last year, council tenants voted to create the UK’s first tenant and employee co-owned mutual landlord which will see ownership of 13,700 homes transferred from Rochdale Borough Council to RBH in March - placing members at the heart of the organisation.

RBH Chief Executive, Gareth Swarbrick, said: “This new model could help find solutions to the political and financial challenges now facing the sector and the active involvement of both tenants and employees will be crucial.

“Around 200 tenants attended our first launch event and we were delighted to see so many people come into town on a Saturday morning to give their support and be among the first to sign up for Membership of the new mutual.”

The event was hosted by Mervyn Wilson, Chief Executive and Principal of the Co-operative College, who told the tenant delegates that they were creating another historic moment in the rich history of co-operation in Rochdale.

“You are fulfilling some of the ambitions of the original 1844 pioneers whose vision also included housing,” he said. “I believe this model will be followed elsewhere in the country which makes you the new Rochdale pioneers – welcome to the global cooperative family!”

The mutual model adopted by RBH has a structure that includes Members at grass root levels which will include RBH employees and tenants. Members will have their voice heard via a Representative Body which they elect. This will comprise tenants, employees, council representatives and external stakeholders. It will monitor the success of the organisation, set policy framework and agree how to spend money. It will also appoint (and remove) the Board of Directors. The Board itself will be made up of eight non-executive directors and two executive directors.

Andrew Johnson, a tenant on the Constitution Committee, explained: “We have worked hard to develop the new constitution. As tenants and employees working together, we have the same goals – a strong RBH, owned by Members and delivering excellent services.”

Gareth Swarbrick adds: “Co-operation and mutual businesses are becoming widely accepted across all business sectors. People are looking for alternatives ways to operate that are seen to be fair and democratic and we know that what we are doing will be of major importance to RSLs, ALMOs and local authorities who are looking for new ways to deliver their services."

To read other news from Rochdale Boroughwide Housing click here.

Co-operatives UK warmly welcomes Move Your Money – ‘the campaign for our times’

by Ethos public relations

Co-operatives UK, the trade association for co-operative enterprises, applauds today’s launch of Move Your Money – a new campaign encouraging individuals to switch to a more ethical bank.

Based on a similar campaign in the United States, the UK campaign aims to encourage people to move their current and savings accounts to fairer and more local forms of bank – specifically credit unions, building societies and The Co-operative Bank.

Ed Mayo, Secretary General of Co-operatives UK, said: "We have co-operative and mutual options for current accounts and savings right across the UK and every pound is reinvested for good rather than for bad. At an individual level, you can't do everything to put an unfair economy right - but you can do something. Move Your Money is the new fair trade. It is THE campaign for our times."

Key facts on co-operative and mutual money are:

The demutualisation of some building societies from the late 1980s withdrew around 70% of assets from mutual building society and insurance sectors.

Since then, co-operative and mutual models have grown rapidly, focusing on a mix of meeting needs not met by mainstream banks, value for money and social responsibility.

Across Great Britain, there are now 465 credit unions that serve 870,000 members. £600 million is saved in credit unions. Building societies have £220 billion of UK savings.

Since the credit crunch, The Co-operative Bank has been named by the Financial Times as the world's most sustainable bank, while Nationwide Building Society has been listed by Global Finance Magazine as one of the world's safest financial institutions.

The UK Move Your Money campaign can aim to achieve the success of co-operatives on the continent. In the Netherlands, half the population is with the highly successful co-operative Rabobank, while in Germany co-operative banks have 30 million members.

Overall, European co-operative banks have 20% of the market.

To read other news from Co-operatives UK click here.

Happy days for solar

by Ethos public relations

Solar Direct Savings (SDS), a national solar PV installation company, says it is pleased and not surprised that the Court of Appeal has upheld a High Court ruling that Government cuts to the Feed-in Tariff (FIT) were unlawful and it has failed in its attempts to reduce themeans solar subsides.

Dave Langford from Cheshire-based SDS said: “This is great news for the industry and for consumers as it the current Feed-in Tariff (FIT) is likely to remain in place until 3 March 2012."

Under the FIT programme, people with solar panels are paid for the electricity they generate. The rate of 43.3p per kilowatt-hour has proved very popular and has encouraged huge take up of this renewable energy source.

The FIT was scheduled for review in April 2012 but the Government, in a shock move last year, tried to bring in a lower tariff of 21p much earlier.This resulted in a legal challenge by environmentalists and installers.

The High Court ruled that changing the tariffs before the end of an official consultation period was "legally flawed". The Government appealed and today’s decision upholds the original ruling. Dave adds:

“The irony is that we are essentially back to where we were in the first place. The FIT was due for review in April anyway and all the government has done is cause chaos across the industry, confuse thousands of consumers and cost the tax payer thousands of pounds in the courts.”

For information and clarification about the FIT rates go to www.solardirectsavings.co.uk.

To read other news from Solar Direct Savings click here.

Co-operatives UK applauds historic announcement by Prime Minister of a consolidated act for co-operatives

by Ethos public relations

Co-operatives UK, the trade association for co-operative enterprises, has warmly welcomed the announcement made by the government today (19 January) that they are to refer the legislation governing co-operatives and mutuals to the Law Commission.

The announcement, made by the Prime Minister David Cameron, means that the 17 separate pieces of legislation governing the sector, much of which dates back to 1965 and has been developed piecemeal, may now be consolidated into one Act.

Ed Mayo, Secretary General of Co-operatives UK, said: “The new act is intended to make it as easy and natural to form a co-operative as any other form of business. We are delighted to see the Coalition taking action to put co-operative businesses on an equal footing and create a diverse economy.

“Co-operatives, as well as being widely recognised for their ethical business practices, are a vital part of the British economy, employing more than 235,000 people, turning over more than £33 billion each year and generating a significant amount of wealth for the country.”

Co-operative businesses are already outperforming the UK economy and have grown by 20% since the start of the credit crunch. The consolidation of the legislation will create a more equal playing field for them by creating clarity and reducing running costs.

The announcement comes at the start of the United Nations International Year of Co-operatives, a global campaign to increase understanding of co-operative businesses.

To read other news from Co-operatives UK click here.

Co-operatives across the UK unite for launch of 2012 International Year

by Ethos public relations

Co-operatives up and down the country are gearing up for a flying start to the United Nations International Year of Co-operatives 2012, with a number of high profile events planned to kick start the year in style.

The United Nations has designated 2012 the International Year of Co-operatives. It is a unique opportunity to open the lid on some of the world’s best kept secrets. There are over I.4 million co-operatives across the globe, working in everything from farming to football, healthcare to housing. Between them they have nearly 1 billion members and over 3 billion people secure their livelihood through co-operatives.

On Thursday 12 January 2012 a number of events will take place to mark the start of the International Year. Co-operatives UK and The Co-operative Group are holding a live one-hour online debate in partnership with The Guardian.

There will be receptions in the Welsh and Northern Ireland Assemblies, along with tastings, conferences and book launches across the UK. Further afield, there will be celebrations in France and Portugal, Canada and China.

Activities for the International Year of Co-operatives will continue throughout 2012, with co-operatives in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland – and around the world – using the Year to show how co-operatives build a better world.

On 7 July, co-operative everywhere will celebrate International Co-operatives Day, whilst in the week of 29 October over 10,000 people from around the world are expected to attend Co-operatives United, a world co-operative festival and expo in Manchester.

Ed Mayo, Secretary General of Co-operatives UK, said: “2012 is a truly unique year for the co-operative movement.

“This is an opportunity for every co-operative, from locally owned community shops to national brands in the UK co-operative sector, to show how they build a better world by pursuing both economic viability and social responsibility.”

To find out more about the United Nations 2012 International Year of Co-operatives visit the ICA at www.2012.coop or the United Nations at http://social.un.org/coopsyear.

For further information about what is happening in the UK throughout the International Year, visit the Co-operatives UK website at www.uk.coop/2012.

Follow the action on social media by following @CooperativesUK on Twitter and visit the Facebook page, www.facebook.com/CooperativesUK.

To read other news from Co-operatives UK click here.

Winter proof your home

by Ethos public relations

There are still many more cold winter weeks ahead and this is the time when householders can experience problems. Assistant Director Steve Partner, part of the property regeneration team at Contour Homes, part of Symphony Housing Group, helps maintain thousands of properties and he shares of his top tips for winter proofing your home.

“Keeping warm is a top priority and the highest volume of call outs we receive at this time of year is around the heating system not working correctly,” he said.

“Frozen pipes can cause all kinds of problems, usually caused by the condensate pipe of your boiler - a waste pipe that carries condensation from the boiler to your drain outside. This can freeze which will cause your boiler to stop working.

“The best thing to do is avoid freezing pipes by keeping your heating on and running cold taps regularly.”

Steve said that all householders should know where their stop tap is located as it is imperative this is turned off in the event of any freezing, blockages or leaks. It is usually under the main sink.

If you are having problems with your boiler there are a few very obvious things you can do yourself before calling out an engineer. This includes checking the boiler and the isolation switch/plug are on – also making sure the thermostat is turned up.

“If we get severe weather as we did last year, it is often a good idea to have your own emergency kit at home,” said Steve. “This is particularly important if you find it difficult to get out or you live in a rural location.”

A home emergency kit could comprise torches and batteries, spare bulbs, warm clothing, a first aid kit, a telephone and useful numbers such as local police station, local doctors or a friend or neighbour. In addition, non perishable food could also be a good idea.

“Keeping warm is a top priority for everyone, especially the elderly,” adds Steve. “Keep curtains drawn and use draught excluders around doors and windows if you can feel cold air coming in.

“Finally, if you do have an elderly neighbour and we have a very cold spell, please spare a few minutes to check they are OK.”

To read other news from Contour Homes click here.

New powers allow credit unions to offer more services to many more people

by Ethos public relations

From 8 January 2012, people living in England, Scotland and Wales will begin to benefit from new credit union powers to deliver more services to more members and communities.

The new powers are the result of legal changes which give credit unions more flexibility to choose who can access their services. Credit unions will now be able to extend membership to more than one group of people, no matter where they live or work. For the first time, credit unions will be able to pay interest on deposits, instead of a dividend, and businesses and community organisations will be able to join a credit union and use the services it provides.

The changes will help individuals, businesses and other organisations access fair and affordable financial services in their communities and allow credit unions to provide a more effective alternative to high street banks on the one hand and high cost lenders and loan sharks on the other.

Up until now, credit unions have been hampered by outdated restrictions which meant all of their members had to have something in common – such as living in the same geographical area or working for the same employer – only individuals were able to become members, not organisations themselves, and credit unions could not pay interest on savings, only a retrospective dividend.

Credit unions no longer need to prove that all the eligible members have something in common, which will mean that credit union services can be extended to new groups much more easily. For instance, a credit union providing services to anyone living or working in Hull will now be able to serve all the employees of a company too, even if they do not live or work in Hull.

Credit unions will be able to begin to pay interest on savings, which will mean that people will be able to more easily compare the rates of return with other savings providers and it will help credit unions attract more savers.

The new rules also mean that organisations themselves can join a credit union (up to a maximum of 10% of the members) and use the financial services it provides. A community group, housing association or local employer, for example, may now be able to use a credit union to manage its money, with the added advantage that the money is kept in the community.

“These changes are a major breakthrough in the delivery of credit union services to communities around Britain,” said Mark Lyonette, Chief Executive of ABCUL – the Association of British Credit Unions.

“The new rules mean credit unions can now compete more effectively with banks and other lenders to provide fair and affordable financial services. Credit unions will be able to reach many more people, helping them to develop a savings habit, which can only be good for communities.”

Credit unions offer a range of services including savings accounts with payroll deduction, the Credit Union Current Account, the Credit Union Prepaid Card and an affordable source of credit.

For more information about the new credit union powers, the services provided by credit unions and who can benefit visit www.abcul.coop.

To make contact with a local credit union visit www.findyourcreditunion.co.uk or call ABCUL on 0161 832 3694.

To read other news from ABCUL click here.

New Year, New Job

by Ethos public relations

A Hollinwood Work Club, where job seekers can get advice and support on finding employment, has seen 50% of members successfully find a work placement in the eight weeks since the Club was launched.

The Club is run by Sarah Furbey, Contour Homes Community Development Worker, and she is helped by volunteers who have a wide range of skills and experience, including one who has worked in recruitment for over 14 years.

Support is also on offer from Hollinwood Children’s Centre, Regenda Housing and Limehurst Library.

Sarah said: “So far we have helped 18 people with writing a CV, interview techniques and guidance on how to search for jobs on the web. To date, nine of them are successfully in work placements as a direct result of the Club. We couldn’t have asked for better results.

The Club runs every Thursday between 1pm and 3pm at Limehurst Library with the next session on 5th January 2012.

“If you are looking for a job in 2012, then why not pop in to the Work Club?” said Sarah. “2012 could be your year.”

For more information on the Club or to book an appointment, call 0161 624 0351 or email limehurstlibrary@oldham.gov.uk.

To read other news from Contour Homes click here.

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