These were just two of the current topics facing the sector on the eve of a public spending review, which were considered at a seminar in Birmingham, hosted by property services provider, Apollo, and consultants Stradia.
Speakers at the seminar on savings and sustainability - introduced by Apollo’s Chief Executive, Dave Sheridan - were Andy Merrin, Apollo’s Sustainability Manager, and Nigel Barr, MD of Stradia, who addressed delegates from local authorities, housing associations, architects, consultants and suppliers.
Nigel Barr, whose specialist expertise covers open-book accounting, risk management and procurement, promoted the merits of early planning, collaborative working, and long-term contracts in creating efficiencies and cost savings. He raised a very firm question mark over the future of the established framework set-up.
Andy Merrin meanwhile addressed the government’s green strategy, focussing on the thinking behind its agenda, the direction in which it is heading and what it actually means to be energy efficient.
Among the emerging discussion points was the question of how the social housing sector will make best use of Green Deal scheme, and whether the available funding will be sufficient.
CEO, Dave Sheridan said of the seminar: “I am really proud that Apollo has been able to provide a platform for important and creative discussion on some very real and current issues facing the public sector.
“The quality of the debate and the contribution of those attending this seminar was invaluable and I look forward to repeating the exercise at future events."
Image: Apollo’s CEO, Dave Sheridan.
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