15 JANUARY 2009
QUANTUM CELEBRATES THIRD ANNIVERSARY!

Quantum is celebrating its third year by calling for social landlords and local authorities to work closer together to build new affordable homes.

The group of housing associations who are members of the Quantum Consortium believe that closer partnerships will help meet the growing need for affordable housing in the current economic climate.

Quantum developed a contractor and consultant framework last year, led by key member Derwent Living, to achieve economies of scale, greater partnership working and a high quality of service from contractors and consultants.

Now, following a competitive tendering process, a list of approved suppliers has been drawn up, who can bid for work at the upcoming developments of affordable homes with Quantum across the east midlands.

All of the successful applicants had to show a commitment to working in partnership, be able to demonstrate effective management of performance and quality and most importantly, were able demonstrate an understanding of the diverse needs of Quantum’s customers.

Derwent Living also led the launch of Quantum’s design initiative in the last year to raise the standards of house building. The initiative has seen the Quantum members involving tenants at the design stage so they can contribute their thoughts on new homes.

Quantum consists of three developing members – EMH (East Midlands Housing), Derwent Living and Futures Housing Group - together with four partner members - Advance Housing Association, Foundation HA, Rockingham Forest HA and Wellingborough Homes.

Jim Patman, Development Director at EMH and lead investment partner of Quantum, said: “There have been some dramatic changes in the housing market this year, not least the challenging economic conditions and the joint creation of the Homes and Communities Agency and the Tenant Services Authority.

“But these changes also provide opportunities and by being creative, open to new partnerships with local authorities and developers, and committed to our customers, Quantum will continue to develop affordable homes and make a real difference to people’s lives.” 

Paul Casey, Development Director at Derwent Living, said: “The last year has been extremely productive for Quantum launching the design initiative and contractor and consultant framework.

“As one of the key partners, Derwent Living will continue to share best practice and work in partnership to build new affordable homes.”

The consortium manages more than 30,000 homes across the Midlands and beyond and was launched to deliver affordable housing schemes, follow the principles of good development and share skills, knowledge and best practice. 

In 2006-2008, Quantum met all its key performance targets set by the Housing Corporation, resulting in the continued acceptance of EMH as lead investment partner for the 2008-2011 programme.

In the 2008-2011 bid round the Quantum Consortium members collectively secured over £13M of Housing Corporation funds with negotiations for further funding on-going to enable delivery of hundreds of new affordable homes.

It is one of just 108 organisations across the country, which has been selected to deliver the Housing Corporation’s affordable housing programme.

EMH has recently won an Affordable Housing Scheme of the Year award, from the publishers of Northern Housing for a scheme at Hill Court, Bushby, in Leicestershire.

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