New housing chief talks to town business people
Wednesday, 23rd June 2010.
Karen Mayhew, newly appointed chief executive of Havebury Housing Partnership, was the guest speaker at The Best of Haverhill business meeting which took place at The Days Inn, Haverhill, last week.
Karen was one of the original founding executive directors for Havebury, transfering from St Edmundsbury Borough Council in 2002. With many years experience of working in the housing sector Karen is also a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Housing, a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, and a member of the Institute of Directors.
Havebury is the largest landlord in Haverhill, managing just under 3000 homes in the town and surrounding villages. It has a clear vision to be the landlord, partner and employer of choice.
Karen told her audience of Haverhill business people: “We have very strong values at Havebury and we are very aware of our responsibilities as a landlord, work provider and employer. We aspire to excellence in all that we do.
"It is our mission to provide excellent housing and neighbourhood services which are fair, accountable, viable and innovative and to ensure pride in our communities. We may not always get it right but we listen and we ensure we have the systems in place to gather and respond to feedback.”
It would appear that Havebury do get it right most of the time. A report published in February ranked Havebury as number two in the country for customer service out of all the major landlords that participate in the HouseMark benchmarking club. Havebury scored 92 per cent, compared with a national average of 80 per cent.
Havebury has invested £36 million in new homes over the last six years with plans for continued investment in the future, heavily reliant upon the economic climate and government policy.
With an annual spend on external contractors of £16 million Havebury is keen to work with local businesses wherever possible. Contract details are posted to the Contracts page on the Havebury website (www.havebury.com) as soon as they are published in the local press.
Elaine Carr, owner of The Best of Haverhill, said: “Havebury is another prime example of the excellence that exists within the town, an organisation of which we should be proud. The provision of quality affordable homes is obviously at the heart of what Havebury does in Haverhill.
"However its impact in the community is far greater as the provider of employment and work opportunities and a key influencer in developing neighbourhoods and communities.
"I think some local business people at the meeting were surprised at the size and scope of the Havebury operation and the complexity of managing the housing stock to try to ensure the needs of the town are adequately met.
"Where possible, Havebury works with local businesses to deliver new homes and services in the area, which helps to generate and retain wealth within the local economy.
"Havebury is also committed to community projects and its Community Investment Fund has enabled a number of projects to get off the ground.
"As local businesses I think it is important that we understand the scope and roles of the different stakeholders in the town. Havebury is a major stakeholder and has very clear plans for future development in Haverhill.”
Two Best of Haverhill business members were awarded certificates for being highly recommended by their customers. Printwise is recommended for providing quality print and finishing, being reliable and proactive, and delivering a quick turnaround.
Tony Strowger Jewellers in Haverhill High Street offers an unusual range of jewellery and gifts, and is recommended for a bespoke, friendly service, providing invaluable advice, quality jewellery and offering a great range.
The next 'It’s Thursday with The Best of Haverhill' business event takes place at 10am on July 15, at The Days Inn, Haverhill.
If you are a local business and you would like to attend this free event please call Elaine Carr on 01440 710 158 or email Haverhill@thebestof.co.uk. If would like to find about more about The Best of Haverhill visit www.thebestof.co.uk/haverhill
Karen was one of the original founding executive directors for Havebury, transfering from St Edmundsbury Borough Council in 2002. With many years experience of working in the housing sector Karen is also a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Housing, a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, and a member of the Institute of Directors.
Havebury is the largest landlord in Haverhill, managing just under 3000 homes in the town and surrounding villages. It has a clear vision to be the landlord, partner and employer of choice.
Karen told her audience of Haverhill business people: “We have very strong values at Havebury and we are very aware of our responsibilities as a landlord, work provider and employer. We aspire to excellence in all that we do.
"It is our mission to provide excellent housing and neighbourhood services which are fair, accountable, viable and innovative and to ensure pride in our communities. We may not always get it right but we listen and we ensure we have the systems in place to gather and respond to feedback.”
It would appear that Havebury do get it right most of the time. A report published in February ranked Havebury as number two in the country for customer service out of all the major landlords that participate in the HouseMark benchmarking club. Havebury scored 92 per cent, compared with a national average of 80 per cent.
Havebury has invested £36 million in new homes over the last six years with plans for continued investment in the future, heavily reliant upon the economic climate and government policy.
With an annual spend on external contractors of £16 million Havebury is keen to work with local businesses wherever possible. Contract details are posted to the Contracts page on the Havebury website (www.havebury.com) as soon as they are published in the local press.
Elaine Carr, owner of The Best of Haverhill, said: “Havebury is another prime example of the excellence that exists within the town, an organisation of which we should be proud. The provision of quality affordable homes is obviously at the heart of what Havebury does in Haverhill.
"However its impact in the community is far greater as the provider of employment and work opportunities and a key influencer in developing neighbourhoods and communities.
"I think some local business people at the meeting were surprised at the size and scope of the Havebury operation and the complexity of managing the housing stock to try to ensure the needs of the town are adequately met.
"Where possible, Havebury works with local businesses to deliver new homes and services in the area, which helps to generate and retain wealth within the local economy.
"Havebury is also committed to community projects and its Community Investment Fund has enabled a number of projects to get off the ground.
"As local businesses I think it is important that we understand the scope and roles of the different stakeholders in the town. Havebury is a major stakeholder and has very clear plans for future development in Haverhill.”
Two Best of Haverhill business members were awarded certificates for being highly recommended by their customers. Printwise is recommended for providing quality print and finishing, being reliable and proactive, and delivering a quick turnaround.
Tony Strowger Jewellers in Haverhill High Street offers an unusual range of jewellery and gifts, and is recommended for a bespoke, friendly service, providing invaluable advice, quality jewellery and offering a great range.
The next 'It’s Thursday with The Best of Haverhill' business event takes place at 10am on July 15, at The Days Inn, Haverhill.
If you are a local business and you would like to attend this free event please call Elaine Carr on 01440 710 158 or email Haverhill@thebestof.co.uk. If would like to find about more about The Best of Haverhill visit www.thebestof.co.uk/haverhill
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