8 Industry News


Fourth generation of ‘disruptor’ supplier framework announced


Social housing procurement services provider Procurement for Housing has confirmed 17 suppliers which have been appointed to the latest Social Housing Emerging Disruptors (SHED) framework, which supports local authorities and housing associations to procure “non-traditional solutions from ‘micro businesses’ and SMEs.” Tis fourth generation of the SHED framework,


which is worth up to £100m over three years, offers a wide range of innovative services, from thermal inspection drones and video repairs reporting for tenants to robotic underfloor insulation and real time data to improve damp and mould. PfH said it has “once again worked with the


Disruptive Innovators Network to discover the most innovative firms working in property technology today.” Te company set up the first SHED framework


four years ago, in response to feedback from housing associations and councils about “how difficult it was to procure emerging services from innovative start-ups.” PfH said: “Many fledgling firms with fresh ways


to tackle old issues such as damp and mould, net zero and building safety couldn’t break into the market because of tender bureaucracy. Tey didn’t have the resources to commit to the lengthy public procurement application process. Even when SMEs were able to bid, procurement


managers didn’t have the specialist knowledge to specify niche services. Although the market should lead the way, companies couldn’t scale their solutions because landlords were unable to procure them compliantly.” PfH has addressed these issues by ensuring


the SHED “is flexible and light touch in terms of bidding paperwork.” A portal then allows social landlords to do a quick desk-based selection process, identifying the supplier that best meets


their needs, and PfH’s team provides pricing information and supports the contracting process. Neil Butters, head of procurement at PfH


said: “We had a range of firms bidding for the SHED this year and the 17 winners offer a wide variety of services. Tat’s a sign of where the social housing sector is right now and the myriad of problems and competing priorities it faces. Te market is responding to those challenges and our job with the SHED is to nurture both the SME supply chain and innovative procurement in the sector – both key goals of the new Procurement Act.”


Annemarie Roberts, property lead at the


Disruptive Innovators Network said: “Housing directors are inundated with the problems and risks of today, and oſten they don’t have time to explore how technology and AI can support them. Te sector is operating in a massively challenging environment, and one of the ways to meet increasing expectations and standards is to deploy innovative solutions. Te SHED framework can help housing providers break this cycle, spot the best tech for their business and adopt it at scale.” For more info about the SHED4 framework visit procurementforhousing.co.uk/shed-frameworks


Sales falling but delivery on the rise


Te social housing sales and demolitions data published in February by the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government shows that there were 17,504 social housing sales in 2023-24, a 28% decrease on the previous year. During the same period, there were 13,964


sales of low-cost rental dwellings, an annual decrease of 25% and the lowest number since 2013-14. Low-cost home ownership sales decreased by 37% to 3,540, the lowest level since 2012-13. Demolitions also saw a 12% increase, rising to 3,625 in 2023-24. Tere were 62,289 affordable homes delivered


in England in 2023-24, a decrease of 2% on the previous year, but the second highest number


since 2014-5. 9,866 new affordable housing completions for social rent also reached the highest level since 2013-14. John Guest, national head of social housing and


partner at RSM UK, said: “Te slowdown of social housing sales last year is positive news for supply and will provide registered providers (RPs) with some respite maintaining existing stock and work towards government’s 2030 target for EPC ratings. But, when compared with new affordable housing completions for social rent (9,866), there is still a net loss of social housing sales. RPs therefore continue to face a challenging balancing act of managing tight margins, meeting demand and ensuring quality and safe existing stock.


“However, affordable homes are on the rise


with 62,289 delivered in 23-24, the second highest delivery level in the last ten years. Tis shows things are moving in the right direction and the sector is addressing housing needs and delivering new stock, broadly in line with the government’s planning overhaul to deliver 1.5m new homes.” He added: “Tere are still some concerns about


the viability of building 66,100 affordable each year, especially with incoming increases to employers’ National Insurance contributions which will further squeeze budgets. In order to realise this number, the sector needs more funding and clarity on the government’s five-year rent settlement plans. Tis will provide RPs with greater financial stability and certainty to plan, invest and build confidently to meet the government’s targets.”


Housing Management & Maintenance February/March 2025


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