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News Release 15/08/2008
Travelwise Bronze Award for HomeZone Living
HomeZone Living was awarded this month with the Bronze Award by The Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Travelwise Awards Scheme for working towards reducing the negative impacts of transport activities in employee travel.
HomeZone Living achieved the Bronze Award for starting at least two initiatives. They have encouraged colleagues to cycle through the purchase of a HZ Bike, joined the Staffordshire Share a Lift scheme, and arranged for home working, thus reducing home-office travel.
Julie Walker, Director of Housing at HomeZone, said: "We are proud to have our efforts recognized by receiving the Travelwise Bronze award, and hope to achieve the Silver award in the future.
In conjunction with this, we have also developed a 'HZ Goes Green' initiative and have targets to reduce waste, recycle more & reuse what we can."
The Travewise Award scheme was launched as a joint venture between Staffordshire County Council and Stoke-on-Trent City Council. It is a free initiative that supports Staffordshire businesses to tackle the ever-growing problems associated with traffic congestion, and aims to raise awareness of the real costs on the health, economy and environment of the County.
Some of the potential benefits of HomeZone joining this awards scheme are an improved company environmental image; improved relations with local community; freeing up of car park land for development; financial savings from reduced mileage allowances/ payments, and increased staff travel choices.
Sonia Atkins, Staffordshire's Sustainable Travel Officer, states: "HomeZone have done great, making those important initial steps towards combating crucial environmental concerns of recent times. With HomeZone's proposed travel survey, we shall help them plan a suitable car share scheme for staff, and this will hopefully push them in the direction of the Silver award."
News Release 27/06/2008
THOUSANDS AT RISK OF BECOMING HOMELESS IN LICHFIELD
More than 3,500 people are seeking affordable housing in Lichfield and more are at risk of becoming homeless.
That's according to local housing association HomeZone Living which says that its waiting list for both rented and shared ownership property has risen by 258 per cent over the past five years. The revealing figures come as the chairman of the Local Government Association warns that by 2010 around five million people will be on social housing waiting lists. Sir Simon Milton blames property repossessions, the deepening credit crunch, restrictions on lending and a lack of affordable housing.
The Government is set to invest over £8billion to provide 70,000 homes each year by 2011. But the number of new homes being built by housing associations and local authorities throughout the UK has fallen to its lowest level since 1947.
HomeZone Living sources most of its new property from private house builders who must supply a percentage of their developments to Registered Social Landlords under the Section 106 agreement of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.
Julie Walker, spokesperson for HomeZone Living, said: "We have a strong relationship with Lichfield District Council and have been working closely with them to see how we can address the housing shortage. "Strong house price rises have put a huge amount of pressure on the local market as demand continues to outstrip supply. Our waiting lists have increased significantly in recent years as a result." "Working alongside local councillors, we are hoping to identify potential new areas in and around Lichfield where this issue can be resolved."
Average house prices in Lichfield now stand at over £220,000* - that's the equivalent of 10 times the average income**.
Julie added: "First time buyers are increasingly relying on their parents to help pay deposits and even their mortgages. Social housing need has become a much wider issue for many more families, especially young people in this area. "We will be working more closely with the council to resolve this growing issue by providing a wide range of accommodation for people desperately in need."
For more information about affordable housing and HomeZone Living visit www.homezonehousing.co.uk or call 01543 420 800.
*Latest figures from the Land Registry for England & Wales, 2008
**Figures from the Office for National Statistics, 2007
West Midlands Housing News 06/07/2007
Work Experience for International Students at HomeZone
HomeZone has taken on a number of students from around Europe, giving them work experience in a variety of roles to help them with their current studies. The students who came through European Training Services, a company specialising in Foreign exchange students, have been having a great time learning new skills, experiencing the nightlife and enjoying the hospitality of their host families.
Habi Coulibaly from Paris, Gerardo Sanz-Agero Benavides and Paco Moreno both from Granada, Antonio Garcia Martinez from Spain and Antonio Garcia from Seville, have been working with various teams within HomeZone.
Glyn Jones said: "It has been a real boost having the students here, their input and ideas have been great and we have all enjoyed helping each other gain new skills. We only wish our language skills were as good as theirs!"
Tamworth Times 05/07/2007
Villagers get safety advice
Representatives from the police, fire service, local council and various organisations such as HomeZone were on hand to give saftey advice and promote their services to residents who attended the a special Community Safety day at Hints, near Tamworth.
Lichfield Mercury 28/06/2007
Teens' home help
Young people in Lichfield preparing to leave social care are to take part in an independent living initiative to learn vital life skills. The young people will be given support and training in running a home, paying bills and learning to be part of a community.
Lichfield Post 07/06/2007
Toys get new home
Lichfield District Council's toy library has been moved to new premises in Dimbles Lane. Local residents can hire toys for two weeks at a time. Residents can also access information from a variety of organisations including HomeZone, Credit Union, Citizens Advice and much more
West Midlands Housing News 30/05/2007
HomeZone Launches Independent Living Scheme
HomeZone, part of Bromford Housing Group, has created an independent living unit for young adults aged 16-18 who are preparing to leave social care. The initiative has been developed in partnership with Staffordshire County Council's social services, Lichfield and Cannock Chase District Councils. It will enable young people to live on their own in a 'training flat' with support and training on how to run a home, pay bills and be part of a community. Young people have found this experience both rewarding and enjoyable.
West Midlands Housing News 29/05/2007
New Managing Director for HomeZone
A new managing director has been appointed at HomeZone. Amanda Reid is the new MD for HomeZone, which is now a part of Bromford Housing Group.
Northern Housing 29/05/2007
New MD for HomeZone
A new managing director has been appointed at HomeZone. Amanda Reid is the new MD for HomeZone, which is now a part of Bromford Housing Group.
Lichfield Mercury 12/04/2007
District housing group merger promises best use of expertise
Staffordshire based HomeZone officially joined forces with Bromford Housing Group. Together the partnership aims to make HomeZone the largest housing association provider in Staffordshire, and will in turn boost the Group's housing stock to 23,500. The partnership not only offers customers a greater choice and flexibility of housing, but also a shared commitment to pioneer new levels of service excellence.
24 Dash 03/04/2007
HomeZone joins forces with Bromford Group
Staffordshire based HomeZone officially joined forces with Bromford Housing Group. Together the partnership aims to make HomeZone the largest housing association provider in Staffordshire, and will in turn boost the Group's housing stock to 23,500. This will move Bromford closer to achieving its strategic goals, making the Group even stronger without losing its local focus. The partnership not only offers customers a greater choice and flexibility of housing, but also a shared commitment to pioneer new levels of service excellence. Colleagues will also be able to share opportunities across both organisations.
West Midlands Housing News 03/01/2007
Homezone plan to partner Bromford Housing Group
Lichfield based housing association, Homezone, are continuting to discuss plans to join Bromford Housing Group following endorsement from Lichfield District Council's Executive Committee.