Published: 5th January 2013
Wrekin Windows, the specialist supplier of low maintenance PVC-U windows to the social housing sector has supplied replacement windows for 486 properties in Preston. The residents of Moor Nook, a community area managed by the Community Gateway Association (CGA) will now benefit from improved security and increased thermal insulation.
“Overall customer satisfaction is at 100% with a current return rate of 90% which is fantastic,” said CGA contracts manager, Fiona Fisher. “Wrekin Windows has worked proactively with CGA to ensure that the programme has run smoothly. In the run up to completion, December 2012, Wrekin Windows supplied products efficiently to ensure that our customers could relax and enjoy the Christmas break.”
Community Gateway Association is the first social housing organisation in the UK to be set-up as a ‘community gateway’ and remains the only social landlord of its kind in the North of England.
“CGA is committed to providing high-quality homes. Our residents influence the way we manage their homes and neighbourhoods, and are represented on our board. Moor Nook has an Estate Management Board which comprises of 15 members including seven tenants, three council nominees and five independents,” said Fiona.
The decision was made to complete the Moor Nook area as a whole, replacing windows on 486 properties. Wrekin Windows were appointed as the supplier through Procure Plus, a north-west social housing procurement consortium, and chosen due to the company’s ability to deliver a quality product at a realistic price.
The white PVC-U windows are Secured by Design with A-rated glass, offering residents increased thermal efficiency and improved security. “It is important that we specify and install the right products,” continues Fiona. “The specification of a window means far more than a like-for like replacement, the options available to us today allow us to install products that offer long-life benefits and incorporate designs that meet our customers’ expectations.”
The residents of Moor Nook were consulted at the start of the programme, via representatives from the Estate Management Board and with CGA staff. They influenced important decisions, for example, the style of the kitchen window was revised as a result of customer feedback, this included a lower handle position so that it was easier to open and close when having to reach over the sink.
As a Community Gateway we include tenants at every stage of our planning and decision making processes. It isn’t until you live with something that you understand how it can be improved upon, that is why customer input is invaluable,” said Fiona. During installation CGA held a weekly surgery with the tenants to answer any queries or concerns they had.
The windows were installed by Preston-based Forrest, a building services and maintenance firm, also selected via Procure Plus. Feedback from customers regarding their service has been excellent.
John Williams, sales and marketing manager of Wrekin Windows added: “CGA has demonstrated an inspirational ability to consider and cater for the needs of its residents. In replacing windows across the entire Moor Nook estate they have significantly improved the energy efficiency of 486 properties, a great achievement.
“Wrekin Windows can supply windows and doors with impressive U values, and frames fabricated from recycled material if required, to further meet the Government’s ambitious carbon reduction and sustainability targets and aid social housing specifiers in their selection of appropriate and best practice products.”
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