Membership that works

Direct Works – 15th October 2025 Seminar Unlocking the Future Workforce – Join Us at the Direct Works Skills Seminar Venue: King's House Conference Centre, Manchester Sydney Street, Manchester Our upcoming Direct Works Skills Seminar, a high-impact event dedicated to tackling the skills gap, apprenticeships, upskilling, and trade careers within our sector. Highlights of the day include: The Real Skills Crisis – What the Data Tells Us Deborah Madden, Executive Director, Nations Engagement, CITB Boosting Retention & Outcomes with Remote Apprenticeship Training Ettan Bazil, Founder & CEO, Help me Fix Upskilling the Workforce – Practical Approaches Jen Radcliffe, Head of Partnerships, Thrive PfP Winning Hearts – Attracting Tenants into Training & Careers Mark Coogan (St Ledger Homes), Doncaster College & Doncaster Council Interactive Round Table: “What Can We Do Differently?” Chaired by the Direct Works Steering Group We look forward to seeing you there. To register your interest, please email: julie.thompson@directworksgroup.co.uk REMEMBER: Events are part of your membership, with no additional costs to attend!    

  09:30 – 09:40 | Welcome & Introduction Welcome attendees.​ Presented by Direct Works Group (Russell Thompson & Mike Wilson) Opening remarks Overview of the seminar's objectives Introduction to Direct Works Group's mission and services​ 09:40 - 10:20 | Session 1 – “Data to Decisions: Leveraging AI & Analytics for Operative Performance” Presented by Dave Carr - Propeller Real-time data tracking Predictive performance insights Automating scheduling and job allocation​ 10:20 – 11:10 | Session 2 – “Smart Stock: Materials Management” Presented by Jewson – Helen Schoolar, Director of Strategic Partnerships Just-in-time delivery Van stock optimisation Use of Technology ​Streamlining Processes 11:10 – 11:30 | Break & Networking Get yourself a brew and chat with colleagues online.​ 11:30 – 12:10 | Session 3 – “The AI-Ready Operative: Future Skills & Recruitment” Presented by Richard Hattersley & Tony Bird – Hays Upskilling for AI-integrated workflows Evolving operative profiles Attracting and retaining future-ready talent​   12:10 – 12.50 | Session 4 – “Procurement Smarts: Enhancing Efficiency Through Intelligent Buying” Presented by Procure Plus – Matt Jarratt and colleagues New Procurement Act and the implications to DLOs Demand planning and spend analysis Smarter supply chain collaboration   12.:50 – 13:30 | Lunch 13:30 – 14:10 | Session 5 – “Field-Tested: Case Studies in Operative Efficiency” Case study showcase presented by Nick Shipton - MoreIQ  Real examples from Direct Works members using affiliate partner services Lessons learned and ROI insights 14:10 – 14:50 | Session 6 – “Next Horizon: The Future of AI in Housing” Presented by Astrid Bowser, Principal Product Manager - OneAdvanced Emerging AI trends shaping housing operations and asset management The role of generative AI in customer services, diagnostics, and repairs Ethical considerations and responsible AI in the public sector Smart homes and IoT integration in social housing Regulatory readiness and digital governance Roadmap for AI adoption over the next 5–10 years   14:50 – 15:00 | Closing Remarks Presented by Russell Thompson, Direct Works Key takeaways Upcoming initiatives How to stay involved​ Register now via Teams: Microsoft Virtual Events Powered by Teams Please contact marketing@directworksgroup.co.uk  if you have any queries.