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X-WR-CALNAME:Direct Works
X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://directworksgroup.co.uk/legacy
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Direct Works
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DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260311
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260312
DTSTAMP:20260417T172611
CREATED:20260312T175525Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260312T191438Z
UID:5375-1773187200-1773273599@directworksgroup.co.uk
SUMMARY:Raising the Bar: High Performing Repairs Services for Today’s Housing Challenges”
DESCRIPTION:Direct Works Live Seminar – Raising the Bar: High Performing Repairs Services for Today’s Housing Challenges” \nWednesday 11th March 2026 \n9:30-15:30 \n\nKings House Conference Centre\,  \n\n\n\nSidney Street\, Manchester. M1 7HB\n\n\n\n\nView the recording of the event at www.youtube.com/@directworks9005 \n  \n\n\n\nTime\nAgenda Item\nSpeakers\n\n\n9.30 – 10.00\nRegistration\n\n\n\n10.00 – 10.15\nWelcome and Direct Works Update\nRusell Thompson\n\n\n10.15 – 11.15\nHMS – “Growth\, Transformation and Customer Success — The Transformation Story”\nJohn Barrow MD and Team – HMS\n\n\n11.15 – 11.30\nBreak\n\n\n\n11.30 – 12.30\nHMS – “How Leaders Make Transformation Stick”\nJohn Barrow MD and Team – HMS\n\n\n12.30 – 13.30\nLunch & Networking\n\n\n\n13.30 – 13.15\nEngage Me – “From Insight to Impact: Using Resident Engagement\, Data and AI to Improve Repairs and Trust”\nGarry Sneddon\n\n\n13.15 – 14.00\nIndependent Builders Merchants Group- “From Merchant to Strategic Partner: Using Supply Chains to Improve Productivity\, Reliability and Trust\, having a credible\, sector-savvy supply chain voice”\nStuart Hough MD \nRita Lad – Sales Director\n\n\n14.00 – 14.45\nDwelling Doctors – “Beyond Compliance: Delivering Safe\, Defensible and Trust-Building Damp & Mould Solutions”\nChris Blackburn Partnerships Manager
URL:https://directworksgroup.co.uk/legacy/event/raising-the-bar-high-performing-repairs-services-for-todays-housing-challenges/
LOCATION:King’s House Conference Centre\, Manchester\, Sidney Street\, Manchester\, M17HB\, United Kingdom
ORGANIZER;CN="Julie%20Thompson":MAILTO:julie.thompson@directworksgroup.co.uk
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20251015T090000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20251015T150000
DTSTAMP:20260417T172611
CREATED:20241204T195823Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260312T183625Z
UID:4806-1760518800-1760540400@directworksgroup.co.uk
SUMMARY:Live Seminar - October 2025
DESCRIPTION:Direct Works – 15th October 2025 Seminar\nUnlocking the Future Workforce – Join Us at the Direct Works Skills Seminar\nVenue: King’s House Conference Centre\, Manchester Sydney Street\, Manchester\nOur upcoming Direct Works Skills Seminar\, a high-impact event dedicated to tackling the skills gap\, apprenticeships\, upskilling\, and trade careers within our sector. \nHighlights of the day include:\n\nThe Real Skills Crisis – What the Data Tells Us\nDeborah Madden\, Executive Director\, Nations Engagement\, CITB\nBoosting Retention & Outcomes with Remote Apprenticeship Training\nEttan Bazil\, Founder & CEO\, Help me Fix\nUpskilling the Workforce – Practical Approaches\nJen Radcliffe\, Head of Partnerships\, Thrive PfP\nWinning Hearts – Attracting Tenants into Training & Careers\nMark Coogan (St Ledger Homes)\, Doncaster College & Doncaster Council\nInteractive Round Table: “What Can We Do Differently?”\nChaired by the Direct Works Steering Group\n\nWe look forward to seeing you there. \nTo register your interest\, please email: \njulie.thompson@directworksgroup.co.uk \nREMEMBER: Events are part of your membership\, with no additional costs to attend! \nView recordings of the event www.youtube.com/@directworks9005 \n 
URL:https://directworksgroup.co.uk/legacy/event/live-seminar-october-2025/
LOCATION:King’s House Conference Centre\, Manchester\, Sydney Street\, Manchester\, M17HB\, United Kingdom
ORGANIZER;CN="Julie%20Thompson":MAILTO:julie.thompson@directworksgroup.co.uk
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250702T093000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250702T150000
DTSTAMP:20260417T172611
CREATED:20241204T195700Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250611T095734Z
UID:4804-1751448600-1751468400@directworksgroup.co.uk
SUMMARY:Online Seminar: Smarter\, Faster\, Better - Operative Efficiency & the AI Opportunity
DESCRIPTION:  \n09:30 – 09:40 | Welcome & Introduction \nWelcome attendees.​ \nPresented by Direct Works Group (Russell Thompson & Mike Wilson) \n\nOpening remarks\nOverview of the seminar’s objectives\nIntroduction to Direct Works Group’s mission and services​\n\n09:40 – 10:20 | Session 1 – “Data to Decisions: Leveraging AI & Analytics for Operative Performance” \nPresented by Dave Carr – Propeller \n\nReal-time data tracking\nPredictive performance insights\nAutomating scheduling and job allocation​\n\n10:20 – 11:10 | Session 2 – “Smart Stock: Materials Management” \nPresented by Jewson – Helen Schoolar\, Director of Strategic Partnerships \n\nJust-in-time delivery\nVan stock optimisation\nUse of Technology\n​Streamlining Processes\n\n11:10 – 11:30 | Break & Networking \nGet yourself a brew and chat with colleagues online.​ \n11:30 – 12:10 | Session 3 – “The AI-Ready Operative: Future Skills & Recruitment” \nPresented by Richard Hattersley & Tony Bird – Hays  \n\nUpskilling for AI-integrated workflows\nEvolving operative profiles\nAttracting and retaining future-ready talent​\n\n  \n12:10 – 12.50 | Session 4 – “Procurement Smarts: Enhancing Efficiency Through Intelligent Buying” \nPresented by Procure Plus – Matt Jarratt and colleagues \n\nNew Procurement Act and the implications to DLOs\nDemand planning and spend analysis\nSmarter supply chain collaboration\n\n  \n12.:50 – 13:30 | Lunch \n13:30 – 14:10 | Session 5 – “Field-Tested: Case Studies in Operative Efficiency” \nCase study showcase presented by Nick Shipton – MoreIQ  \n\nReal examples from Direct Works members using affiliate partner services\nLessons learned and ROI insights\n\n14:10 – 14:50 | Session 6 – “Next Horizon: The Future of AI in Housing” \nPresented by Astrid Bowser\, Principal Product Manager – OneAdvanced \n\nEmerging AI trends shaping housing operations and asset management\nThe role of generative AI in customer services\, diagnostics\, and repairs\nEthical considerations and responsible AI in the public sector\nSmart homes and IoT integration in social housing\nRegulatory readiness and digital governance\nRoadmap for AI adoption over the next 5–10 years\n\n  \n14:50 – 15:00 | Closing Remarks  \nPresented by Russell Thompson\, Direct Works \n\nKey takeaways\nUpcoming initiatives\nHow to stay involved​\n\nRegister now via Teams: Microsoft Virtual Events Powered by Teams \nPlease contact marketing@directworksgroup.co.uk  if you have any queries.
URL:https://directworksgroup.co.uk/legacy/event/online-seminar/
LOCATION:Teams
ORGANIZER;CN="direct%20works":MAILTO:marketing@directworksgroup.co.uk
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250305T083000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250305T160000
DTSTAMP:20260417T172611
CREATED:20241204T195249Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241213T175828Z
UID:4799-1741163400-1741190400@directworksgroup.co.uk
SUMMARY:Live Seminar - Best Practice in Repairs & Maintenance
DESCRIPTION:Join us at the BCEC in Birmingham for our next in-person event on 4th & 5th March\, incorporating the return of the Direct Works Awards! \nREMEMBER: Events are part of your membership\, with no additional costs to attend! You get two ticket per event\, but you can purchase as many additional tickets as you like for people in your organisation. \nRegister your attendance now! \nAgenda: \n\n\n\n9:00 \nMeet and network \n\n\n9:30 \nRussell Thompson \nWelcome from the chair \n\n\n9:45 \nMike Wilson\, Richard Hazard & Andy Thompson \nCase study: Back to basics approach to repairs & maintenance \n\n\n10:30 \nKevin Devine \nTackling Damp & Mould in 8 minutes! \n\n\n11:15 \nRefreshments \n\n\n11:30 \nJenny Spoor \nConsumer Standards: Preparing for and learning from recent consumer rating inspections \n\n\n12:15 \nRob Bryan \nFinancial Management and Models within DLO’s  \n\n\n13:00 \nLunch & Networking \n\n\n14:00 \nCharlotte Bamber \nRemove the potential deadly blind spot regarding electrical worker competency with SparkSafe LtP \n\n\n14:30 \nPhil Pemberton & John Tatham \nOne Housing case study reviewing the change programme & resulting business transformation \n\n\n15:15 \nRussell Thompson \nDiscussion and close \n\n\n15:45 \nFinish \n\n\n\nAny questions\, please get in touch with marketing@directworksgroup.co.uk \nBook your place!\n  \n 
URL:https://directworksgroup.co.uk/legacy/event/live-seminar-best-practice-in-repairs-maintenance/
LOCATION:BCEC\, Birmingham\, United Kingdom
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://directworksgroup.co.uk/legacy/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/DirectWorks_Awards-4.png
ORGANIZER;CN="direct%20works":MAILTO:marketing@directworksgroup.co.uk
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250304T183000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250304T233000
DTSTAMP:20260417T172611
CREATED:20241204T194119Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250130T103824Z
UID:4122-1741113000-1741131000@directworksgroup.co.uk
SUMMARY:Direct Works Awards 2025
DESCRIPTION:Direct Works is thrilled to see the return of the Direct Works Awards on 4 March 2025 at the Birmingham Conference and Events Centre. \nWith six awards celebrating best practice in repairs and maintenance\, the categories have been carefully chosen to highlight key themes that will resonate with repairs and maintenance professionals working across the social housing sector: \nBest Apprentice in Repairs and Maintenance – sponsored by Procure Plus\n \nClick here to download the entry form \nBest Innovation in Repairs and Maintenance – sponsored by More IQ\n \nClick here to download the entry form \nMost Inspirational Colleague in Repairs and Maintenance – sponsored by OneAdvanced\nClick here to download the entry form \nBest Use of Technology in Maintenance – sponsored by Sparksafe LfP\n \nClick here to download the entry form \nBest Commitment to EDI and Workplace Welfare\n \nClick here to download the entry form \nOutstanding Resident Engagement – sponsored by Niyaa People\nClick here to download the entry form \nPLUS \n\nThe Keith Simpson Legacy Award\, sponsored by Direct Works Group\, for an overall winner to be voted for by attendees on the night.\n\n  \nThe winners will be announced at the awards ceremony on 4th March 2024 at the BCEC in Birmingham\, ahead of our Live Seminar – Best Practice in Repairs and Maintenance. \nIf you have any questions\, please contact marketing@directworksgroup.co.uk
URL:https://directworksgroup.co.uk/legacy/event/direct-works-awards-2025/
LOCATION:BCEC\, Birmingham\, United Kingdom
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://directworksgroup.co.uk/legacy/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/DirectWorks_Awards-3-2.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20241002
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20241004
DTSTAMP:20260417T172611
CREATED:20240226T163335Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240916T091953Z
UID:4120-1727827200-1727999999@directworksgroup.co.uk
SUMMARY:October Seminar & Networking Event - The Customer Journey
DESCRIPTION:Join us on 2 – 3 October for the annual Direct Works Seminar! This year’s focus is The Customer Journey. \nYou will: \n\nLearn from industry experts\nNetwork with like-minded professionals\nGain insights into how you can improve the customer journey\n\nDon’t miss this opportunity to connect with colleagues\, share your experiences and discover new strategies for enhancing resident engagement with improved outcomes for your stakeholders. \nWho should attend? \nThis event is FREE TO MEMBERS* and open to all housing professionals and service providers looking to enhance their knowledge and seek new and innovative ways to improve the customer journey. \nWhether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out\, this event is sure to inspire and inform. \n  \nTo read the full agenda\, visit this link: https://directworksgroup.co.uk/legacy/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Event-Programme.pdf \n  \nBook now at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/957201043087/?aff=oddtdtcreator \nEmail marketing@directworksgroup.co.uk to register your interest.
URL:https://directworksgroup.co.uk/legacy/event/awards-2/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240704
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240705
DTSTAMP:20260417T172611
CREATED:20240226T163242Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240530T095847Z
UID:4118-1720051200-1720137599@directworksgroup.co.uk
SUMMARY:Webinar
DESCRIPTION:This online seminar will examine the current challenges around upskilling and developing the DLO workforce. \nSpeakers include: \n\nMark Coogan\, Head of Repairs and Maintenance at St Leger Homes\, an award-winning company providing housing services to around 20\,000 homes across Doncaster.  \nSteve Muscroft\, Senior Product Developer at NOCN Group\, an educational body specialising in productivity and committed to working for a better future for UK construction.  \nTony Bird\, UK&I Director of Property Services at Hays\, world-leading specialists in recruitment and workforce solutions.  \nLaurence Stone of CITB\, aka the Construction Industry Training Board\, which works to engage decision-makers\, influence policy\, and build dynamic partnerships across government\, business and communities. \nDan Riley\, Founder and CEO of Spearhead Interactive\, who will provide a progress update on the brand-new Direct Works App.\n\nTo secure your tickets\, click here: Direct Works: The importance of recruitment\, retention and upskilling
URL:https://directworksgroup.co.uk/legacy/event/awards/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20240305T090000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20240305T153000
DTSTAMP:20260417T172611
CREATED:20240202T150211Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240208T115402Z
UID:4000-1709629200-1709652600@directworksgroup.co.uk
SUMMARY:Efficiency & Value for Money - Direct Works Live Seminar
DESCRIPTION:Our first live seminar of 2024 will take place on 5th March at the King’s House Conference Centre in Manchester. \nMembers get 2 free tickets that include lunch and refreshments. Additional tickets are available for purchase for members. \n\nAgenda\n9.15 – 9.45        Registration     \n  \n9.45 – 10.00      Welcome & Agenda  \nFrom Russell Thompson\, Chair of Direct Works \n  \n10.00 – 10.30    FLS (Fast Lean Smart): How dynamic scheduling can help deliver an efficient field force at less cost. \nSession delivered by Chris Welsh from FLS to understand how the use of Field Service Technology and Dynamic Scheduling is helping to improve efficiency\, reduce travel and ultimately\, the carbon footprint of an organisation. \n  \n10.30 – 11.00    Existing Electric Storage Heaters – making them dynamic! \nKenny Cameron\, Managing Director of Connected Response Ltd will lead this session exploring how making existing electric storage heaters more dynamic can reduce fuel poverty and make large asset savings \n  \n11.00 – 12.00  Disrupting the sector – background to Believe and changes to working practices and investment decisions. \nThis session will be led by Andrew Thompson from The Social Housing Consultancy\, who will deliver a short presentation on reducing cost on planned works components in Voids and then open up the topic for a round table discussion. Andrew will be joined by Believe colleagues. \n  \n12.00 – 13.00    LUNCH & Networking \n  \n13.00 – 13.45    Current impacts of procurement pressures within the sector \nMatt Jarratt from ProcurePlus will be presenting an overview of global market conditions and how they are impacting the housing sector. \n  \n13.45 – 14.15    Using Data to Create a Proactive Approach to Building Management. \nTony Cubitt from Vericon will be providing us with an insight on how data and connected technology can change your processes from reactive to proactive. \n  \n14.15 – 15.30    Yorkshire Housing – preparing for the proposed changes to the decent homes standard \nLiz O’Connor\, Yorkshire Housing and Direct Works Steering Group member will offer a short presentation on what can the sector expect from the re-launch of the Decent Homes Standard followed by a round table. \n  \n15.30    Seminar Ends \nKeynote speakers\n \nChris Welsh\, FLS \nChris Welsh is a business and software solutions specialist with more than 30 years’ experience of translating field service and mobile workforce management needs into software solutions that deliver authentic operational & environmental efficiency\, increased customer satisfaction\, and a significant reduction in costs. \nAs Sales Director of FLS – FAST LEAN SMART\, Chris has introduced the award-winning FLS VISITOUR to field service organisations across Europe; across dozens of industries and tens of thousands of field resources. His enthusiasm matched with a deep sector knowledge ensures that partners\, prospects\, and customers not only invest in a solution that meets their individual needs\, but most importantly\, delivers continuing value. \n  \n \nKenny Cameron\, Managing Director\, Connected Response Ltd \nKenny Cameron grew up in Glasgow and graduated from Stirling University in 1979. His career has spanned 40 years in the utilities sector in manufacturing\, supply chain\, asset ownership and contracting. Since 2012 he has held senior roles with leading energy market players including Energy Assets and VCharge/OVO Energy and Fusion Group. Previously he served as MD at Fusion Provida (now Wolseley) and McNicholas (now Kier). He Co-founded Connected Response in 2018\, before in 2021\, it became part of Warmworks\, Managing Agent for Scottish Government’s Warmer Homes Scotland scheme for energy efficiency and fuel poverty. Kenny is passionate to change the unfairness of the storage heating experience\, by improving comfort and reducing bills – and looks forward to doing this even better as part of Warmworks. \n  \n \nAndrew Thompson – TSHC (The Social Housing Consultancy) \nAndrew Thompson has 35 years experience in Social Housing. In 2004 he established TSHC (The Social Housing Consultancy) with Janet Thompson. He has provided asset management consultancy and interim management services at Director level to a number of Registered Providers and Charities over the last 20 years\, including Clarion (Affinity Sutton and Circle)\, Believe\, LFHA\, RNIB\, F4S\, Onward (Contour)\, Your Housing Group (Arena)\, H4W\, DGHP\, and many more. \nHe has delivered significant cost savings and improved efficiency in many organisations\, and\, alongside Russell Thompson\, who joined TSHC in 2023\, is currently promoting and implementing a “Disruptor” initiative within the social housing sector to reduce waste\, and thus cost\, as well as improve performance for inhouse contractors. \nHis recent work with the team at Believe highlights how in-house teams can deliver the improvements required in a period of mounting pressure in the sector to deliver more for less\, and reduce our impact on the environment \n  \nMatt Jarratt\, Assistant Director of Operations at Procure Plus \nMatt is Assistant Director of Operations at Procure Plus leading the team responsible for the procurement and delivery of £200m of investment works and services per year across the housing and public sectors. His team of specialists utilise the collective volume and knowledge of their customers to understand the market and drive continuous improvement from their activity and exposure to it. Matt is a chartered building surveyor and prior to joining Procure Plus in April 2010\, he worked in a range of construction and development roles across the public and private sectors. \n  \n  \nTony Cubitt\, Vericon Systems \nTony has over 10 years’ experience within the social housing sector and has gained a deep understanding of some of the challenging issues RSL’s are experiencing\, particularly around damp & mould. He is passionate about the idea of technology being used as an enabler for the greater good and has been working extensively to get this message across to his clients. \n  \n  \nLiz O’Connor\, Yorkshire Housing \nStrategic lead on the management and development of the Repairs and Investment Delivery Directorate at Yorkshire Housing\, Liz is ensuring we deliver a customer obsessed service that provides value for money and high customer satisfaction. \n  \n  \n  \nRegister for the event here \n  \nUseful hotel links \nPremier Inn\, Princess Street \nHyatt Regency Manchester \nHoliday Inn Express\, Oxford Road \nMaldron Hotel \nHotel Ibis\, princess Street \nMotel One
URL:https://directworksgroup.co.uk/legacy/event/efficiency-value-for-money-direct-works-live-seminar/
LOCATION:King’s House Conference Centre\, Manchester\, Sidney Street\, Manchester\, M17HB\, United Kingdom
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