York-based Urban has recruited a new head of its maintenance and energy services division which delivers maintenance, retro-fit and remedial solutions for social housing providers around the UK.
Ben Jenkinson has joined the team with 25 years’ experience operating at director level in housing, construction and maintenance services for several Tier 1 main contractors.
He will run the maintenance and energy division at Urban, as well as working with a strong team of direct staff, engineers and supply-chain partners to ensure the highest levels of quality and service are delivered. Managing client’s needs from pre-commencement to hand over, he and the team will deliver maintenance, retro-fit and remedial solutions to a strong existing and growing client base.
Ben Jenkinson, Urban Group’s head of maintenance & energy services, said: “I have worked with some of the largest social housing providers in the UK and look forward to working with a great team at Urban to future-proof housing stocks.
“As well as new build, we offer a seamless retrofit service from assessment to design, installation and after care. From domestic energy generation solutions to the next generation of energy saving devices and products, we also deliver remedial work to solve issues such as damp mitigation, insulation and glazing, something which is very much front of mind at the moment.”
All UK social housing providers are currently under pressure to tackle immediate and urgent damp proofing issues across the country’s ageing housing stock following the tragic death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak in Rochdale. The case, which made national headlines, saw the inquest coroner rule that mould left untreated for months in his parent’s social housing flat was a direct contributor to his death.
Reviewing and retro fitting social housing stock with the next generation of energy saving devices and products is also priority for UK providers following the Government’s announcement that, as from 2030, all social housing needs to attract a “Band C” or above EPC* Rating for energy efficiency. With 4.4 million social homes across the country this is a huge undertaking for providers if they are to meet the end-of-decade deadline.
Brendon Hutchinson, group Managing Director at Urban, added: “We are delighted to have secured such a high calibre new recruit to the Urban Group. Ben has a raft of experience at a senior level within the housing sector.
“Commercially minded, he will be an asset to the team which will continue to deliver effective maintenance and retrofit measures for Housing Association and local authority clients.
“He will also help to grow our newly launched zero carbon division, providing a seamless retrofit service across the social housing sector, which will complement the other Group Divisions who also have a focus on this sector. From inception to completion, Ben’s knowledge, supported by our fully-accredited supply chain, will ensure we continue to provide cost-efficient, innovative solutions to boost housing Energy Performance Certification bands.”
