AVC PR Partnership

Tenants First Housing Co-operative, based in Aberdeen, has been highly commended for its operating standards in three reports published this summer. Tenants First is Britain’s largest housing co-operative with 1,200 affordable homes across the North East of Scotland.

In July, Tenants First received a very positive inspection report from the Scottish Housing Regulator. This was immediately followed by an equally positive report from the Care Commission and then the reassessment report for the co-operative’s Investors in People standard.

The Scottish Housing Regulator’s report was the most comprehensive involving a two-week inspection period to examine the effectiveness of housing service delivery. Giving Tenants First a good rating overall, the inspector notes a total of five instances of excellent practice.

The Care Commission report covers three Tenants First sheltered housing developments in Mintlaw, Peterhead and Fraserburgh. It comes at a time when the co-operative is about to take on the direct provision of warden services at its three Aberdeen sheltered housing developments at Aboyne Place, Sheddocksley and Princes Street.

The Care Commission report grades Tenants First as “very good” or “excellent” in all the areas covered by the inspection.
Sandy Murray, Chief Executive of Tenants First, said:

“We are delighted to have received three extremely positive reports in the last two months. Clearly this reflects very well on the dedication and professionalism of all our staff and the strategic leadership of the committee of management.

“A key strategic objective of the co-operative is to be recognised as an organisation which promotes excellence and these results are evidence of what we have achieved to date.”

• The Scottish Housing Regulator’s report can be downloaded at www.scottishhousingregulator.gov.uk
• Care Commission report can be downloaded at www.carecommission.com
• The Tenants First Housing Co-operative website is at www.tenantsfirst.com

The Spires Serviced Suites in Birmingham has received a gold award for best practice by Marketing Birmingham.

Having launched in the city just over one year ago The Spires has been recognised by Marketing Birmingham as ‘gold standard’ due to its excellent customer service and first class accommodation for both business and leisure guests.

With 31 suites comprising a mix of one and two bedrooms, situated in the heart of Birmingham, close to the NEC, each apartment features separate bathroom, fully functioning kitchen with all mod cons and lounge fitted out to the highest standards with self controlled heating, digital TV, home entertainment system.

Birmingham was also the venue chosen to launch The Spires bespoke Directors Suites. The specialist one-bedroom apartments each feature their own private office, equipped with wi-fi, full sized desk, filing cabinet, USB printer (ideal for printing off your boarding card if checking in online) and a selection of stationery.

Managing Director of The Spires, Margaret Beattie comments:

“We are delighted to receive the award from Marketing Birmingham, particularly as we are the first to receive it. The Spires is all about quality and providing our clients with a comfortable stay, as close to home life as possible. Our suites are perfect for business guests, creating the perfect working environment when away from home on business or relocating because of a new job.

“Our larger suites are particularly popular with families too, as a stay with us means no more drinking a warm bottle of wine perched on the end of a bed with the TV on mute!”

Since opening in Birmingham in April 2007 The Spires has experienced a steady increase in occupancy with popular dates selling out quickly.

“We’re noticing that business and leisure guests are looking for more in their accommodation,” continues Margaret. “Freedom and quality are a must but also, with the current economic climate our customers want to reduce costs where possible – sharing a suite at The Spires is the perfect solution.”

Marketing Birmingham has developed Quality in Birmingham to help the tourism industry in Birmingham, advocating the highest standards of quality, customer care and staff development. This will help Birmingham achieve its goal of making the city and region a place where visitors can enjoy a quality visit, serviced by quality people in a quality destination.

“The Spires is a worthy winner of the Quality in Birmingham award,” said Ivor Marsh of Marketing Birmingham. “It shows that new businesses coming to the city are as committed as we are in developing the quality of service in Birmingham and making it a world class destination.”

The Spires has serviced suites in Birmingham, Glasgow and Aberdeen. For more information and bookings visit www.thespires.co.uk or call 0845 270 0090.

September 1 2008

Ends

Notes to editors:

Pictures attached: Birmingham kitchen and Birmingham lounge

Press trips are available – for more information please contact:

Mark Guest
AVC PR Partnership
T: 01224 248007
E: mguest@avcmedia.com

Issued on behalf of The Spires Serviced Suites by AVC PR Partnership