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Photocall – Monday, 9 June
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New name launches new era for Trust

As from 9 June 2008, the Bradford Community Housing Trust Group, which owns and manages 22,000 social housing properties, is changing its name to Incommunities.

After more than five years in business, the new name shows the organisation is moving forward with a new and strong single identity and brand.

It demonstrates the organisations commitment to put communities at the heart of everything it does and bring local services closer to its customers.

Incommunities will show that the company is no longer just a housing landlord but provides a breadth of other important services that have a positive impact on peoples’ lives and their communities.

The launch of Incommunities follows the completion of a major restructure in 2007 to create a more customer focused and streamlined organisation.

It also coincides with the start of a new three-year investment programme to modernise thousands more homes. Since 2003, BCHT has invested over £175 million in bringing local homes up to a level in excess of the Government’s Decent Homes Standard.

On Monday, 9th June, the new Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Howard Middleton will officially launch Incommunities by unveiling a name sign outside the organisation’s city centre headquarters, Trust House. An open top bus will then set off from Trust House to tour local neighbourhoods and estates. The city centre launch will kick-off four days of family fun events in each of the organisation’s six housing areas in the district. The launch on 9 June will be to board and committee members, staff and invited guests.

There will also be a launch of Incommunities to housing delegates at the Annual Chartered Institute of Housing Conference in Harrogate (17-19 June).

The new name and rebranding has been managed and produced in-house. The cost involved is not coming from customer rents but from income generated from other areas of the organisation.

Geraldine Howley, Group Chief Executive said: “These are exciting times for the district’s biggest social landlord and our new name – Incommunities – reflects our commitment to grow and prosper as a community focused organisation.

The new name comes with a refreshed business vision. To provide homes of 1st choice, to be an employer of 1st choice and to be the partner of 1st choice.

“Incommunities will continue to provide the high quality services our customers rightly deserve. We will also be expanding our work beyond the district’s boundaries to generate future business and grow in new markets. The income raised will go directly into improving our services for everyone.

“To launch Incommunities we are working with residents groups, community centres and other partners to run lots of family fun events. So why not come along and get involved.”

Martin Smith, Group Chairman said: “The business has developed significantly over the last five years and delivers far more than bricks and mortar. It is important we move forward with an exciting new look.

“Incommunities is totally committed to investing in communities and people for the long term and delivering excellent local services.”

The name change will not mean a change of landlord for customers, nor affect tenancy agreements or the services that are provided from local housing offices.

For more information, contact Ian Simpson, Assistant Chief Executive, Business Services and Development on 01274 254701.

Monday, 9 June at 10am at Trust House, New Augustus Street – The Lord Mayor of Bradford, Coun Howard Middleton will officially launch Incommunities by unveiling a sign outside Trust House and releasing balloons. He will be joined by the new Incommunities Group Chief Executive Geraldine Howley.

BCHT was formed in February 2003 following the stock transfer of Council homes. It followed a ballot of tenants in which 62% voted ‘yes’ voted in favour of the transfer.

From 9 June 2008, Incommunites will take over from the BCHT Group as the not-for-profit Registered Social Landlord. As before it will be responsible for 22,000 homes across the district and as before it is made up of the existing six local area offices. From 9 June these will be renamed: Incommunities – aire-wharfe office, Incommunities – east office, Incommunities – north office, Incommunities – shipley office, Incommunities – South office and Incommunities – west city office.  Further services include Incommunities – buildingservices, Incommunities – estateservices, Incommunities – propertysolutions, Incommunities trustcare and Bradford Homehunter.