Small businesses are the backbone of the UK economy, however, they can be disproportionately impacted by disruptive events such as fire, flood or cyber-attack. If a business is insufficiently prepared, any one or a combination of these events can result in business failure with potentially life-changing consequences for owners and employees.

The Northern Housing Consortium has joined forces with the Building Research Establishment, Styles and Wood, Aviva, Sedgwick, and Business in the Community to convene housing association leaders around some of the key issues facing the sector today. This housing-sector led event, aims to improve the industry’s approach to managing safety, security and reputation. It will address critical issues facing housing association boards, the most pressing risks and what is being done to narrow the exposure gap.

It is a year since the Grenfell Tower fire. In the wake of this tragedy, the balance between tenant safety and cost remains paramount. This conference will address some of the most pressing issues around risk, exposure and legislation facing today’s social housing providers and look to bring current influencers together to offer some advice in collectively managing these issues more effectively Housing associations’ desire to maintain their housing stock in the best possible condition while reducing risk is a significant challenge today. This is partly due to large and multiple contracts for suppliers, regulatory requirements and a lack of industry standards. Adopting a genuine partnership approach to suppliers may help to minimise some of the risks. The conference will help uncover the long-term value of investing in a diversified, and resilient supply chain and ways to achieve improved procurement outcomes.

Mike Still, Chair, The Prince’s Business Emergency Resilience Group at Business in the Community.

Business Emergency Resilience Group (BERG):

The Business Emergency Resilience Group (BERG), was created by His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales to help businesses and communities across the UK to prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies. BERG is part of Business in the Community – the Prince’s Responsible Business Network – a business-led membership organisation made up of progressive businesses of all sizes which understand that the prosperity of business and society are mutually dependent. BITC exist to build healthy communities with successful businesses at their heart.

Event details: The event takes place on 26th September 2018, 10.00 am to 3.30pm at the Building Research Establishment (BRE), Watford, Hertfordshire, WD25

Book your free place here.