New repairs provider announcement.

Last month, we announced Unitas Maintenance Solutions, will deliver our home repairs service from 7 August 2023.

After consulting with customers, we made the decision to move from a national to local provider earlier this year. Keen to invest in our community and deliver a more responsive service, the new partnership hopes to reconnect customers with a local workforce whilst creating an efficient, responsive and effective service.

Unitas Maintenance Solutions (UMS) are one of the largest construction-based companies in Stoke-on-Trent. They deliver repairs and maintenance services to thousands of homes and buildings across the city. Just like Honeycomb Group and Staffs Housing, they’re proud to be local and employ over 450 people and apprentices from Stoke-on-Trent schools and colleges.

The Group includes a dedicated workforce of skilled tradespeople including gas and electrical engineers, joiners, plumbers, plasterers, painters and bricklayers, as well as an online, real-time appointment system which together will give customers greater flexibility and a more responsive service.

It’s also great news for Stoke. By supporting a local company, our spending stays within the city and will further support local communities. Between 2022-2023, the Unitas Stoke-on-Trent Group pledged over £1,000,000 across Stoke-on-Trent.

Honeycomb Group Chief Executive Julie Guildford Smith said, “with its proven track record of delivery and passion for local communities, we were delighted to announce Unitas Maintenance Solutions as our new repairs provider.

“As a local and proud housing Group, finding a contractor with the same passion for our neighborhoods and communities was essential. Working alongside our customer panel, we also realised the importance of local knowledge and a great reputation in the area which UMS fulfilled.

“We are looking forward to the service launching on 7 August and proud to be investing in a fellow Stoke-on-Trent organisation.”

Customers have already received communication of the new provider but can find all updates and information here: staffshousing.org.uk/UMS