Future is Here theme for Echelon Conference 2025
The Future is Here was the theme for The Echelon Conference 2025, sponsored by Devonshires Solicitors, which was attended by over 300 social housing professionals.
Aaron John, Managing Director, Echelon Consultancy, welcomed delegates to the Emirates, for the event, which is now in its 11th year, and was also sponsored by Equans, Gunfire, Guildmore, Gilmartins, Northgate Vehicle Hire, Foster Property Maintenance, Mears, Fortem Solutions, Morgan Sindall Property Services and LIFEbuild Solutions.
Chief Fire Officer Dr Sabrina Cohen-Hatton, a leading voice on decision-making in high-pressure environments gave the opening keynote and there was a packed agenda with a focus on how the social housing sector is navigating the new regulatory environment, with sessions covering:
- Apprenticeships and skills
- The Procurement Act
- Data driving better repairs
- The evolving role of the Building Safety Regulator
- The Government’s ambitious plans to build 1.5 million homes
- Meaningful tenant involvement
- The use of frameworks under the new Procurement Act
The conference rounded off with a Q&A where delegates were able to put their questions to an expert panel.
Delegates were able to put their feet up and recharge their batteries in the Recharge Zone sponsored by Bell, and to catch up on important calls and emails in the work hubs sponsored by E2EX.
There was also an exhibition, showcasing innovations, products and services from across the sector with Huws Gray, Skills Solutions Group, Pretium Frameworks, Herts Young Homeless, D+B Facades, Checkmate Fire Solutions, Construction Youth Trust, Shellen Security, Recoup, Lura Construction, Global HSE, Dodd Group, Heron Joinery, Cardo Group, Grady Joinery, Gunfire, Integrated Solutions at City Plumbing, R.Benson, AJS, Enterprise Mobility, PiLON, Northgate Vehicle Hire and Travis Perkins Managed Services taking stands.
After a packed day of discussion and debate delegates had the opportunity to network and relax with a drinks reception sponsored by Mulalley, followed by a gala dinner, sponsored by Ian Williams Ltd, which raised £35,000 for Herts Young Homeless through an auction and raffle.
Actor, presenter, and multi-award-winning comedian Dave Bibby hosted the evening, which also including a moving interview with HYH young service user James by Accommodation Support Worker Grace Devlin and entertainment from comedian and ventriloquist Max Fulham.
Read more about the morning sessions here, afternoon keynote here and the remainder of the afternoon sessions here.
