Oakleaf Commercial Services and The Community Housing Group are proud to have been awarded the Most Improved Asset Management Service Award at the recent National Housing Maintenance Forum (NHMF) Conference & Awards Dinner in Stratford-upon-Avon last week.

This award was presented to the asset management service that has been the most improved over the last 6 months to 2 years. Oakleaf has been awarded this based on their Garage Development Programme which transforms old derelict garage sites into new build, social housing developments for Wyre Forest Community Housing. These sites are generally unused and in derelict condition and are developed into highly desirable new build houses more cost effectively than using external main contractors.

Oakleaf have developed their own dedicated department that specialise in these small garage site schemes, providing employment training opportunities to local people, as well as being a keen advocate of the apprentice scheme, offering work experience to the unemployed and school leavers. Part of The Community Housing Group (TCHG), the Group is currently one of the Top 100 Apprenticeship employers for 2014.

Ian Hancock, Managing Director for Oakleaf Commercial Services, said: “This is fantastic news for the Group the Garage Development Project as well as the local community. We are particularly proud that the work we are doing locally in Wyre Forest has been recognised at a national level. Efficiencies have been created as the programme has progressed, leading to better value and Oakleaf delivering an affordable solution to providing new housing.”

The judges’ commented: “This is an innovate solution for dealing with problematic garage areas showing how the tangible objectives are to be met are explained and evidenced.”