Making a difference, where it matters

As I write this, a new Labour Government is settling in and, like the rest of the nation, we will wait to see how all the campaign promises begin to translate into action.

A key element for Stonewater was the Party’s commitment to deliver “the biggest increase in social and affordable housebuilding in a generation”. Whatever anyone’s political views, the need for more homes is something I think we can all agree on and Stonewater works continually with whoever’s in power to make sure housing gets the attention it deserves.

It’s not just about numbers either. It’s about making sure the voices of our customers and communities are heard - whether that’s around better regulation, driving up safety standards, strengthening tenant rights or shaping services which reflect the needs of today, and tomorrow.

Big changes (like a new Government) can feel quite far removed from everyday life, especially when so many people are still struggling to simply make ends meet. That’s one of the reasons we’re so committed to listening to our customers (all 70,000+ of them) and working with communities to make a positive difference where it matters.

A great example of this was illustrated during the recent ‘contaminated water’ crisis in the southwest, where people were advised against drinking water from their taps due to fears over the cryptosporidium parasite. When this news broke, colleague teams from across our organisation mobilised quickly to make sure customers, including those at a 66-home retirement living scheme in Brixham, had everything they needed to stay safe.

Thankfully, none of our customers were affected by illness, but I was extremely proud of the way our people responded to make sure everyone had access to clean, safe water.

Over the years I’ve seen countless of examples of this mindset at Stonewater, and it fills me with optimism for the future that, whatever happens and whatever the Government decide to do next, we’ll always put our customers first and centre – as our Customer Promise says, ‘if it matters to you, it matters to us’.

You’ll find lots more positive and interesting stories in this edition of our newsletter. I hope you enjoy reading it and please remember, we’re always here to help.