Day Two at HOMES UK London

Day two at HOMES UK London was alive with energy. The halls were packed, the sessions vibrant and hearty conversations were spilling into corridors and coffee queues. It wasn’t all about policy and government and supply-chain difficulties either - it was also about people, communities and the practical steps necessary to make social housing warmer, healthier and happier. 

Resident engagement stole the spotlight. Time and again, panellists reminded us that retrofit isn’t just about insulation and air-source heat pumps - it’s about trust. When residents are brought in early, treated as partners and given a real voice in the conversation, projects succeed. One panel on resident centred retrofit showed how codesigning solutions with tenants leads to warmer homes and lower bills. Ruth Dent, Director of Asset and Customer at RE:GEN Group, even highlighted a heartwarming retrofit success story about a resident’s home that was finally warm enough so that “…he could have visitors around. It was life-changing.” 

Retrofitting for health 

Retrofit innovation was another hit. Studies repeatedly show that retrofitted homes routinely cut fuel bills and improve health. Andrew Cameron-Smith from Healthy Homes Hub took it to the next level, saying, “If we can provide warm homes that are healthier to live in, that’s transformation.” 

Speakers from charities reminded us that warmer houses protect vulnerable families from illnesses brought on by chilly homes. Many seemed pleased to hear retrofit being framed as a social health issue. 

Other panellists spoke of a “green skills revolution” and a chance to build futures while sessions on finance added optimism too. Homes England and SME builders discussed unlocking stalled sites and using public land creatively. The mood was pragmatic but hopeful, citing that funding pipelines are opening and partnerships are forming. 

Happy endings 

By the end of the day, two topics stood out as crowd favourites: the health benefits of warm homes and including residents at the beginning of the retrofit process. Delegates and attendees left energised - ready to turn ambition into action.  While challenges remain, HOMES UK showed that the sector is moving forward with confidence, creativity and collaboration.  

For more on resident engagement, read our insightful article or watch the Sureserve-sponsored Inside Housing webinar Engaging Residents in Decarb.