Zone two at Future Foundations will be focused on exploring technology, and how housing providers can lean on tech in order to drive innovation and high standards. The four panels taking place across zone two will explore how technology has impacted the sector today, with professionals from both the tech and housing sector discussing how collaboration can bring forwards real change and tangible improvements.
The zone has been curated by Stewart Davison, founder of Elehan Consulting and the Proptech Peer Group, and board member for multiple housing associations. With a passion for creating positive change and driving the sector forwards, we spoke to Stewart about why zone two is a can’t miss for delegates looking to the future:
What will zone two bring to Future Foundations:
We’ll be focused on covering issues relevant to tech, data and innovation, and what this innovation really looks like for the housing sector. I think what will really draw delegates to zone 2 is rather than focusing on single technologies or functions, we’re looking to drive real debate on each panel, with differing viewpoints on how this digital evolution housing is undergoing can really happen to it’s full potential.
Another thing we wanted to ensure was that the zone brought forward would bring a balance of input from housing professionals and technology providers, so delegates can really see the discourse unfold from both sides.
Talk to me about the beginnings of Proptech Peer Group, and what gap you spotted in the industry that you wanted to fill?
I started the Proptech Peer Group (PPG) around three years ago, and it was born out of the trend I saw in the housing sector of small start-ups struggling to find a foothold in the industry, start-ups who were working on really exciting and in some cases truly transformational ideas. The PPG was created in order to bring these agile pioneers together, and encourage collaboration and learning between these smaller organisations, and indeed some vendors who have already managed to establish themselves in the sector as well.
Since then, the PPG has grown into a thriving community of SME technology vendors, and the environment within the group is really starting to fuel the growth of our members, as they have the opportunity to learn from each other and avoid pitfalls that others may have already had to overcome. The organisations who make up the members of the PPG are the real innovation engines, where we even have competitors working and learning side by side in order to drive excellence and new ideas.
From the agenda from zone two, which talks do you think will be particularly relative to the sector today?
Our opening talk is certainly one that I think will stand out to delegates, The SME Advantage. This panel will discuss why the housing sector has struggled to really connect with and take advantage of the smaller, more agile tech providers that can, in many cases, respond better than larger partners to specific needs of housing providers. The panel is a strong blend of tech CEOs and developers, who are really focused on resident outcomes and high-quality services.
Another talk that I think is very topical given the housing sector today is panel three, which is focused all around how technology can be used to enhance the human side of the sector, rather than replace it. For this conversation a large part of the discussion will be revolving around AI, and how we can use artificial intelligence to actually amplify the skills and talents of staff, rather than replace them.
On the topic of SMEs, why do you think that the sector has struggled historically to engage with these smaller vendors?
I think the social housing sector, for all the right reasons, has grown to be very risk averse in it’s approach to technology, especially those that impact resident services directly. It’s an easy way of thinking to go for the ‘established’ vendors, and those that have a larger list of customers who may well be peers in the sector.
However, for any providers that really think about the problems they want to solve and improvements they want to see, entering into a dialogue with these smaller vendors will almost always enable a much more co-operative, genuine partnership when compared with larger bodies that operate on a more one-size fits all basis. Once these conversations open up, you can very quickly begin to understand how this risk can be mitigated and understood, and really work to solve these challenges together.
I think from the side of technology vendors as well, there’s barriers. One thing that the PPG really aims to drill in is that in order to build these prosperous relationships, you have to speak their language. Providers want to know exactly what they’re gaining from investing in technology, what difference it will make to their day-to-day and what are the risks involved. Something we’re really focused on doing is breaking down the language barrier that can sometimes prevent providers from finding the products that would be perfectly suited to them.
What would be one thing you hope delegates attending zone two come away with in their minds?
Honestly, I think the biggest message I want to get across with the zone is tech doesn’t have to be technical. I think often in the sector we have this preconception that technology changes need to be these sprawling projects, that take 18 months to implement and soak up big space on the budget boards- that’s not the case. We want to showcase agile, small vendors that can work proactively with the sector to solve these common issues and pitfalls that larger partners may not have the capacity to.
One of our panellists is Ian Creswell, Director of Technology for Magenta Living, and I know he for example has recently introduced technology that leverages smartphones to connect repairs operatives and tenants over a live video feed, so that operatives can have visual evidence of repairs before they visit the property. Repairs is a massive priority for the sector, it’s an area that’s costing providers more and more, and such a simple change can go far in terms of saving time and money. Innovation doesn’t always have to come with an expensive price tag or a prolonged roll-out, there are small changes and investments we can make that have the potential to make big returns.
Head to our Future Foundations section to view our full agenda and secure your space for a busy day of networking, learning, and laying the foundations for the social housing sector of tomorrow.
