Significant ESG Successes Reported In Pinnacle Group’s 2022 Impact Report
A new report detailing a series of key ESG pledge successes has been published by Pinnacle Group, highlighting the company’s progress across the four key pillars of its ESG Framework.
The company’s 2022 ESG impact report, covers its achievements in a range of areas, including sustainability, community impact, nurturing its team and being a responsible business.
Leading successes were found in Pinnacle’s ‘Protect our Planet’ pillar, where there was a 12% year-on-year reduction in tonnes of carbon emitted per employee, and a 583% increase in the number of electric vehicles in its fleet.
There were also key improvements in its ‘People & Culture’ area, with a 33% growth in FTE employee numbers and an impressive 141 people undertaking leadership and development training – an increase of 292% from the previous year’s figures.
The report also details areas in which Pinnacle has helped individuals in the communities it serves, recording 192 instances where the company supported residents that had faced financial barriers, and 33 further residents receiving employment training.
“This is a significant report and one that as a business we are incredibly proud to publish. This is our first ESG impact report and it highlights the significant progress made across our ESG Framework, delivering increased transparency regarding how our community, people and sustainability focused company values permeate throughout our business operations.
“Pinnacle has long recognised the importance of ESG to all stakeholders, including shareholders, employees, clients, suppliers, partners, and the communities where we live and work. I would like to congratulate our teams for all of the actions and progress made in each of these areas illustrated throughout the report.”
Peregrine Lloyd
Pinnacle Group Chief Executive
Alongside the headline statistics, the report also details Pinnacle’s key ongoing initiatives, including responsible procurement of chemical-free cleaning products in collaboration with supplier BUNZL, and the company’s partnership with Planet First Energy, a social value enterprise and green energy broker, to help manage its transition to green energy.
“Over the last year, our teams have worked tirelessly to ensure that the key pillars of our ESG Framework are delivered upon. There is a real feeling of collective responsibility across the business, and this is crucial in ensuring that we can continue to deliver great service to the communities we serve while remaining a responsible and ethical business.”
Paul de Kock
Head of Projects
These initiatives follow on from Pinnacle’s ‘Plan to Net Zero’, which was released earlier this year and last year and detailed how the business is approaching achieving carbon net zero across all emissions by 2035.
Pinnacle Group Sets Path to Reach Net Zero Targets
An ambitious ‘Plan to Net Zero’ report has been published by Pinnacle Group, which announces its blueprint for achieving Net Zero on direct emissions in 2025 and total emissions in 2035.
Several sustainable operational and service refinements – for the business and its roster of private and public sector clients, across buildings and facilities, utilities, residential and commercial property management – have already resulted in significant carbon reductions.
By introducing changes such as downsizing offices to promote hybrid working and a partnership with sustainability expert Greenstone to record emissions more accurately, Pinnacle has seen a reduction of 21% on tonnes of CO2 emitted per £1m of revenue – a drop of seven per cent year-on-year. This has been achieved despite Pinnacle increasing its revenue by 43% since its 2020 baseline, representing a 25% year-on-year growth.
Paul de Kock, Head of Projects at Pinnacle Group, said: “Our Plan to Net Zero is an important step for the business. It takes accountability not just for our own carbon emissions, but also for reducing the environmental impact of our private and public sector clients, as well as our dedicated partners throughout our supply chains.
“We’re already making great progress toward our short-term goal of Net Zero in our own direct emissions in 2025, and we are moving closer to reducing our indirect Scope 3 impact in line with our long-term 2035 target.”
Ongoing initiatives in Pinnacle’s plan include a responsible cleaning procurement policy to end the use of environmentally harmful substances in collaboration with supplier BUNZL. Pinnacle is switching its fleet to electric and hybrid vehicles – 41 of which have already been upgraded. Also, a partnership has been struck with Planet First Energy, a social value enterprise and green energy broker, to manage Pinnacle’s transition to green energy.
To date, the operational changes have led to a 38% reduction in Pinnacle’s Scope 1 – its direct greenhouse gas emissions from its own sources – and an 82% decrease in Scope 2, covering direct emissions from purchased electricity or heat.
This has been achieved despite Pinnacle’s acquisition of two operational businesses and a major contract win, leading to significant increases in the company’s numbers of full-time employees and fleet.
Peregrine Lloyd, Group Chief Executive at Pinnacle Group, said: “At Pinnacle, we’re dedicated to delivering services that make a positive difference to people’s lives. We believe our responsibility to communities across the UK includes protecting our environment and ensuring we leave our planet in the best possible shape for future generations. It is a responsibility we take seriously and one which drives our operations, partnerships and strategy forwards to ensure we deliver on our commitment to Net Zero.”
The Plan to Net Zero follows on from Pinnacle’s Carbon Reduction Plan announced earlier this year, which set the parameters for the company’s approach to achieving Net Zero and ensuring it aligned with the internationally recognised Science Based Targets.
For more information about Pinnacle Group and to download Plan to Net Zero, visit here.
Property Management 50 Awards Success for Pinnacle Group
Two of our colleagues have been awarded top prizes at the 2022 Property Management 50 awards for their achievements in the residential property management industry.
Both Elisa Chui, senior property manager, and Hazel Joslin, property manager, have been recognised in the Build to Rent and Rising Star categories respectively, which celebrate standards of excellence in the property sector among 50 highlighted individuals.
Nominated by manager, Sophie Lyons, Elisa has been instrumental to the success of our Embankment development in Birmingham since joining Pinnacle Group over three years ago. Judges were impressed with Elisa’s commitment to maximising rental income, minimising void loss and ensuring efficient budget management of the development, all while delivering excellent levels of customer service.
Meanwhile, Hazel has seen fast-track success with Pinnacle Group, successfully transitioning from lettings coordinator to property manager within the space of just two years.
Peregrine Lloyd, group chief executive at Pinnacle Group said: “We strive to nurture talent from within our teams, so they can develop the most effective partnerships with our customers and clients. We are very proud of both Elisa and Hazel who have demonstrated such a strong commitment to our high standards, having been recognised in the 2022 Property Management 50 awards for their achievements.
“We look forward to supporting their continued development and want to thank them for all they do to ensure Pinnacle Group continues to deliver smarter, more effective people-first property solutions.”
For more information about our high-quality multi-tenure housing management solutions visit www.pinnaclegroup.co.uk/homes
Pinnacle Group’s Commitment to Quality Recognised with International Standard
In recognition of its dedicated quality management of community-led services, Pinnacle Group has once again been awarded the world’s most recognised Quality Management System (QMS) standard - ISO9001:2015.
First receiving the accreditation in 2008 and every year subsequently, this year is the first time that Pinnacle has been awarded the standard via a UKAS accreditation body, British Assessment Bureau (BAB). The decision to use the UK’s highest governing body when it comes to accreditations builds on Pinnacle’s commitment to excellence and holds the business to a higher auditing standard.
Leon Simpson, Quality Manager at Pinnacle Group, said: “Everyone at Pinnacle is extremely proud to be recognised with this latest ISO9001:2015 UKAS accreditation for QMS. The certification followed a comprehensive audit and evaluation under UKAS, showing our commitment to quality assurance. Having a consistent and regulated approach to auditing is a central element in our quest to deliver service excellence and feeds into our pledges and values to protect our planet, our people, make community impact and be a responsible business.
“In choosing the UKAS standard, we help reflect the demand for accredited services from departments and policymakers across all areas of government and the public sector, as well as further strengthening our ties to clients in this sector.”
BAB’s feedback on Pinnacle’s QMS earmarked its structure, which reflected the operational processes and procedures documented in the British Management System (BMS) manual.
Management at Pinnacle were also commended for their commitment to the development and implementation of the QMS, noting how it was compatible with the strategic direction and the context of the organisation.
Claire Kober: The nation acts locally to mark the passing of our head of state
I’m penning this month’s column as the latest inflation figures are published showing an unexpected fall from August’s 40-year high. On the back of lower petrol prices, the Office for National Statistics has revealed consumer price inflation fell to 9.9 per cent last month, down from 10.1 per cent in July. While undoubtedly welcome news, the fall offers little comfort to millions of families who are facing the winter ahead with a growing sense of trepidation. Further inflationary pressures are a given.
It’s not just households looking nervously to the future. After two years of pandemic, many in the sector had hoped for better times ahead, but as 2022 progresses even the most optimistic observers are concerned about the breadth, scale and complexity of the challenges ahead. The worst cost of living crisis in decades, climate change becoming a reality with the hottest summer on record and volatile national politics resulting in Liz Truss becoming our fourth Prime Minister in six years. On top of it all the conflict in Ukraine continues bringing instability to Europe.
The terribly sad news about the death of the Queen was always going to be a watershed. In a lifetime of service she stood with the nation as it went through many and profound changes. In a crisis she reassured us and during the pandemic her dignity inspired us all. Across the country people are still taking in what a huge turning-point this is in all our lives.
It is striking that even at a time of the greatest national significance, the nation acts locally to mark the passing of our head of state. Across the country we have looked to councils to provide an important focal point for communities to come together and grieve, as well as to mark our Queen’s lifetime of public service. For boroughs that have a particular connection to the Royal Family the levels of organisation have been phenomenal. In London a complex logistical exercise has been stood up to facilitate huge numbers queueing to pay their respects in Westminster Hall at the lying in state. Against a backdrop of severe budgetary and demand pressures it’s testament to the commitment of council members and officers alike that the sector has risen to the challenge of supporting the nation through a solemn and historic moment.
Claire Kober, Managing Director (Homes), Pinnacle Group
This article was originally featured in The MJ.
Pinnacle Group Appointed by Bromley Council to Manage New Affordable Homes
Pinnacle Group have been appointed to manage a newly completed development on behalf of the London Borough of Bromley.
Residents have begun moving into the latest ‘Bromley Homes for Bromley People’ in Anerley. This is part of Bromley Council’s decisive action to create more much-needed affordable housing supply across the borough.
The ten modern one- and two-bedroom apartments at the site in George Groves Road Anerley, next to the Town Hall, were officially opened by Deputy Mayor Councillor Christine Harris. The homes are thoughtfully constructed with renewable energy sources and a shared open space for residents to enjoy.
This development is part of the first phase of the Bromley Homes for Bromley People initiative that will see further housing schemes developed on council land coming forward in the near future. It follows hard on the heels of twenty-five new apartments opened off Bushell Way at the newly named Chris Whitty Place in Chislehurst - a development nominated for industry awards.
Councillor Yvonne Bear Executive Councillor for Renewal, Recreation and Housing said: “These high-quality homes in Anerley further boost the amount of affordable housing supply in the borough which is much needed at present. I am proud of our work to use council land to create these smart new housing schemes which will help the fight against homelessness. It is good news for Council Tax payers too as these homes will also help to reduce our reliance on expensive, nightly paid accommodation.”
The new housing in Anerley, in common with that at Bushell Way, was constructed primarily offsite using Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), where complete housing units are delivered from factories and craned on site once groundworks are completed. This style of construction also helps to minimise disruption for communities around the site.
The use of modern energy saving technology, such as electric car charging points and sources of renewable energy enhance the Anerley site which also has seven new off-street parking spaces and cycle storage.
Contractors M-AR worked in partnership with the Council to deliver these homes. Ryan Geldard, Director at M-AR said: “This is another great development that we were proud to deliver in partnership with Bromley Council. These high-quality modern apartments provide great living spaces and features such as renewable energy sources will help residents better manage their utility costs. M-AR has demonstrated its involvement in the community by working consistently to keep local residents informed and by making donations to support the local community centre.”
Rivington Street Studio was the architect for the project. Housing Team Lead Simon Thorpe said: “It’s fantastic being part of the team delivering new homes of the highest design quality, sustainable construction and energy efficiency. Our innovative design uses carefully stacked and offset volumes to create a variety of flats and duplex homes, maximising the potential of a small site while sitting comfortably with its neighbours. It’s a delight to see residents moving in – we hope that the scheme provides homes that they will be proud to live in.”
Pinnacle Group, has been appointed to manage the council’s new housing in Anerley. Michelle Bowler, Director of Operations at Pinnacle Group, said: “I’m pleased to be able to offer support to new residents in Anerley. Our company is focused on creating and sustaining successful communities and we will be on call to lend a helping hand when required.”
Pinnacle Wins Place on Six Lots of Major Government FM Framework
Pinnacle Group is delighted to have been awarded a place on the Crown Commercial Service (CCS) Facilities Management and Workplace Services Framework. This latest achievement bolsters Pinnacle’s tender opportunities within central and local government departments as well as health, education and blue-light sectors.
Having secured a place on six of the CCS Facilities Management and Workplace Services framework lots, the business will be eligible for work across the spectrum of total, hard and soft facilities management opportunities.
Just 44 suppliers have been selected onto the framework, which places a focus on social value outcomes, something that Pinnacle strongly welcomes. Pinnacle’s own ESG framework is at the heart of it purpose and underscores its commitment to protect the planet, empower its own people, deliver community impact and to be a responsible and ethical business at all times.
Neil Fergus, Managing Director, FM at Pinnacle Group said: “Becoming a supplier on this CCS framework provides Pinnacle with an opportunity to compete against some of the most established FM providers in the country for the large-scale, long-term government contracts, which form the backbone of our future growth strategy.
“This is a huge achievement and a recognition of the extensive skills and capability within our FM business."
It is expected that call-off competitions for contracts tendered under this framework will begin in late summer 2022.
Crown Commercial Service supports the public sector to achieve maximum commercial value when procuring common goods and services. In 2020/21, CCS helped the public sector to achieve commercial benefits equal to £2.04bn - supporting world-class public services that offer best value for taxpayers.
Pinnacle Group To Manage New Affordable Housing Development In Chislehurst
Pinnacle Group have been appointed to manage a newly completed development in on behalf of the London Borough of Bromley which delivers ‘Bromley Homes for Bromley People’ as residents start moving into their new flats.
Completion of the new housing in Chislehurst has been commemorated at a launch event and was opened by Deputy Mayor Councillor Christine Harris, which was officially named ‘Chris Whitty Place’ to commemorate the Public Health work in response to COVID-19.
The housing site off Bushell Way contains 25 modern one- and two-bedroom affordable apartments and is amongst the first housing schemes developed on council land to create more affordable housing in the borough. Contractors M-AR worked in partnership with the Council to deliver these homes, as well as 10 further apartments on a site adjacent to Anerley Town Hall.
Leader of the Council, Councillor Colin Smith said: “I am extremely pleased to see such high-quality homes coming on stream, both here and on other sites across the borough, as part of the Council’s drive to supply more Bromley Homes for Bromley people.
“With residents now moving in to hopefully begin much happier chapters in their lives, such accommodation also reduces the Council’s reliance on expensive, nightly paid accommodation elsewhere, benefitting the wider Council Tax payers too, and underlines the Council’s determination to tackle the blight of homelessness, wherever the opportunity presents itself.”
The Chislehurst housing development has recently been shortlisted for several industry awards, including Social Housing Project of the Year in the Offsite Awards. Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) were used on this project, which involves the housing units being constructed in factories offsite and then delivered and craned onto site following the groundworks being completed. The development contains a number of environmental features in its design, including photovoltaic (PV) panels and herb gardens.
The first phase of the Bromley Homes for Bromley People programme includes the construction of 25 apartments off Burnt Ash Lane and a further 10 apartments adjacent to Anerley Town Hall. Housing schemes are also now coming forward in York Rise, Orpington and next to West Wickham library.
Michelle Bowler, Director of Operations at Pinnacle Group, said: “Supporting people with long term housing solutions is essential, and we’re proud to be playing a part in ensuring Chris Whitty Place is a huge success for its residents and the wider Bromley community. Creating and sustaining successful communities is at the heart of what Pinnacle Group does. Our approach extends beyond simply providing housing management services, we see the bigger picture and look forward to being a friendly face to all residents and the local community.”
Pinnacle Power Pioneers New Heat Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship
A first of its kind Heat Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship is being led by Pinnacle Power, part of Pinnacle Group. The new 36-month apprenticeship aims to support the UK’s journey to net zero, building on the sustainable energy expertise that Pinnacle provides its private and public sector commercial and residential property clients.
Initial approval for the Heat Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship has been given by Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IFATE). Full curriculum details, funding levels and partnerships with local colleges are all being finalised by the Trailblazer group, which includes industry leading organisations in the heat network industry, including EQUANS, Uniper, E.ON, SSE, Metropolitan, FairHeat, Vattenfall and Vital Energi.
The group are hoping to have a final submission to the IFATE by winter this year with roll out of the apprenticeship in 2023.
Toby Powell, Pinnacle Power’s Head of Operations and Chair of the Trailblazer Group, is focusing on the successful roll-out of the apprenticeship programme.
Toby said: “To reduce carbon emissions and meet sustainability targets, there is a rapid roll out of heat networks across the country. To meet the needs of this growing industry, we are looking to encourage new talent, provide structured learning and a rewarding career to those that wish to join us at this exciting time. At Pinnacle Power, we have a responsibility to design, build, operate, maintain and provide customer services that deliver sustainable heating to thousands of properties and commercial businesses across the country.”
The apprenticeship will be open to those over the age of 16 and will focus on a core or Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) foundation module, including mechanical, electrical and controls principles. This core module will be complemented with options to specialise in Heat Interface Units (HIUs), Low Temperature Hot Water (LTHW) distribution systems, or heat generation plant and equipment.
Toby added: “We are proud to be progressing these apprenticeships and see it as a crucial way to future-proof our team. It also feeds into our purpose as a company that gives back to communities by providing employment and training opportunities.”
Heat networks, which are distribution systems that can take heat from a central single source to heat a network of properties, form an important part of the government’s 2050 Net Zero strategy. This is because the energy they provide can be supplied by a range of low carbon heating sources, removing the need for individual high carbon heating systems, such as gas boilers.
For more information about the Heat Network Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship programme, and how to get involved, please contact: [email protected].
Pinnacle Group Reappointed to Cleaning Contract for 600+ Council Owned Facilities
A much sought-after contract has been secured by Pinnacle Group to provide specialist cleaning services to Solihull Community Housing (SCH), which run housing services on behalf of Solihull Council.
The SCH cleaning contract, which is worth almost one million pounds, will once again be held by Pinnacle Group who previously won the contract from 2010 – 2015. As part of this latest agreement, Pinnacle Group is responsible for the responsive and planned cleaning of more than 600 individual facilities including offices, community centres and homes from 1 August 2022.
Neil Fergus, Managing Director, FM at Pinnacle Group said, “We have a strong relationship and previous working history with Solihull Community Housing, and as a result of this we know the sites well and how we can apply our extensive cleaning experience and customer service to best support them. Our fantastic facilities management team will offer a full range of cleaning services, which will involve internal and external cleaning of the buildings, specialist biohazard removal, as well as clearing of fire or flood damage and deep cleans.
“We are delighted to have been successful in this bid and to be working once again with the team at Solihull Community Housing. Since our last tenure we’ve improved the technology we use to support the services we offer. This will ensure that any queries and questions are dealt with even more effectively than before.”
Operating a six-day-a-week service, including bank holidays for all high-rise buildings, Pinnacle Group’s team will become an integrated part of the community and a familiar face to residents. In total, the new contract covers three service areas: 555 low rise blocks, 37 high rise blocks, three offices, three community centres and the Extra Care Scheme, which supports people in living independently. Already an extensive contract, there is potential to extend the housing element to incorporate further properties.
Fiona Hughes Chief Executive at Solihull Community Housing said: “The hygiene and safety of all our buildings is imperative. We are thrilled to appoint Pinnacle Group to the SCH cleaning contract to help us achieve this. We look forward to Pinnacle providing a high-quality cleaning service and of course, as always, we welcome any feedback from our customers.”
Yorkshire Three Peaks Success
Recently, a team of colleagues from our Facilities Management (FM) division who are based in Leeds, took on the Yorkshire Three Peak challenge to raise money for Fairfield School in Batley, where Pinnacle Group provide hard and soft FM.
On Friday 17th June a team of 15, including 11 Pinnacle colleagues and staff and Governors from Fairfield set off at 6am to tackle 26-mile trek. A classic trekking challenge, the route took in summits of Pen-y-ghent (694m), Whernside (736m) and Ingleborough (723m).
Assisted by the Pinnacle Group support vehicle, providing sandwiches, energy drinks and much needed pep talks, team members each burned in excess of 4,000 calories taking on some extremely difficult terrain. Over the course of many thousands of steps, and much blood, sweat and tears, the team successfully conquered the challenge in just over 12 hours.
Thanks to their efforts, the team have now raised over £1,000 for Fairfield school. The money raised will go towards developing the school playground. Currently a large open concrete space, the playground will be transformed into four separate smaller areas with a safer soft crumb ground and artificial grass. These will consist of:
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- A 'bike zone' to resemble a miniature formula one racetrack for bikes and trikes, complete with shed storage space;
- An ‘Active Zone’ with a roundabout, swing, climbing frame, sunken trampoline, bridge, tunnel, and den;
- A 'Gymnasium Zone' for our more active pupils to burn off some energy; and,
- A ‘Relaxation Zone’ with a sensory gazebo, seating area with planters and focal feature, interactive pathway with a sensory tambour tunnel.
Steve Walsh, Business Manager at Fairfield School said: “Thank you again to everyone involved. The day was a fantastic team build event and I hope this may be the first of many joint adventures we can do together.”
Congratulations to all involved on an enormous achievement! If you would like to donate to the cause, please click here.
Pinnacle Group finalises integration of Orchard and Shipman brand.
The integration of housing specialists, Orchard & Shipman (O&S) Group, into Pinnacle Group has entered its second phase. This means that as of 1st June 2022, O&S Group now operates under the Pinnacle Group brand, replacing all O&S Group branding.
Pinnacle Group acquired O&S Group in late 2021, to support Pinnacle’s geographic expansion and service capability growth. Since then, the integration of the two businesses has been steadily underway. As well as the change to the branding, this latest phase of the acquisition will simultaneously see the O&S Group social media channels and website cease - apart from O&S Homes (one of our regulated Registered Providers of Affordable Housing), which will still have a page on the Pinnacle Group website.
Peregrine Lloyd, chief executive of Pinnacle Group, said:
“We’re pleased to be taking the final integration steps as part of our exciting acquisition of O&S Group. The integration of branding, social channels and website within the Pinnacle Group brand is an important part of our plan to deliver our vision together as one provider. We look forward to growing from strength to strength together.”
Peregrine Lloyd
Group Chief Executive