In a bid to support government targets to help with the sustainable supply of best value social housing, Wienerberger has announced a significant investment into this sector across the UK.

The outlay sees the manufacturer venturing into the social housing sector, with the appointment of a new social housing team. Heading up the division is John Harris, national sales manager, who offers a wealth of product and regional knowledge as a result of 30 years’ industry experience, 15 of which are with Wienerberger’s Sandtoft Roof Tiles.

Working with Mr Harris, business development manager John Christopher, and business development manager Mark Mayatt also join the team. Mr Christopher will be utilising his 25 years’ experience to assist in providing technical expertise across social housing in the North and Midlands. Mr Mayatt is based in London and brings 30 years’ experience in the sector – providing the new team with national coverage.

Discussing the impact that the new investment will have on the sector, Mr Christopher said: “Quality social housing design and provision is vital to ensure we are offering the best long term value to both providers and their customers/tenants. By setting up a specialist arm, Wienerberger is working to address this and act as a consultant for the sector. We want to set a newbuild standard that focuses on improving quality of the built environment and the lives of social housing tenants.

“Creating a social team of specialists is key to making this happen and compliments our existing efforts to deliver a more sustainable and accessible future for housing, via innovations such our industry acclaimed e4 house. Our new team will take time to really understand the needs of this industry, by working in partnership with associations to deliver long-term value and assurance - helping to deliver a new vision for social housing.”