26/10/2010 10:34:09
pudders
Posts: 20
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wow...this is brilliant, so many ideas  I have to agree with Lee on this besides I think we need to look at the original options we have been given and choose one of them. I'm firmly sticking to my choice of 'Hyde'. As lee says it has been around a long time now and has built up a reputation that is recognised within the housing sector.
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25/10/2010 21:14:34
lee
Posts: 15
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Hi All,
What is wrong with The Hyde Group or Hyde Housing Assocation all very strong in the sector, i think its important that we keep things simple and make sure we head forward by all going the same way,i think its great that words like united and communities are being banded around because that shows that although a house is very important its also about the communities around us and building safe estates and keeping them safe is very important, but i would expect my landlord to be doing that regardless of what they are called.
So lets keep it real simple and i think Hyde is very powerful with the goverment and other funders which at the moment is very important, lets get the funding in and then put the money into things that will help build safe areas for our familys to grow, lets put our (residents) energy into changing the way our services are being delivered , lets be called one simple name and concentrate more in developing partnerships with staff and other agencies to deliver an all singing dancing quality service and why not do it under the Hyde umbrella?
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23/10/2010 21:31:27
Bobspearman
Posts: 4
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Well done Maurice and Liam, we are getting there. If anyone else would like to contribute we could possibly get very near a concensus of what would be a good and representative brand name. I think the best guide would be to keep it as simple and straightforward as possible. Perhaps a compromise of say 'Hyde Communities United' or something along those lines. It would be an easy abbreviation too 'HCU' which would help in brand signage and documentation etc. Let's all have a another think about it and with more contributions it will help us together to find, agree and promote the optimum choice from a combination of ideas. Again well done, let's keep trying.
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23/10/2010 20:05:37
Maurice
Posts: 4
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Perhaps...'HYDE - CREATING UNITED COMMUNITIES'. I know it's a little cumbersome, but it's starting to create an image that people could relate too. Perhaps a logo involving people, together creating communities. This would give a visual impact to the new name, and together projects a strong image, or the beginnings of one...
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23/10/2010 10:41:42
Bobspearman
Posts: 4
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Well done Liam, Community is the most sensible suggestion so far (and it has 'unity' in it as well, sorry only joking). Seriously your suggestion will leave the well known Hyde identity intact and merge all the others into one 'community' Lets have some more feedback on Liam's suggestion please.
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23/10/2010 06:43:19
liam
Posts: 1
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'Hyde Community Housing' would be my suggestion
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22/10/2010 11:16:17
Bobspearman
Posts: 4
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My suggested new brand name is trying to include / cover all the key objectives Maurice points out. The definition / meaning of the word 'Unity' is as follows and I'll leave it at that so others may decide for themselves if it is pertinent to this forum or not.
1. The state or quality of being one; singleness.
2. The state or quality of being in accord; harmony.
3.
a. The combination or arrangement of parts into a whole; unification.
b. A combination or union thus formed.
4. Singleness or constancy of purpose or action; continuity: "In an army you need unity of purpose" (Emmeline Pankhurst).
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22/10/2010 10:47:11
Maurice
Posts: 4
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Bobspearman, your name 'unity' is really good. It encompases so much. However can you imagine is the majority of residents, and those who deal with Hyde - outside contractors and so on - all picking one, or even two words, that describe Hyde, and the imense pool of ideas to build the image that trully reflects not only 'unity', but the core heart of Hyde. I get the quaterly books sent by Hyde, and in each of them they put great emphasis on performance, always attempting to improve. Why? For the benefit of the residence. This core value, I think , could be at the centre of the new image. Thank you for reading.
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21/10/2010 20:10:18
Bobspearman
Posts: 4
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Hi Everyone,
I'm a Hyde Martlet tenant and my 'twopennyworth' on the idea of one brand name is simply call the brand 'Unity' It hopefully means everyone and every element of all the diverse brand names being as one and united. I hope this suggestion is helpful and welcome any critique or feedback.
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21/10/2010 16:35:40
Maurice
Posts: 4
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I think a re-branding is an excellent idea. Why? because 'The Hyde Group' or the other names do NOT really reflect what Hyde is really about. Hyde is about caring, listening to the residents, creating communities, and improving the qualitiy of life of those in Hyde accomodation. Why have a brand at all? A well designed, (not expensively), logo, and name that reflects the values of the Group would be invaluable. People would see the logo and the new name and know exactly what values Hyde upkeeps, those I mentioned earlier. So the question is not IF you need to change, (and yes it can be chaper than 30 fragmented images and names), but WHEN and to what, with costings. Thank you.
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04/10/2010 08:51:26
lee
Posts: 15
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to me it doesnt really matter what we are called i would much rather have one name (dont mind what it is), for me its about the service you say you are going to provide and no matter what you call yourselves thats is what is important
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01/10/2010 14:41:49
alanschof
Posts: 1
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Thanks Pudders - and all who have joined this interesting thread,
I’d be really interested to know what people think about our 30 or so different brands – you can see some of them here link. We’re pleased and encouraged to have this important issue discussed here on the Forum; it really shows that residents have a view and can have their say on the future direction of the Hyde Group. Getting this decision right has the potential to lead to improved services and a stronger organisation. It is important too that the new brand is one that can unite everyone.
Besides – keeping on doing it the way we are at the moment costs money that could be spent on frontline services. It’s estimated that more than £200k is spent every year keeping those brands alive. I’d rather we spent that money on residents – not on 30 different fancy designs, as it is at the moment. But what do you think?
I know also know that some re-brands in the private sector are pricey to carry out. Ours won’t be as it’s being carried out by our own staff – not by expensive consultants.
So, getting some sense of unity will drastically cut printing, design and other bills and will help staff unite in a common purpose. We’re also looking at other ways to communicate better with residents – including less print and more website and face-to-face contact. I’d like to go further and cut down on the confusion between different letters arriving on residents doormats with different logos.
Do we need to have a brand – name, logo, etc - that both looks professional and makes a good impression with all the individuals and organisations we work with?
So please help us reach a solution. Look at the four options outlined by Pudders. Have your say on how you think the Hyde Group should look in the future. And, please, encourage others to do the same. It’s your Forum, and we want to know your views.
Alan Schofield
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28/09/2010 17:26:01
pudders
Posts: 20
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I think we have lost our way a little here...let's get back on track....come on fellow residents, what are your thoughts on the re-branding of the Hyde group 
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28/09/2010 11:42:24
colour
Posts: 10
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pudders wrote:
oh dear Colour, I think you need to update yourself with current practice for HydeMartlet. Things have moved on quite considerably since you were last involved. Perhaps you should think about joining your local panel to get back up to date with policies and procedures. You would also be able to have an influence over future policies this way. We have to look forward, as Lee pointed out there were many reasons why Martlet joined Hyde. I don't know why you think Hyde residents are favoured over Martlet residents, this is simply not the case. The majority of senior management were Martlet staff, the board is predominantly made up of Martlet ex-board members. The resident board members were voted in from the area panels and once the existing 4 resident board members have served their term, the newly elected board members will come from the 3 area panels plus the fourth being recruited from any of the 3 areas. The current Chairman of the board is Bob Warner, who was recruited late last year. He does have a place on the Group Hyde Board but there is no conflict of interest. Who knows what the future holds.....but personally, I think to save all this confusion and for all HydeMartlet residents to gel together, perhaps the way forward is for Martlet Homes to join the Hyde Group completely
Thanks again for your Post, Pudders.
oh dear Colour, I think you need to update yourself with current practice for HydeMartlet.
I'm updated on a regular basis, by another Martlet Homes Tenant (Not Alan Chaplin, BTW).
Perhaps you should think about joining your local panel to get back up to date with policies and procedures
The Housing Stock Transfer from CDC to CDCH (Now Martlet Homes) Consultation Document as I recall, stated that there would be some changes in Policy. Those changes, would be made by the Martlet Homes Board Of Management, but should be with prior consultatioin with all of Martlet Homes Tenants, as per the current Housing Corporatoin Tenants Charter, which according to the TSA's WebSite, remains in force until the TSA is finally rolled-out countrywide in 2012, when a new TSA Tenants Charter will be issued.
there were many reasons why Martlet joined Hyde.
The reasons given to Martlet Homes Tenants were:
1) That; based on "Economy of Scale", there would be an Annual saving of £1,000,000. In fact, and as per Hyde Housing Group Annual Financial Accounts Statement, that saving would be over 3 years and not one, until 2012.
2) Hyde would benefit from Martlet Homes experience with Rent Recovery.
3) Hyde would benefit from Martlet Homes direct labour force; Martlet Build.
I don't know why you think Hyde residents are favoured over Martlet residents, this is simply not the case.
As I recall and as stated in the Tenants magazine, Hyde Housing Tenants in Southhampton, were given the opportunity to vet 3? Ground Maintenance Contractors and choose one, who would make fortnightly inspections throughout the year, maintaing Estates accordingly.
Martlet Build's Ground Maintenace, don't inspect Martlet Homes Estates. Only cutting the grass on a reguar basis, during the growing season. Other ground maintence is only done if at all, after repeated complaints that it hasn't been.
The above is just one example.
the newly elected board members will come from the 3 area panels
My previous comments re; the selection of Tenant Board Members, as per the Stock Transfer Consultation Document, refers.
to save all this confusion
IMO, the confusion has arisen due to lack of consultation with all of Martlet Homes Tenants, as required by the current Housing Corporation Tenants Charter, by Martlet Homes Board Of Management & Executive Management and insufficient meaningful and coherent information disseminated by Martlet Homes Executive Management.
I thank you for you comments, Pudders. However, since most of what we've discussed is governed by the relevant Statutory legislatioin nnd Common Law, my concerns (and those of many other Tenants that I know), need to be ratified outside of Martlet Homes.
My questions will be; Should Martlet Homes have done that & be doing this & shouldn't they have done that & be doing this. If, when presented with all of the documentary evidence that I have since Martlet Homes took Office, the intial response is "Yes" and "Yes" and "No" and "No", then I'll eat humble pie & accede to the "One Hyde" philosophy. If the response is "No" and "No" and "Yes" and "Yes", then in my opinion the matter should be taken further.
IMO, as far as I'm aware the statements I've made in this Thread are correct.
In view of the above, I won't be Posting again in the Forum. However, if you wish to respond to my latest missive , feel free to do-so
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27/09/2010 19:15:50
pudders
Posts: 20
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oh dear Colour, I think you need to update yourself with current practice for HydeMartlet. Things have moved on quite considerably since you were last involved. Perhaps you should think about joining your local panel to get back up to date with policies and procedures. You would also be able to have an influence over future policies this way. We have to look forward, as Lee pointed out there were many reasons why Martlet joined Hyde.
I don't know why you think Hyde residents are favoured over Martlet residents, this is simply not the case. The majority of senior management were Martlet staff, the board is predominantly made up of Martlet ex-board members. The resident board members were voted in from the area panels and once the existing 4 resident board members have served their term, the newly elected board members will come from the 3 area panels plus the fourth being recruited from any of the 3 areas.
The current Chairman of the board is Bob Warner, who was recruited late last year. He does have a place on the Group Hyde Board but there is no conflict of interest.
Who knows what the future holds.....but personally, I think to save all this confusion and for all HydeMartlet residents to gel together, perhaps the way forward is for Martlet Homes to join the Hyde Group completely
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24/09/2010 01:23:19
colour
Posts: 10
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Thanks for your Post, Lee.
These are the facts:
1) CDC Housing Dept Tenants were given the option of voting for either remaining with CDC, in which case Rents would have to increase considerably, to maintain the current level of property maintenance & Estate Management. Or Transferring to a French for profit Company or a new not for profit Company, retaining the current CDC Management. The attraction of the last 2 options was that, instead of Housing Benefit being paid out of Rental Income, it would continue to be paid by CDC. The resultant savings would obviate the necessity for the considerable increase in Rent. Since the new Company was not for profit, we voted for that. Rents have risen considerably since then, in line with John Prescott's Directive.
Also; the restriction of the amount of Working Capital raised from the Money Markets , that was levied on Local Authority Landlords, by Central Government, was lifted.
2) The new Company was to have 4 Tenant Board Members democratically elected by the Local Area Tenants Associations. Since joining the Hyde Group, Martlet Homes Tenants now only have 2 un-elected Tenant Board Members & the Local Area Tenants Associations have been disbanded, without prior consultation.
3) What Martlet Homes Tenants have now is not what we voted for. What we have now is a Board of Management & Executive Management from another Housing Association based in London, making decisions that affect Tenants living in accomodation & an area, whose requirements are entirely different from those living in other parts of the UK. This is undemocratic & IMO, the merger should not have taken place, without a further Legal & Democratic majority vote. I've yet to make enquiries outside of Martlet Homes, whether or not that is the case.
4) IMO, all of the Rent paid by Martlet Homes Tenants, including the monies saved by not having to pay Housing Benefit out of Rental Income, should be spent on maintaining Martlet Homes Tenant's properties & Estates & not those of Hyde Housing Associatioin Tenants, as I've recently heard (Rightly or Wrongly), from 2 different sources. If they are, then serious questioins need to be asked outside of Martlet Homes.
5) It's quite clear to me & other Tenants I know, that Martlet Homes as Managing Agents for Hyde Housing Associatioin, are favouring Hyde Housing Association Tenants over Martlet Homes Tenants.
6) I'm also not happyy that apparently, Personal & confidential informatiion that was stored locally on Martlet Homes Data Base has been transferred to a central Data Base at Hyde Housing Association HQ in London, without prior consultation. Whether or not this transfer contravenes the Data Protection Act, remains to be seen.
7) also i agree with pudders we all lost something during the merge We shouldn't have lost anything. We should have all gained something.
8) With due rrespect to yourself, Lee & Pudders, both of you are Hyde Housing Association Tenants & it woulde be only natural & expected, that you would have a bias towards the One Hyde philosophy.
9) The current Chairman of Martlet Homes Board Of Management is apparently also a Member of Hyde Housing Association's Board Of Management. So there's conflict of intertest there.
In view of all of the above, it's quite clear that there's been a gradual undemocratic take-over of Martlet Homes by Hyde Housing Associatioin, who are not Martlet Homes Tenants Landlord or Managing Agents for Martlet Homes Tenants properties & Estates, by stealth.
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23/09/2010 22:21:11
lee
Posts: 15
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Hi Colour, i am struggling to understand why you are so down on the Hyde group, as a resident in Hampshire and a Hyde resident the service we were recieving was outstanding which is why i think your very own Martlet board elected to join the group, its also very strange when you say that the services your receiving have changed and yet you have the same people delivering them, ie you have the same asb officer and you still have Martle Build, in fact the group were impressed with Martlet Build which is why the group adopted it, also i agree with pudders we all lost something during the merge but as residents we have a chance to influence change so lets get involved and do it.
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23/09/2010 22:01:30
colour
Posts: 10
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Thanks for your reply, Pudders.
I, obviously , can only Post re; my & other Martlet Homes Tenants problems we've had in dealing with Martlet Homes, since they took Office. These problems are on-going and will continue with some of the current Directorship & Management. Which leaves a lot to be desired.
You, on the other-hand, as a Hyde Housing Associatioin Tenant, can only compare the Service provided by HydeMartlet, which may or may not be better than the Service provided, before HydeMartlet became your Managing Agents.
Re; the Topic Subject, I think I'd rather see my Rent spent on new front & back doors, rather than on frivolities. Martlet Homes Directorshiph has already been challenged re; not getting their priorities right.
FYI, I was a Martlet Homes Tenant Panel Member & worked very hard in helping to produce the following pamphlets:
Our Promises (None of which have been met)
Antisocial Behaviour (Precious little is done re; that)
Martlet Homes Complaints Procedure (Which has never been applied)
Those pamphlets were discarded without prior consultation & replaced with Hyde Housing Association pamphlets.
I'm no longer a Panel Member. My only association from now-on with Martlet Homes is of a Contractural nature, bound by the Terms & Conditions of my Tenancy Agreement.
In all of my 66 years, I've never had to deal with such an administratively incompetent organisation as Martlet Homes. They're not fit for purpose.
Re; your comment re; Tenant feedback. Martlet Homes made an unqualified claim that 84% of Martlet Homes Tenants were satisfied with the Services provided by Martlet Homes. When challenged, Martlet Homes admitted that only 1,600 out-of 5,000 Tenants had been polled & only 283 of those responded. Therefore that claim wasn't true & Martlet Homes knew it wasn't true.
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23/09/2010 14:24:00
pudders
Posts: 20
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Hi Colour, to be fair the consultation process has only just started and perhaps the next edition of HydeLife will have a feature in it about the re-branding. You may have missed the feature that went in the 'SPLASH' magazine quite some time ago asking for residents to join the HydeMartlet database. The Resident Involvement team use this whenever feedback is needed from residents. There is also the Hyde 5000 that you could join and again this list of residents is used when the Hyde Group needs resident feedback. It's not too late you can join whenever you want, I'm sure if you speak to Gwen Miles she will tell you more about it.
I am also a strong believer in looking forward and not back. Situations change all the time and it is how we make the most of this that shapes the future. I agree with you that at the begining of the merger our service dipped but I think they are now back on track. Feedback from residents has shown that HydeMartlet are steadily improving.
Perhaps it's time to put the past behind us and embrace the future. Together as residents we can change and improve the services we receive by challenging in a constructive and fair manner
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23/09/2010 13:05:12
colour
Posts: 10
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Have you heard that the Hyde Group are looking at the branding and asking residents, staff and external customers their thoughts? No, I Haven't! Martlet Homes Tenants receive precious little information from Marlet Homes, since the demise of our own dedicated Website & Tenants magazine "The Phoenix". Both of which were withdrawn without prior consultation with all of Martlet Homes Tenants.
I'm a Martlet Homes ltd (Trading as HydeMartlet, as Managing Agents for Hyde Housing Association Ltd owned properties in the South) Tenant.
Since Martlet Homes Ltd manage their own properties & not Hyde Housing Association ltd , I see no reason why Martlet Homes should nave been renamed to HydeMartlet in the first place, for Martlet Homes Tenants.
Martlert Homes ltd is an Independent Housing Association, with it's own Board Of Management. Therefore, in my opinion, any decision regarding in yet another change in Company Logo and Strapline, should be made by that Board of Management after a democratic consultatioin process with all of Martlet Homes Ltd Tenants .
My views regarding Martlet Homes Ltd joining the Hyde Group of Companies, which has resulted in a deteriation of all Services, are well-known.
Perhaps Hyde Housing Association Ltd as Parent Company, together with it's Associated Companies, should put all of it's resources into ensuring that all properties meet the Government's "Decent Homes Standards", before using those resources in promoting the "One Hyde" philosophy.
There was a Legally required Democratic Consultation process & majority vote, before the former Chichester District Council Housing stock was transferred to CDCH (Later renamed to Martlet Homes, to avoid confusion). There was no such process or vote, when Martlet Homes joined the Hyde Group. In my opinion, there should have been. It was presented as a "fait a complit", by the Chairman of the Board of Management & Managing Director, both of whom departed shortly afterwards.
The general consensus of opinion of the many Martlet Homes Tenants that I know, is that the Services provided by Martlet Homes are worse than those provided by our former Landlord CDC & even more worse, since joining the Hyde Group. As of May 2009, Martlet Homes had 58,852 recorded complaints., over an 8 year period.
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