Having achieved the Decent Homes Standard ahead of the Government target, Blyth Valley Housing is already a shining example to other registered social landlords and now with a new managing director at the helm the organisation is hoping to reach new heights.

In 2007, following the announcement of a single unitary council in Northumberland, Blyth Valley Housing's management contract was extended, which means that Ray Boycott will be responsible for working with the board to lead the arms length management company towards a successful future and meet the needs of the county.

Boycott says that he took on an exciting challenge when he accepted his new position adding: "The satisfaction of Blyth Valley Housing's customers is key to the company's success so our new remit will not be at the expense of the tenants. Last year the company was rated eighth in the country for tenant satisfaction, something that we intend to improve on over the next few years. It is my hope that by working with residents, Blyth Valley Housing will provide homes and neighbourhoods that everyone can be proud of.

"I will be working closely with the board of directors over the next few months to ensure we fully understand the needs of our customers and partners in planning for the future. We fully expect to play our part in the sustainable communities' strategy and helping to deliver a better quality of life for our customers. Our main focus at the moment is to continue to provide a good service to our customers by planning for the future."

Boycott has over 30 years experience in social housing having previously worked at executive level for Bedford Pilgrim Housing Association and English Churches Group as well as a full housing career with Bedford, Sheffield and Rotherham Councils.

Blyth Valley Housing hopes to continue its success into 2008 with the introduction of a financial inclusion manager who is available to make sure that tenants have access to the benefits they are entitled to, advice on debt prevention and to help people maximise their income.

In the past six years the company has worked hard to meet the Decent Homes Standard set by the Government and now the focus for the future is on maintaining that standard.

As well as that achievement, the company successfully gained status as a two star "good organisation" in the Audit Commission inspections in 2003 and 2005 which enabled access to additional borrowing of over £49million to improve homes.

The company has a proud history of maintaining top quartile performance in a majority of indicators. Other achievements include being the first social housing organisation in the North East to use possession claims online reducing costs for tenants, as well as achieving the Equality North East Medium Employer of the Year in 2007.

During 2006/07, the company bid for funding to lead on a sub regional choice-based lettings project that will mean single portal to access all social housing in Northumberland.

The team was developed in May 2007 and is using the Blyth Valley Housing model and lettings policy for choicebased lettings to lead the way in the county and to develop the Northumberland Homefinder service.

In September last year, the Housing Advice Service was launched. Situated within the homelessness team, it is targeted with providing help, support and advice to tenants to help them avoid becoming homeless.

This has been a huge success and has led to less homeless applications than ever before, with more people staying in their homes.

Blyth Valley Housing may be well ahead of the game in providing decent homes for its tenants but this organisation has no intention of resting on its laurels and has big plans for the future.