The £104m investment will be delivered under a new strategic framework, which has seen the group appoint five regional contractors to undertake work across dedicated regions.

Bell Group has been appointed in Scotland, Connolly Limited in the North West of England, Wates in the North East and central areas, MD Group in the South West, and Novus Property Solutions in the South East.

The move is aimed at reducing the cost of the programme — saving £2.46m — which Places for People aims to reinvest in local communities.

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The company’s director of asset strategy and investment Mark Arnold (pictured above), commented: “A departure from fragmented, inefficient relationships of old, it allows us to deliver works at scale, [providing] upgrades that help customers combat prevalent macro-economic challenges like energy prices, while also contributing to opportunities within their local community.”

Each contractor has committed to delivering 200 apprenticeships, 1,750 training places (including on the construction skills certificate scheme), 850 work experience places, and 9,700 volunteer hours over the next four years across all of the regions.

Contractors will also donate materials and labour for community refurbishment projects, as well as run DIY workshops for customers, and donate financially to local causes.

Mark added: “We have a proud and longstanding track record of working collaboratively with our supply chain to the benefit of our customers.

“Our new framework formalises this approach, with a sustainable commercial model that even in its first year, will result in almost 10% of construction cost savings that is already being invested in community initiatives.”

Works to improve homes are already underway, including a £4.9m energy efficiency programme adding solar hot water heating systems, PV panels, low energy lighting, and energy efficient storage heaters, as well as a programme to upgrade insulation in almost 900 homes across the country.

“[The programme] will generate thousands of new opportunities for customers in the next four years and I am proud to have commenced this programme and look forward to working with people in and around our communities as the concept becomes a reality,” Mark continued.