Repairs and maintenance company Unitas Ltd has announced the appointment of two new board members. Unitas Chair, Julie Lorraine and Non-Executive Director, Nicky Fiedler will be instrumental in steering the development of the Stoke-on-Trent based firm.
Julie, who is currently Strategic Director at Manchester tech company, Mobysoft, has previously held several Executive FD roles spanning a 25-year career in the public sector, including Councils, Housing Associations and Arm’s Length Management Organisations (ALMOs).
She replaces Dr Simon Cupples who stepped down earlier this year after two years as Chair, having been a Non-Executive Director since the company began in 2018.
Julie said: “I am looking forward to working with the rest of the board and wider team at Unitas to support the highest standard of practice and governance enabling the company to continue to deliver a positive local impact and importantly provide opportunities for access to skilled employment for people across all our communities.”
Unitas, which looks after 17,500 homes and approximately 600 public buildings owned by Stoke- -on-Trent City Council, has grown significantly since forming in 2018. The company now boasts a strong workforce of more than 450 employees delivering several services across all business areas and striving to provide customers with the highest standards of service.
Director of Unitas, Wayne Booth said: “Julie will bring a wealth of knowledge to the role and her passion and experience of the social housing sector will aid the board and organisation as it sets out to deliver its current services for the council whilst expanding the business to offer services to new clients and generate new sources of income.” He added: “Julie and the board’s expertise alongside the Senior Leadership team, will be critical in developing the business over the coming years.”
Joining Julie as Non-Executive Director will be Nicky Fiedler. She is currently Corporate Director of Communities at London Borough of Redbridge. Nicky has Executive Director level experience in: Companies, Commercial, Housing, Communities, Customer, Digital, Health and Safety, and Climate Change.
Nicky said: “My passion and career have been centred around delivering improved outcomes for local communities. I am looking forward to supporting and mentoring the executive team at Unitas and strengthening the business growth and wider community value using my direct housing experience, knowledge and client perspective.”
Councillor Carl Edwards, Stoke-on-Trent City Council, cabinet member for housing and the environment, said: “We are thrilled with the calibre, breadth of experience and national standing that Julie and Nicky will bring to help steer the future development of a business that plays a crucial role in ensuring the quality of social housing for thousands of residents across Stoke-on-Trent. We wish them both every success in their roles.”
