New Tricks spent the summer of 2006 training managers of Blyth Valley Housing. A programme was developed to encourage new and innovative methods of leadership, strategic planning and project management as part of the Blyth Valley Housing Management Academy.

In June this year, the Management Academy won Runner up for the Innovation Award in the Blyth Valley ‘Go The Extra Mile’ Awards. As a result of the training, the company saw improvements in staff satisfaction, along with many improvements to internal processes as a direct result of the training.

Kevin Meaney, Director, New Tricks said “We designed the programme to meet the training needs of Blyth Valley Housing managers. This was done following their reviews which meant that the impact on the business was greater. The projects, that were the result of the 5 day programme, have produced tangible business benefits for both the company and staff.”

Vicky Gardiner, Business Development Manager at Blyth Valley Housing said “this programme was used to introduce new and innovative ways of thinking for our managers, and helped to motivate staff and improve satisfaction at work. We also offered it to staff who have aspirations to move into management and that has resulted in one member of staff being successfully promoted onto the management team.”

Blyth Valley Housing are currently planning the next step of the Academy with New Tricks, with more opportunities for aspiring managers as well as high level strategic business planning for existing managers.