Dunelm Property Services has announced two key appointments as part of the continuing expansion of the business.  Part of Esh Group, Dunelm Property Services was formed in 2002 to focus on the social housing sector.  To date contracts worth over £43 million have been secured and the projected turnover for the Company for 2004 is around £15 million.

Gavin Brown BA Cert. CIH, joins Dunelm Property Services as Business Development Co-ordinator from Middlesbrough Council where he was Housing Manager and latterly took particular responsibility for communications as part of the Housing Stock Transfer strategy.  Gavin was educated at both New College, Durham and at the University of Northumbria where he attained a BA in Housing Management & Policy.  Prior to joining Middlesbrough Council, Gavin was employed in both the Borough Architect's office and in the Housing Department at City of Sunderland from 1988 until 2000 becoming Senior Housing Officer in 1996.

Gavin is currently in his third term of office as Treasurer for the North East Branch of the Chartered Institute of Housing.  A keen Sunderland supporter, he is a qualified Class 3 football referee.

Tracy Clare has been appointed Resident Liaison Representative and joins Dunelm Property Services from Tristar Homes Limited, the Company set up to deliver improvement works to the council housing stock for Stockton on Tees Borough Council.  Born and brought up in and around Stockton, Tracy has over 18 years experience in the social housing sector and has held a number of appointments including;

• 'Right to Buy' Officer with Exeter Council
• Senior 'Right to Buy' Officer with Middlesbrough Council and
• Housing Officer with special responsibility for tenant liaison and communications with Coast and Country Housing, the Company set up to manage Redcar and Cleveland's council housing stock.

Tracy will join the Customer Care team, headed up by Business Development Manager Heather Newell, and her immediate responsibility will be to work with the 130 households at Newham Grange near Stockton where Dunelm Property Services is delivering part of the £100 million 'Decent Standard' contract for Tristar Homes together with Connaught Property Services, Frank Haslam Milan and Mears Building Services.

Commenting on the appointments, David Halfacre, Managing Director of Dunelm Property Services, said;
'There are massive changes taking place in the social housing sector and our number one priority at Dunelm Property Services is first class customer care and communications.  Both Gavin and Tracy are very experienced professionals in this sector and are both well known and respected in the region.  Their appointments are an important part of our strategy going forward and we are delighted to welcome them on board.'