Fabienne Laforce, Author at DMG Delta

Delivering the Impossible

Fabienne Laforce — Thu, 09 Jan 2025 12:56:23 +0000

Case Study

Wellesley Court, Maida Vale

Managing Agent: Parkgate Aspen
Service/ Type of Work: Emergency response and repair

DMG Contract: Building Maintenance (traditional)
Building Size: Approx 400 Residents
Our Impact: The crisis at Wellesley Court highlighted our ability to deliver under pressure, turning a potential disaster into a demonstration of reliability and professionalism. Through innovative problem-solving and unwavering dedication, we ensured the safety and comfort of residents while supporting Managing Agents in delivering exceptional service.

Overview

Delivering the “impossible” is at the heart of DMG Delta’s mission. Our commitment to 24/7/365 support for Managing Agents and their clients ensures that critical services are maintained, even under extreme circumstances.

On Thursday, 16 November 2023, DMG Delta was called to address a significant crisis at Wellesley Court.

The communal heating and hot water services had failed during an installation upgrade by contractors. The failure posed a critical risk to the building’s 400 residents, many of whom fell into ‘vulnerable’ or ‘at-risk’ categories, including families with young children and elderly residents.

The escalation came during sub-zero temperatures, creating urgency for a rapid resolution. Initial contractor investigations failed to identify the fault, leaving the entire building at risk of losing heating and hot water services overnight and having to be moved into temporary accommodation by the managing agents.

The Challenge and Solution

Our Managing Director, was contacted at 17:31 and immediately mobilised a crisis response team.

Initial Response:
An engineer arrived at Wellesley Court within 30 minutes at 18:01. Intensive fault-finding efforts, identified the issue: a failed PCB and several blown capacitors requiring immediate replacement.

Overcoming Supply Challenges:
With stockists closed and critical spare parts unavailable, DMG Delta leveraged its internal resources. By 20:30, the MD personally reviewed HQ inventories and identified the necessary components. These were swiftly picked up and taken to site by the Engineer, who travelled all the way down to our Essex HQ from London and back again.

Execution:
By 00:03 (just after midnight), the replacement parts were installed, and the communal heating and hot water services were fully restored.

The Result

Speed of Service:
The first engineer arrived within 30 minutes of the initial call, significantly faster than the industry standard.

Problem Resolution:
Critical services were restored within 9 hours of escalation, avoiding resident displacement and ensuring the safety and comfort of all residents.

Client Trust and Reputation:
This swift and decisive response enhanced the Managing Agent’s reputation and demonstrated the value of reliable partnerships in the leasehold sector.

“ It is undoubtedly the case that had we not had the support and immediate attention from DMG Delta from the point when I initially contacted their MD that the outturn could have been very different. This has reflected positively on all parties, us as managing agents, our client as building owner, and DMG Delta as the facilitator. “

S Unsdorfer

Managing Director, Parkgate Aspen

Data Energy

Seamless solutions for metering, billing, energy procurement, and data collection, delivering better services to your residents

Find out more

The post Delivering the Impossible appeared first on DMG Delta.

Swift Crisis Response and Sustainable Heating Solution

Fabienne Laforce — Thu, 09 Jan 2025 10:40:34 +0000

Case Study

Kingston Riverside, Kingston upon Thames

Managing Agent: Bartholomews
Service/ Type of Work: Emergency Response, System Replacement, and Sustainable Heating Solution

DMG Contract: HIU Service & Maintenance
No of Apartments: 210 Apartments
Our Impact: DMG’s immediate action restored essential heating and hot water within days, followed by the implementation of a state-of-the-art, energy-efficient heating system. This approach ensured long-term reliability, reduced environmental impact, and minimised disruption to residents.

Background

Kingston Riverside is a prestigious development located on the banks of the Thames, comprising 210 one- to three-bedroom apartments. The site relies on a district heating system to provide heating and hot water to its residents via Heat Interface Units (HIUs).

On August 27th, a catastrophic flood, caused by the failure of a Thames Water sewage pump, overwhelmed the Energy Centre, rendering the entire heating plant inoperable. This left all apartments without heating or hot water.

The Result

Rapid Restoration: Temporary heating and hot water systems were operational within seven days.

Sustainability: The new Energy Centre includes low-carbon technologies, reducing environmental impact.

Reliability: Enhanced system performance ensures minimal future disruptions.

Resident Satisfaction: Positive feedback from stakeholders and residents for efficient handling and innovative solutions.

The Challenge

The situation presented several immediate and long-term challenges:

Extensive water damage caused a complete failure of all Energy Centre equipment.

Emergency restoration of heating and hot water was critical for residents.

The existing system was beyond economic repair, necessitating a full redesign.

Stakeholder collaboration was required with managing agents, insurers, and loss adjusters.

Equipment delivery delays and the integration of sustainable technologies added complexity.

The Project

DMG responded within 95 minutes of receiving the initial emergency call from the site concierge. Upon arrival, engineers assessed the situation and devised a two-phase response plan:

Phase 1: Emergency Restoration
Temporary 500Kw gas-fired boilers were sourced and installed within seven days to restore heating and hot water to all apartments, minimising disruption to residents.

Phase 2: Long-Term System Replacement
DMG conducted a comprehensive assessment of the damaged system, collaborating with all stakeholders to create a detailed plan for replacing the Energy Centre. Key considerations included energy efficiency, carbon reduction, and system reliability.

The new system incorporated a repaired Biomass boiler alongside advanced heating technology, ensuring sustainability and cost-effectiveness. Despite logistical challenges, the installation and commissioning of the new Energy Centre were completed within 18 months.

“ DMG’s swift and professional response turned a potential disaster into a positive transformation for Kingston Riverside. Their expertise and proactive communication ensured residents were minimally impacted and that we now have a state-of-the-art heating system. We couldn’t be more pleased with the results. “

Managing Agent

Bartholomews

Data Energy

Seamless solutions for metering, billing, energy procurement, and data collection, delivering better services to your residents

Find out more

The post Swift Crisis Response and Sustainable Heating Solution appeared first on DMG Delta.

Working in Unison – Maintenance, Metering and Billing

Fabienne Laforce — Mon, 23 Dec 2024 12:33:03 +0000

Case Study

Queen’s Quarter, Croydon

Managing Agent: Encore Estate Management
Developer: HUB
DMG Contract: M&E, HIU Service & Maintenance
Data Energy Contract: Metering & Billing Services
Site: 513 residential apartments, 4 buildings all fed from one energy centre supplying a district heat network.

Overview

Both DMG Delta and Data Energy have been working on the site since handover from the developer approximately 2 years ago.

Data Energy reviewed the metering and data collection infrastructure and collaborated with the managing agent and contractors to prepare meters for remote reading.

All units are now billed according to actual consumption, in compliance with Heat Network (M&B) regulations.

DMG completed an initial service defect report, identifying various issues and concerns.

The Result

DMG swiftly resolved the catastrophic failure, replacing faulty components and restoring the energy centre within 18 hours with only a minor loss of service.

Since then, DMG has carried out regular maintenance and developed a strong working relationship with the Estate Manager and onsite team.

The Challenge

DMG arrived onsite for routine electrical maintenance at 8AM. The electrical engineer immediately reported the flooded energy centre due to burst bellows on the pump set, which affected all blocks.

A multiskilled team of Engineers arrived onsite within the hour to start the pump out of the energy centre could begin.

Whilst the pump out was being carried out, the senior contracts manager contacted all suppliers for stock and delivered the parts to site so the faulty bellows could be replaced.
By 6pm the engineers had installed the new bellows but remained onsite until the early hours to carry out the essential filling and venting.

Data Energy and DMG Delta have been instrumental in the onboarding and set up for our phased 4 block development.

From taking over the data collection, resolving legacy installation issues and providing key sales and new home documents, they have always been available to assist with anything we have asked for.

We continue to work closely with them on the resident billing at the site and they support us with monthly reporting, key stakeholder meetings and they are always willing to tailor their services to meet our needs at this development.

Sarah Norton

Encore Estate Manager

Data Energy

Seamless solutions for metering, billing, energy procurement, and data collection, delivering better services to your residents

Find out more

The post Working in Unison – Maintenance, Metering and Billing appeared first on DMG Delta.

We are hosting a new TPI Heat Network Training Course

Fabienne Laforce — Thu, 15 Aug 2024 09:53:41 +0000

As a Property Manager, the responsibilities you carry are vast and complex. From managing tenant relationships to ensuring that all aspects of the building run smoothly, your role is multifaceted. But when it comes to communal heating systems, hot water, and Combined Heat and Power (CHP) systems, the challenges can often feel overwhelming—especially in light of evolving regulations.

If you’ve found yourself grappling with the intricacies of Heat Networks and the ever-changing landscape of energy regulations, you’re not alone. Many Property Managers share this struggle. That’s why we’re thrilled to announce that we are leading a new invaluable resource designed to give you the confidence and knowledge you need to excel in your role.

Introducing TPi’s Immersive Online Training Course on Heat Networks, Net Zero, Regulation, and Management of Communal Heating in Apartment Blocks

We are excited to lead this comprehensive 3-hour online immersion session, on Wednesday 4th September 2024 09.30- 12.30. This course is designed to cut through the complexity, offering you clear, actionable insights that will help you stay compliant with the latest Heat Network (Metering and Billing) Regulations and beyond.

🌟 Webinar Highlights:

Understand Heat Network (Metering and Billing) Regulations: Regulations can be tricky to navigate, especially when they’re evolving as rapidly as they are today. This course will break down the key aspects of the Heat Network regulations, ensuring you fully understand what’s required of you and your management team.
Navigate Legislative Compliance with Ease: The legal landscape is shifting, and with it, the responsibilities of Managing Agents are growing. We’ll guide you through the essential steps to stay compliant, so you can manage your properties with confidence and peace of mind.
Master Maintenance Contracts and Consumer Protection: Effective management of communal heating systems goes beyond just keeping the heat on. You’ll learn how to create and manage maintenance contracts that not only keep your systems running smoothly but also protect the consumers—your tenants—ensuring their satisfaction and safety.
Gain Insights on the CIBSE Code of Practice: Understanding and implementing industry standards is crucial for effective property management. This course will introduce you to the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) Code of Practice, providing you with the knowledge you need to apply these standards to your daily operations.
Maximise Your Heat Network’s Performance: Efficiency is key. Learn how to optimize the performance of your heat networks, ensuring that they run effectively and sustainably. This is not just about compliance; it’s about enhancing the value and performance of the properties you manage.

By the end of this immersive training, you’ll be equipped with:

A good understanding of the regulatory landscape and how to navigate it.
Practical knowledge that you can immediately apply to your day-to-day operations.
Enhanced management skills that will make you more effective and valuable in your role.

In an industry where the stakes are high and the responsibilities are vast, having the right knowledge and skills is not just beneficial—it’s essential. This course provides you with the tools to not only meet the current demands but to excel and set a new standard in property management.

Book your place HERE

The post We are hosting a new TPI Heat Network Training Course appeared first on DMG Delta.

Remembrance Day 2023

Fabienne Laforce — Thu, 09 Nov 2023 14:59:23 +0000

Remembrance Day 2023

“When you go home, tell them of us and say
For your tomorrow, we gave our today.”

With Remembrance Day on Saturday, we want to express our gratitude to those who have given their lives in service. We will remember them. If you can, please consider making a donation to the British Legion: https://lnkd.in/eTUVKMZ

https://dmgdelta.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Dmg-Rememberance-day.mp4

Back to News

The post Remembrance Day 2023 appeared first on DMG Delta.

Christmas Opening Times 2022

Fabienne Laforce — Wed, 07 Dec 2022 10:30:43 +0000

Christmas Opening Times

Our office will be open as usual over the festive period

24/7/365 out of hours emergency attendance will be available for all contracted clients.

If you require attendance please call the office number 01279 810 100 and you will be diverted to the on-call manager.

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Back to News

The post Christmas Opening Times 2022 appeared first on DMG Delta.

Winter is just around the corner…

Fabienne Laforce — Thu, 01 Sep 2022 14:59:11 +0000

Winter is just around the corner…

As you might be aware, the heating is due to be turned on for traditional buildings from the 1st October 2022. Please note, this doesn’t apply to buildings with communal heat networks, which run continuously and provide heat on a 24/7/365 basis.

We would be grateful if clients could confirm which traditional buildings you would like the heating turned on for, along with a convenient date for the visit to take place. Alternatively, please let us know if you would prefer to postpone the heating being turned on until further notice.

Scheduling will only take place upon your instruction. You can contact our Operations Department on 01279 810 100 or operations@dmgdelta.co.uk. Please be advised that unless this service is included within your agreement, it will be chargeable as per the Payment Terms.

Back to News

The post Winter is just around the corner… appeared first on DMG Delta.

Energy Bills Support Scheme extended to Heat Network customers

Fabienne Laforce — Mon, 01 Aug 2022 15:26:44 +0000

Energy Bills Support Scheme extended to Heat Network customers

Millions of UK households will receive a non-repayable discount on their energy bills this Winter, as part of the Government’s Energy Bills Support Scheme (EBSS).

Customers with a domestic meter, who pay for their energy via standard credit, direct debit and payment card will receive an automatic deduction to their bills over a 6-month period. Traditional prepayment customers will be issued monthly discount vouchers either by text, email or in the post. In both cases, customers will receive a discount totalling £400.

On the 29th of July, The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) confirmed that further funding will be made available for the 1% of households not reached by the EBSS. This includes customers who are connected to a heat network.

Households that do not have a direct relationship with an energy supplier, and instead have their utilities provided via a management company, will still receive equivalent support of £400.

Business and Energy Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng said:

People across the country are understandably worried about the global rise in energy costs, and the pressure this is placing on everyday bills.

While no government can control global gas prices, we have a responsibility to step in where we can and this significant £400 discount on energy bills we’re providing will go some way to help millions of families over the colder months.

An announcement with details on how and when these households can access this support will be made this Autumn.

Back to News

The post Energy Bills Support Scheme extended to Heat Network customers appeared first on DMG Delta.

Do you want your heating turned off for summer?

Fabienne Laforce — Fri, 01 Apr 2022 08:02:27 +0000

Do you want your heating turned off ready for summer?

We’re approaching the end of the traditional heating season, so now would be the ideal opportunity for us to attend site and turn your heating off, ready for the warmer months which are (fingers crossed) just around the corner.

If you would like to make arrangements, please contact our Helpdesk on 01279 810 100 or alternatively email operations@dmgdelta.co.uk.

Please note, due to the change in weather conditions over the years, we will not be attending on Monday 2nd May 2022 unless authorised to do so.

Back to News

The post Do you want your heating turned off for summer? appeared first on DMG Delta.