Case Study: Anchor Trust

Posted on 25th May at 03:08 PM

With over 24,000 rental properties under its management, Anchor Trust began planning conversion of all its communal TV systems in 2000.

While the Government’s digital switchover policy was a factor, it was customer demand for digital services that drove the decision to convert the systems. Most properties had old MATV systems unsuitable for digital television. Anchor evaluated the options carefully - to upgrade the existing systems, or convert to IRS. Anchor chose to convert all its properties to IRS today, giving residents greater choice and avoiding the need for further upgrades later.

Anchor appointed a single installation management organisation. This reduced the resources required, simplified the management process and ensured consistency of approach and standards. Anchor’s build list is given to its prime contractor, which in turn works with its contractors to carry out a pre-works survey with the assistance and supervision of Anchor’s own surveying team. Following this, tenants are consulted in respect of cost, work detail and what the resulting works will mean for their TV reception and viewing.

Under this programme, 2,500 dwellings are converted each year totally (2,500 x 8-years) 20,000 homes, at an average overall cost of about £140 each. The programme is expected to be substantially complete by 2008.