More than 130 tenants and residents from Pinnacle-managed estates across the UK were treated to a day on the Thames aboard the paddle steamer, Dixie Queen, for this year’s Pinnacle Residents Conference.

This was the sixth year that Pinnacle, a UK market leader in housing and facilities management, has hosted a conference for its housing residents.  These conferences are aimed at addressing the key issues affecting residents and this year’s theme, Moving Forward, examined how to monitor and raise standards on estates.

The day featured guest speakers, workshops and group sessions.  Residents from London, the Midlands and the North of England, including Walsall, Brockley, Canning Town, Shoreditch, Clapton Park, Stanford Hill, Churchill Gardens, Bayswater, Lambeth, Midland Heart and Westminster took part in the conference, which was held on 22 April.

Denise Coreana, a Bayswater resident, said: “Everyone I have spoken to has been very positive about the conference – and everyone was quite excited about the venue.  It’s been a great day. 

Notting Hill resident, Nina Sharpe, said: “Thanks very much for inviting me to the meeting. It was a great day. I was very impressed with Pinnacle staff's positive, friendly and happy attitudes. It shows what a great team Pinnacle has.”

Midland Heart’s Interim Procurement Manager, Michele Ward, said "Residents were full of praise for yesterday’s jolly (sorry Conference) on the Thames. I’m impressed that the weather you ordered turned up to spec and on time!"

Sheila Hamilton, a resident from Walsall, said: "Thank you, thank you, thank you. Once again a truly wonderful day. The Dixie Queen was a delight and helped me, somewhat, overcome my fear of water. The interaction between staff and residents was fantastic - more like old friends! ... Well done Pinnacle!"

John Swinney, Pinnacle’s Chief Executive, said: “I am thrilled that we were able to attract a record number of residents to this year’s event.  From the overwhelmingly positive feedback we’ve received, it is clear that all the residents enjoyed themselves so our main objective was achieved.

“Our annual conferences are a great opportunity to meet individuals living within the communities Pinnacle works in – and for residents to meet each other.  Our aim is to support residents to improve their estates and communities by offering practical advice and facilitating forums for discussion.  Through this, they can take back their ideas to use within their own communities.”