Q: HOW IS UNITE STUDENTS INVESTING IN ITS PORTFOLIO? A: We are using data to prioritise project improvement activity throughout our estate. We are investing in several areas, which link to our business priorities, such as refurbishing our properties, continuing our cladding replacement activity and investing in sustainable technology and initiatives. It’s an ambitious programme of activity which has been forecast over several years and underpins our continued dedication to the safety, wellbeing and experience our teams and residents experience within their day-to-day lives in our properties. Q: WHY HAS THE COMPANY INVESTED IN ITS ASSETS OVER THE PAST 12 MONTHS? A: To maintain our purpose of delivering a Home for Success, we need to manage and maintain our properties. We maintain our standing with the Higher Education sector as a trusted and strategic partner. We also retain the trust and support our residents have in us and our teams, as well as providing reassurance that safety is a priority. As we interrogate the technical and reactive data, alongside continual analysis of future portfolio performance and resident feedback, we can see where investment needs to take place within our existing assets. Q: WHICH PROJECTS IN 2024 HAVE MADE THE BIGGEST DIFFERENCE TO THE PORTFOLIO? A: We have made a real step change in our designs to enhance community-building and resident experience. This includes changes within our bedroom and kitchen design as well as communal areas. I recently visited our London properties and the delight of seeing the use of the space in real time, as well as hearing direct student feedback around how they have been enjoying these spaces, not only helps inform how we continue to evolve this work but confirms where we have got it right. Continued investment in sustainability activity and movement towards net zero is excellent. Q: WHAT INVESTMENTS ARE YOU MOST EXCITED FOR IN 2025? A: I am excited to see the continued improvement, growth and application of our design work. Anything you can see, touch and feel always sparks conversation, feedback, and differing opinions. Activity like replacing heating systems to support our net zero goals, revising lighting design to enhance wellbeing, or a lift replacement, can be complex and involve a lot of people over several areas of expertise. Realising the level of detail and care the teams and suppliers take to find the answers, to then see it applied in properties, is not only galvanising but is also a constant reminder of how dedicated our people are. Great Place to Live Q&A with Jo Blair, Head of Specification “ As we interrogate the technical and reactive data, alongside resident feedback, we can see where investment needs to take place within our existing assets.” THE UNITE GROUP PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2024 33