Social housing providers merge to form 600-strong group
A social housing provider in Shropshire has merged with another in Herefordshire to form a new group with more than 600 staff.
Shropshire Housing Group her joined with Herefordshire Housing to form Connexus, which will serve Shropshire, Herefordshire, Gloucestershire and Worcestershire.
The move will see bases at Wem and Craven Arms retained, and the merged group said there are not currently any plans to cut jobs.
Peter Brown, the chief executive of Herefordshire Housing will take on the same role within Connexus, while Jake Berriman, chief executive of Shropshire Housing Group becomes deputy chief executive.
While the move brings together several subsidiary businesses under one umbrella – such as Meres and Mosses Housing Association and South Shropshire Housing Association – tenants have been told the move will not see any change on a day-to-day basis. The existing brand names will be retained under the combined group.
What the deal will bring is an accelerated housebuilding programme, with more homes for sale and rent alongside a shared ownership programme and affordable rented accommodation.
The organisation will be the largest developer in the Marches with plans to build 1,458 homes by 2023.
Mr Brown said: "Connexus will bring together the resources, energy and ambition of two successful housing groups, while our frontline services will continue to be delivered by the organisations that our individual customers have come to know and trust.
"Connexus was chosen based on the group’s three core values – number one supporting and connecting people, number two creating homes and communities with a sense of belonging and three forging partnerships with like-minded organisations who share the groups aims.
"The new organisation’s core responsibility will be managing 10,000 homes. In addition it offers care and support services through Independence Trust, repairs and maintenance through Total Response Ltd and development opportunities through Floreat Homes."
The new group aims to manage the transition with what it described as "a clear sense of purpose focussed on people, places and partnerships".
