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Two of the biggest housing associations in the North West, Contour Housing Group and Vicinity Housing Group have agreed to explore and develop the most appropriate means of establishing a legal partnership between both organisations.
Both companies stress the process is at a very early stage and will take some time to conclude should the process go forward. However, the companies feel that ‘on paper’ at least they are a good fit – and share similar cultures, aspirations and long term goals.
Both parent company Boards support the proposal and Chair of Vicinity, Bill Tubey said: “The proposed partnership will strengthen both organisations at a time when the sector is facing an increasingly challenging environment. Should a partnership eventually go ahead, Contour and Vicinity will be able to face the future with increased confidence and have a great platform from which it can enhance and extend services to customers.”
The companies are a similar size and both have stock holding member organisations which enjoy excellent reputations in the areas in which they operate. These local identities will remain and the companies have pledged their commitment to subsidiaries who will continue to deliver excellent customer services with a clear local focus.
Chris Jeffries, Chair of Contour Housing Group adds: “One of the most encouraging aspects of the proposed partnership is the compatibility of cultures in key areas such as tenant involvement and service delivery. The commitment to member organisations and tenants will be a strong theme of the potential partnership and the focus going forward will be exploring how the parent organisations can be even better together in the years ahead.”
Contour Housing Group employ 474 staff, 320 of which work in local neighbourhoods. It owns and manages over 20,000 homes through member organisations Contour Homes, Hyndburn Homes and Peak Valley Housing Association.
Vicinity Housing Group owns and manages 17,500 homes through its subsidiaries Liverpool Housing Trust (LHT), Colbalt Housing, Beechwood Ballantyne, Atrium and Ribble Valley Homes. It employs over 530 staff, over 400 of which work in local neighbourhoods across North East Lancashire, Merseyside and Cheshire.
If the partnership goes ahead, the new parent Group will create seven stock holding member organisations with property portfolios ranging in size from 1,000 to 12,000.
Both organisations operate exclusively in the North West of England and combine traditional RSL’s and stock transfers with non stock holding parents.
Staff of both organisations have been informed about the partnership discussions and residents and tenants will be kept fully informed as the process moves forward.
