All Change at the top for North Star Housing Group

Published by Esme Trelease for Endeavour Housing Association in Housing

North Star Housing Group, parent company of Endeavour and Teesdale Housing Associations, is celebrating the arrival of two new Directors, who will add to its existing three-strong Senior Management Team.

Matthew Foreman, North Star’s new Director of Housing, and Emma Speight, new Director of Technical Services have hit the ground running, and as North Star Chief Executive Angela Lockwood explains, their arrival could not have come at a better time.

“We are an ambitious organisation and Emma and Matthew’s appointment is further evidence of our determination to continue to be at the top of our game. Delivering innovative services and building homes that are modern and contribute positively to the environment are two key future objectives.”

It’s set to be a busy and productive year for North Star, with the roll out of a new five year corporate strategy that will stretch the Group’s reputation for innovation even further. The new strategy will move the Group into triple bottom line activity, and will further drive their innovative approach to the Big Society and Community Investment. On top of this, it will tackle environmental issues and fuel poverty along with corporate social responsibility work. As Angela says, ‘It's an exciting time to for Matthew and Emma to join us.”

Matthew Foreman, who left North Tyneside Homes to join North Star, started his career in Housing with Gateshead Council when he was just 21 years old. Working his way up the career ladder, gaining a degree and post-graduate qualifications as he did so, Matthew has worked in Senior Housing positions for a number of years. For Matthew, the big draw of North Star was it’s strong reputation, as he explains.

“North Star has a strong reputation for delivering high quality services and delivering challenging initiatives. Working our way through the huge changes with welfare reform and support services are two big challenges ahead. I’m looking forward to working as part of a new senior team to overcome these challenges and lead the Group into further growth during these tough times.”

Emma Speight, who is a Chartered Surveyor, has worked in economic development and regeneration for over 17 years. Starting her career in Scotland at Scottish Enterprise, she returned to the North East 14 years ago and has since held senior positions in English Partnerships and OneNorthEast. As Emma explains, joining North Star represents an exciting change.

“In previous roles I have been responsible for delivering a capital development programme of circa £50 million. To work for an organisation like North Star, which is smaller but very focussed is exciting. What stands out is North Star’s strong commitment to tenants and growth, and I’m thrilled to be part of that.” 

Having a reputation for being ‘More than a Landlord,’ North Star wants to wants to remain at the forefront of housing activity, and as Angela explains, the appointment of two new Directors will help to drive the Group’s ambitions.

“We are already a Sunday Times Best Employer and IIP Silver company with tenant satisfaction levels higher than any other landlord in the sub region, but we are determined to be even better. I have no doubt that Matthew and Emma will help us achieve this.”