18 November 2008
New midlands force created
The Housing Corporation has approved the integration of two leading West Midlands housing associations. Following this decision, West Mercia Housing Group and Whitefriars Housing Group will formally go live as a new joint force in January 2009.
West Mercia Housing Group, which is based in Bromsgrove, owns and manages homes across the West Midlands, Herefordshire and Worcestershire. Whitefriars Housing Group owns and manages homes across Coventry. The combined group will manage around 23,000 homes and will be a strong regional force in working with local communities.
Whitefriars chief executive Howard Farrand, who is currently vice-president of the Chartered Institute of Housing, will become the new group chief executive. Pat Brandum, who is currently chief executive of West Mercia Housing Group, will take on the position of deputy chief executive of the enlarged group.
Howard Farrand said: "From the beginning of this process both sets of management and governing bodies have had similar high aspirations for our customers. The combined group has a clear vision to be a leading provider of affordable homes, providing a first-class range of services.
"We have a range of complementary strengths that will ensure we are a robust and competitive organisation that is here for the long-term. And we look forward to our residents being actively involved in helping us shape the organisation for the future."
Pat Brandum added: "We have enjoyed a close working relationship on a number of ventures in recent years, including working together on the award-winning North Solihull Regeneration Project, and as partners in the Spectrum Development Partnership development consortium. In future our greater capacity to provide more affordable homes and help regenerate areas will set us apart."
The new enlarged group will consist of Harden Housing Association, Nexus Housing, Kemble Housing Association and Whitefriars Housing Group.
Notes to Editors:
West Mercia Housing Group, based in Bromsgrove, manages more than 6,000 affordable homes across the West Midlands, Herefordshire and Worcestershire.
, based in Bromsgrove, manages more than 6,000 affordable homes across the West Midlands, Herefordshire and Worcestershire.
Founded in 1998, the group consists of Harden Housing Association, Nexus Housing, Kemble Housing Association and Herefordshire Supported Housing for Young People Project (SHYPP).
West Mercia Housing Group is a development partner with the Housing Corporation. It is the lead member of the Spectrum Development Partnership that consists of Advance Housing Association, Bromsgrove District Housing Trust, Cara Irish Housing Association, Heantun Housing Association, Herefordshire Housing, Nehemiah UCHA, Severnside Housing, South Staffordshire Housing Association and Whitefriars Housing Group.
Whitefriars Housing Group Limited is a not-for-profit housing and regeneration organisation established in 2000 that owns and manages approximately 17,000 homes across Coventry.
is a not-for-profit housing and regeneration organisation established in 2000 that owns and manages approximately 17,000 homes across Coventry.
The Group has committed £240 million to the repair and improvement of its housing stock, ensuring that the Government’s Decent Homes Standard is met five years ahead of schedule.
Working in neighbourhoods, Whitefriars is committed to the national ‘iN business for neighbourhoods’ agenda and is a major player in the regeneration of Coventry and the provision of affordable housing.
In addition to providing homes, the Group works in partnership with communities and other agencies to provide training and employment opportunities and support services for local residents, with the aim of building sustainable communities.
Whitefriars Housing Group Limited is a charitable industrial and provident society.
For further information please contact Nikki Cheung or Michelle Hallmark, at The Bridge Group, on 024 7656 0440, or n.cheung@bridge-group.co.uk