Housing group mega-merger to employ over 1,400 people

Two housing associations have agreed to merge as a single entity, creating one of the largest housing providers in the Midlands and East of England. 

The plan is for Grand Union Housing Group, in Milton Keynes, and Longhurst Group, in Lincolnshire, to come together formally in December under a new name and brand.   

The new organisation will own and manage more than 37,000 homes and employ more than 1,400 people across the regions. 

“By joining together, both organisations will unlock significant potential to invest even more in their existing homes and communities, while building more much needed affordable homes and improving the services their customers receive,” they said. 

The pair announced the proposal back in July, triggering a consultation with their customers which informed a detailed business case. 

Nearly 2,000 customers responded, with 47 per cent supporting the merger and 20 per cent against. 

Leading the new organisation will be current Longhurst Group chief executive, Julie Doyle, while incumbent Grand Union chairperson, Emma Killick, will become chairperson.  

Aileen Evans, the current chief executive of Grand Union, declined to put herself forward for a role and will step down once the merger is complete. 

Doyle said: “I’m delighted to have been appointed chief executive of the new organisation. A significant amount of work has already taken place, and I can’t wait to formally bring the two organisations together in December. 

“Both organisations have acknowledged that we haven’t got everything right and there are improvements we need to make, but the opportunity to merge brings with it fantastic potential for us to achieve even more, building more affordable homes and being a reliable and trusted landlord that delivers the homes and services that our customers need and expect. 

“I’m aware I have some very big boots to fill. I’m proud to class Aileen as a friend and she’s someone I have huge respect and admiration for. I’m confident that the new organisation will build on these principles to ensure we’re able to do even more for our customers, the communities we serve and our colleagues.” 

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