Housing duo complete merger to form new powerhouse

Grand Union Housing Group, which has its head office in Milton Keynes, and Rushden-based Longhurst Group are set to merge following unanimous approval from both boards.

The merger is expected to be finalised in December under a new name and brand and will manage over 37,000 homes and employ more than 1,400 staff across the Midlands and East of England, making it one of the largest housing associations in the region.

A shadow board and shadow executive team have been appointed to lead the new organisation.

Julie Doyle, the current chief executive of Longhurst Group, will serve as chief executive, and Emma Killick, chair of Grand Union’s Board, will become chair.

Aileen Evans, the current chief executive of Grand Union, has opted not to take on a role in the new organisation and will step down once the merger is complete, concluding her 25-year tenure with the company.

In July, the two housing associations announced their intention to merge and subsequently conducted a consultation with nearly 2,000 customers.

The six-week consultation, which closed in September, indicated that 47% of feedback was positive or very positive, while 20% was negative.

Emma Killick, chair of Grand Union, said: “It’s a real privilege to take on the role of Chair as we bring these fantastic organisations together. Our new organisation will have significant potential to make a positive difference in thousands of people’s lives across the regions we serve, improving the homes and services we provide and building more homes.

“I’m looking forward to working more closely with Julie Doyle. We share the same drive and passion to improve the lives of people who rely upon us the most and her philosophy and her values align so closely with those of Grand Union. Bringing the two organisations together really does seem like the perfect fit and we’ll be in extremely safe hands with Julie at the helm.”

Julie Doyle, chief executive of Longhurst Group, 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.

“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. I’m looking forward to working with Emma and the rest of the Board, and senior leadership team, to bring both organisations together and ensure we have the plans in place to realise our objectives.

“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.”