Merger forms new 3,000-home housing association
54North Homes, a 3,000-home housing association, has been officially launched.
It will be a subsidiary of northern housing association Karbon Homes Group, and has been formed by two longstanding Yorkshire-based registered providers, Leeds & Yorkshire Housing Association (LYHA) and York Housing Association (YHA), coming together to operate as one.
A final business plan for the new combined association was approved by LYHA’s and YHA’s respective boards in September.
Steve Secker, chair of York Housing Association, has been appointed chair of 54North Homes and Mark Pearson, chief executive of Leeds & Yorkshire Housing Association, has been appointed managing director.
Pearson said: “I am very excited about the partnership and believe it will offer many benefits to us all, but most importantly to our customers, as it will enable us to continue to invest in developing our services and offer additional support in a very tough economic climate.
“Over the last few months it has been inspiring to see the synergy between the two organisations.
“We have already developed a strong shared culture, values and working relationship, and I am confident that combining each team’s strengths and expertise will create a strong and effective organisation: one that will not only provide safe and secure homes in the communities we serve, but also make a positive, lasting difference throughout the Yorkshire region.”
Paul Fiddaman, group chief executive, Karbon Homes, added: “We’re really looking forward to LYHA colleagues joining the Karbon family as 54North Homes.
“YHA has been a subsidiary of Karbon for five years and this partnership has resulted in increased investment in homes and services as well as the development of many new homes in the Yorkshire area. It has also seen YHA customer satisfaction increase.
“We are very proud of what has already been achieved and we believe 54North Homes will enable an even greater positive impact for more customers in the Yorkshire area.”
