LONDON, UK: bpha, Futures Group and Flagship Group announced that should the partnership proposal go ahead, the new organisation would be led by David McQuade (Flagship CEO) who has been appointed CEO Designate.

Flagship Chair, Peter Hawes has also been appointed Chair Designate for the new organisation with Mike Stevenson (Futures Chair) and Paul Leinster (bpha Chair) appointed Designate Vice Chairs.

The three organisations collectively manage over 60,000 homes in central and east England and are exploring the potential of combining their expertise and capability to enhance the provision of housing and local services in the area.

Kevin Bolt, CEO of bpha said: “Discussions are progressing very positively on how a new, combined, larger organisation can achieve the shared priority of local delivery of enhanced customer service and homes that will make a difference to more people faster. All three organisations have closely aligned values, vision and ambition for the future.”

All three organisations have strong credit ratings – bpha (A+, S&P), Flagship (A2, Moody’s) and Futures (A+, S&P), which provides a firm financial foundation for a partnership.

The organisations will continue to share updates as discussions continue with any agreement subject to approval by each housing association’s Board.

The three organisations collectively manage over 60,000 homes in central and east England and are exploring the potential of combining their expertise and capability to enhance the provision of housing and local services in the area.

In a joint statement, Chairs Paul Leinster (bpha), Peter Hawes (Flagship) and Mike Stevenson (Futures) said: “In these early stages of talks it is clear we have much in common, including geographic synergy, shared priorities to enhance customer service and the provision of more homes. All three organisations have strong credit ratings – bpha (A+, S&P), Flagship (A2, Moody’s) and Futures (A+, S&P), which provides a firm financial foundation for a partnership.”

“We are discussing how a combined, larger organisation could make a difference for more people. It is encouraging that our ethos and values align, and that we share a commitment to the importance of local delivery.”