English Rural Expands Reach through Strategic Merger with Gloucester Rural Housing Association

English Rural recently announced it has received a transfer of engagements from Gloucester Rural Housing Association (GRHA) as part of its ongoing mission to provide affordable rural homes. This merger enables English Rural to expand its services to GRHA’s 160 homes in villages across Gloucestershire, offering better value for money and increased resources for residents.

Following the merger, English Rural now manages over 1,500 rural homes, further solidifying its commitment to delivering quality affordable homes to low-income households who cannot afford their own. The organisation’s growth in Gloucestershire will also help to boost its partnership with rural communities, working closely with them to address their housing needs.

The merger comes after The Cambridgeshire Cottage Housing Society (TCCHS) became a subsidiary of English Rural in June last year, showcasing the organisation’s willingness to join forces with smaller rural housing associations in order to consolidate resources and knowledge. This strategy ensures that both parties can uphold their shared values while providing a higher quality of service and homes to their residents.

Martin Collett, Chief Executive of English Rural, expressed his enthusiasm for the merger, stating that it aligns perfectly with their mission to provide and manage affordable rural homes. He emphasised the importance of safeguarding the values of smaller rural housing associations while maximizing the combined investment in homes and services.

To facilitate a smooth transition, two GRHA board members will join the English Rural board. Hugh Aldridge, Chair of GRHA, expressed his confidence in the decision, citing the shared values and rural purpose of both organizations.

Law firm Devonshires advised English Rural on the merger, with partner Gemma Bell lauding the acquisition as an essential move towards providing more affordable housing in rural areas.

English Rural, a Registered Social Landlord established in 1991, is dedicated to providing affordable homes in small villages for local people. The organisation currently owns and manages around 1,500 affordable properties across 130 UK villages and has a development program for over 250 additional homes.