Social landlords Bromford Housing Group and Flagship Group have announced their intention to merge, following agreement by both providers’ boards.

The housing associations say that merging will build on the strength and complementary capabilities of both organisations to create a new organisation – Bromford Flagship.

The merger will also release significant additional financial capacity over and above what either party could achieve alone, allowing Bromford Flagship to deliver 2,000 homes each year for the next 30 years, with an aim of providing 50% at social rent.

Bromford Flagship says it will maintain the commitment that both organisations currently have to local accountability, and will maintain locally-focused teams and delivery models, and increase effectiveness by devolving more decision-making to local teams to ensure that customer services are delivered in line with customer wishes.

Bromford Flagship adds that its increased capacity will provide the opportunity to introduce new and innovative investment with the creation of a new place standard – looking beyond the fabric of each home to consider what is required to turn a ‘street’ into a ‘place’ where people want to live, and where customers and communities can thrive.

Finally, Bromford Flagship will develop two new initiatives:

• The establishment of a learning academy to offer training opportunities to both colleagues and customers

• A new research and development team that will support the creation of the new, innovative organisation that will have customers at its forefront.

In a joint statement, Peter Hawes, Chair of Flagship, and Steve Dando, Chair of Bromford, said: “The need for affordable homes, the quality of service that we provide to customers and an absolute focus on place has never been more important.

“The need for strong housing associations that can deliver at scale has also never been greater. As forward-thinking organisations, we have robustly reviewed the benefits from coming together and strongly believe that we can do more for our existing and future customers.

“Our aim is to secure significantly increased investment, to improve existing services and deliver more benefits for current and future customers. We are excited about the huge potential this opportunity offers and the difference it could make to people’s lives and local communities”.

Bromford and Flagship will spend the upcoming months discussing and consulting the proposals with customers and colleagues.