Social landlords Thrive Homes and Watford Community Housing have announced that they will become Chime Housing when their merger completes on 1 June.

In March, the housing associations confirmed that their boards had approved the partnership following a comprehensive period of due diligence and customer consultation. They will come together as a new community gateway housing association under the name Chime Housing, which will own and manage more than 13,500 homes in Hertfordshire and the surrounding areas.

The name Chime Housing was selected following workshops with customers, employees, leaders and stakeholders, as well as detailed research and analysis.

Hattie Llewelyn-Davies, Group Board Chair Designate, said: “We’re delighted to announce the name of our new organisation as Chime Housing – a name that captures the shared values and ambitions of the two housing associations we are bringing together. As we form our new Community Gateway organisation, we’re committed to being fully aligned with our residents, remaining in chime with their needs and expectations, through close engagement and collaborative decision-making.”

The new name is supported by a brand identity marque in the form of a wren, symbolising togetherness. The collective noun for a group of wrens is a chime.

Paul Richmond, Chief Executive Designate of Chime Housing, said: “Our new name speaks to our commitment to working alongside our residents to build an organisation that can deliver great services and help to foster stronger communities in the areas we serve.

“This new brand featuring a wren symbolises the strength that we will find by merging two successful housing associations and forging close ties with our residents, just as a chime of wrens finds strength in numbers.”