Abri and Silva confirm new partnership
Housing providers Abri Group and Silva Homes are pleased to confirm their new partnership. This follows the approval of a final business case presented to the boards of both organisations on 7 September.
The partnership will see Silva initially operate as a separate legal entity under the Abri Group umbrella before fully transferring next year. A new regional approach will be introduced, splitting the group’s operating area into three: south west, south and south east. Silva will form part of the south east region.
Alan Ward, Silva’s Chief Executive since 2018, will join Abri’s executive team as Chief Governance and Strategic Growth Officer, and Graeme Stanley, Silva's current Chair of the Board, will step down after nine years with the organisation.
The south east region will have its own governance and leadership, including a regional managing director and a regional board which will include customers. Dasos Christou has been appointed as Regional Managing Director for the south east region following his role as Executive Director (Customer Relations) at Silva Homes. The south east’s regional model will act as a pathfinder before the group fully regionalises how it operates.
On the partnership Alan Ward said:
“I’m delighted to have helped Silva create a partnership with Abri. I look forward to the benefits this will bring our customers and colleagues.
"The last few months of discussions have been vital to ensuring Abri was the right fit to help achieve Silva’s ambitions.
"Both organisations are already strong, but by combining our skills and resources, and adopting a regional approach, we’ll be even stronger, with an improved offer for customers. I’m pleased that Silva’s Dasos Christou will be at the helm of the south east region, especially given his knowledge and experience of Silva’s business.”
As a result of the partnership and the new regional approach, Silva customers will benefit from improved service delivery, with colleagues being more visible and empowered to make decisions that meet local priorities. Further investment will be made to improve the quality of existing homes, including building safety, energy efficiency and an improved repairs and maintenance service. More, much needed, affordable housing will be developed, and a new community services offer will be introduced.
The presentation of the partnership’s final business case followed a significant period of due diligence, and a customer consultation.
Graeme Stanley, Silva’s Chair of the Board, said:
“I’m delighted to have been so heavily involved in making this partnership happen. Since we announced discussions earlier this year, the Silva board has worked closely with Abri, our stakeholders, and consulted with our customers to ensure the partnership would be the right decision. It’s been a pleasure to have served as Chair of the Board for Silva Homes, I’m proud of everything we have achieved for our customers. I know that through this new partnership, we’ll deliver even more for our customers and communities.”
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