Bromford Flagship LiveWest (BFL) has today announced the successful completion of the merger between Bromford's parent, Bromford Flagship, and LiveWest, unlocking capacity to do even more for customers and places.
The merger marks a significant milestone in the group’s long-term strategy to unlock additional capacity to deliver more genuinely affordable homes, while continuing to invest in, or regenerate, existing homes and services. Completion follows extensive due diligence, regulatory approvals and engagement with colleagues, customers and stakeholders.
The new Board and executive team for BFL has been confirmed. Jac Starr, former Chair of LiveWest, will chair the Board, while Robert Nettleton will continue as Chief Executive Officer for the entire group. Paul Crawford steps down as Chief Executive of LiveWest Homes Limited and has taken on the role of Strategic Advisor to support the organisation.
BFL will become the group parent, while Bromford, Flagship and LiveWest will continue as landlords and employers, ensuring customers experience continuity of service and support.
Together, the organisation, will be serving approaching 300,000 customers across east, central and southwest England.
Robert Nettleton, Chief Executive said the need for affordable housing continues to grow.
He said: “Almost three million people are using food banks, more than 170,000 children are living in temporary accommodation, and as a country we’re building fewer than 15,000 social rent homes a year against a need for 90,000.
“It is incumbent upon housing associations to step up and work with government and other key stakeholders to do more, and that’s why this merger makes so much sense. By bringing Bromford Flagship and LiveWest together, we’re unlocking an additional £1.5 billion in capacity between now and 2040 – in addition to the £1.9bn we unlocked last year taking us to a total of £3.4 billion in additional capacity.
“That means we can deliver over 50,000 new homes by 2040, including around 7,000 more than would have been possible as Bromford Flagship or LiveWest alone. That’s thousands of families and individuals each year getting the affordable homes they need to build or rebuild their lives and ultimately thrive.”
Mr Nettleton added: “We’ll continue to deliver quality, accessible services that are shaped around the places where people live, and over time we will work with customers to understand whether places need regenerating to ensure they are fit for 2040 and beyond.”
