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Largest association in Wales completes merger to form new 23,000-home group
The largest housing association in Wales has completed its plans to merge with another registered provider.
In a release on Tuesday, Pobl Group and Linc Cymru revealed they have formally come together to create a new expanded landlord that will manage more than 23,000 homes in Wales.
Linc Cymru will continue to operate as a subsidiary of Pobl Group.
The newly expanded group will employ more than 3,000 people and has plans to deliver more than 4,500 new homes over the next five years.
The two landlords believe the merger, first reported in October, is part of a “shared commitment to improving communities and providing quality housing solutions for Wales”, as well as “creating the right environment for people to flourish”.
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Scott Sanders, chief executive officer at Linc Cymru, has been confirmed as the new boss of Pobl Group, with Amanda Davies stepping down after leading Pobl for more than 20 years.
Julia Cherrett, chair of Pobl Group, will continue in her role.
She said: “We are thrilled to join forces with Linc Cymru to build a stronger, more resilient organisation, enabling the group to build more of the quality affordable homes that Wales needs and to deliver more and better services for our customers, in the communities where they live.
“The two organisations are a good fit in so many ways. Culturally, we share similar values and attitudes, strategically we have similar ambitions and complementary expertise, while geographically we both operate primarily along the M4 corridor. This is an exciting opportunity for customers and colleagues alike.
“I would like to welcome Scott into his new role, and to pay tribute to Amanda who has done a fantastic job leading Pobl and establishing the group as Wales’ largest provider of housing, care and support.”
Mr Sanders highlighted that “the merged group has its eyes set on delivering community-focused services and investment programmes”.
He added: “With the strong partnerships we hold, we are perfectly placed to make the difference our customers want. The scale of the group brings many business benefits, not least our goal to be large and local.
“The merger presents the perfect opportunity to create a fresh outlook and ambition aligned to the needs of communities. Amanda has led the group incredibly well over many years and I look forward to working with Julia as chair, to deliver the next chapter of its story.”
Outgoing Pobl Group boss Ms Davies said: “I have been immensely proud to lead Pobl, working with so many talented people with a shared passion to truly make a difference to people’s lives every day.
“This is what makes Pobl Group special and is why it will continue to go from strength to strength, delivering for the communities of Wales under Scott’s leadership. I wish everyone in the group every success for the future.”
At the end of last month, the chief executive of Community Housing Cymru warned the new Welsh government against “responsive and short-term policy-making” in favour of a long-term plan to end homelessness.
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