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Sussex care and support agencies unveil merger plan
Two Sussex care and support agencies are in talks about a possible merger, which would create a new company with an annual turnover of more than £15m.
Sussex Oakleaf and Brighton Housing Trust have begun a consultation with their tenants, stakeholders, funders and regulators and will make a decision about their future in June.
Should a merger then be agreed, it would take place in April 2020 when a new board would be formed.
The two organisations said that joining forces would enable them to extend services for clients and tenants, strengthen and protect their joint financial position into the future, and to increase opportunities for further growth.
Sussex Oakleaf provides support services to people with mental health needs, those with a personality disorder and individuals at risk of homelessness across West Sussex, East Sussex and Brighton & Hove.
Last year, it worked with 1,356 clients. It employs 90 people, has 20 regular volunteers and has an annual turnover of £2.9m.
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Brighton Housing Trust provides a range of services across Brighton & Hove, Eastbourne and Hastings as well as elsewhere in Sussex, including working with homeless people, care and support services, advice and legal representation. Last year, it worked with 7,946 clients and tenants, the company employs 210 members of staff and has an annual turnover of £12.3m.
The two organisations have had a close relationship for “many years” said Graham Maunders, chair of Sussex Oakleaf.
He added: “We are two organisations with very similar values and we feel that we complement each other well.”
Andy Winter, chief executive of Brighton Housing Trust, said: “We were delighted when approached by Sussex Oakleaf regarding a possible merger.
“Frontline services will not be affected by this merger and we will be building a new management structure which will reflect our joint strengths.”
