Two north-east social landlords have joined forces in a move expected to deliver efficiency savings of more that £50,000 a year.
Aberdeenshire Housing Partnership (AHP) and Moray Housing Partnership (MHP) are now formally operating under the banner of the newly formed Osprey Group.
The two organisations previously worked together as partners, sharing management and staff.
There are no job cuts anticipated among the 30-strong workforce as a result of the merger.
Owning and managing more than 1,500 homes, the enlarged business turns over more than £8million a year.
Osprey Group said the move would immediately lead to savings in information technology, governance, housing provision and employer compliance.
Chief Executive Colin Hawkins added: “Our tenants’ association operate an award winning scrutiny panel and one of the topics it looked at was the corporate governance of both AHP and MHP.
“That kick started the process of consolidating our activities and bringing them together under a new single identity.
“The financial argument for doing so was very strong and, in particular, we will make considerable savings from being able to access professional fees as one group in relation to new build development support and ongoing property improvement for existing homes.”
The new look was officially unveiled at a ceremony at Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre yesterday.
What was AHP will now be known as Osprey Housing, with MHP operating as Osprey Housing Moray.
Osprey Group said both would “remain as discrete and separately registered social landlords”, adding the group’s commercial arm would operate as Osprey Initiatives.
Osprey Tenants and Residents Association chairman Bill Chapman said: “Coming together under one name is a logical, practical and cost-effective thing to do.
“We were instrumental in bringing forward ideas about how AHP and MHP could work more effectively by working together, whilst maintaining the excellent service delivery we enjoy.”
