Board members of two Yorkshire based housing associations, York Housing Association (YHA) and Leeds & Yorkshire Housing Association (LYHA), have confirmed they will join together through a transfer of engagements.

The decision follows a thorough consultation process where both organisations sought the views of their colleagues, customers and stakeholders on the proposals. The consultation feedback, combined with a detailed due diligence process, have shaped the final business plan which has now been approved by each board.

The two organisations will now join together in a transfer of engagements that will see them operating as a combined 3,000-home regional subsidiary of northern based housing association, Karbon Homes.

The partnership aims to deliver excellent services to customers and to play a key role in shaping places and communities across Yorkshire. The new partnership will create a stronger, more effective organisation, with a continued local approach and understanding of its customer base.

YHA has been a subsidiary of Karbon Homes since 2017 and has already seen the significant benefits of being part of a larger, supportive group with increased investment in YHA’s homes and services and a growth of its geography across the wider Yorkshire area. The two organisations have also developed a really strong shared culture, values and working relationship.

Following a successful interview process, existing LYHA Chief Executive, Mark Pearson, will take up the role of Managing Director of the new subsidiary. He brings to the role 25 years of knowledge and experience across the housing sector.

The combined subsidiary will also have a new name – 54North Homes. This new name, vision and identity has been co-created with colleagues and customers from both organisations through a range of focus groups. Main feedback themes centred on access to good quality, affordable housing, having a landlord that listens and puts people first, and that local knowledge and expertise is invaluable. It was also important that the new brand should reflect the new organisation’s Yorkshire roots and character.

Mark Pearson, 54North Homes Managing Director, said: “Developed using colleague and customer insight, we think this new brand is authentic as well as bold and distinctive and reflects our down to earth and authentic approach, along with our Yorkshire roots. For centuries, travellers have used latitude and longitude to find their way home and Yorkshire lies directly on the 54th parallel.

“I’m honoured and delighted to have been appointed as Managing Director of 54North Homes. I am excited about the opportunities that coming together will bring, both in terms of our service to customers and our two teams working together as one. I’m looking forward to getting started.”

Integration plans will now progress with the aim for the combined subsidiary to be in place by December 2022.