TWO of the largest accommodation providers in Worcestershire are joining to create a new housing group. Festival Housing and Worcester Community Housing have been given the

green light to become Fortis Living, which will own more than 14,000 homes across Worcestershire and Herefordshire. Their merger has been given the go-ahead by the Homes and Communities Agency. With a turnover of around £75 million a year, Fortis Living will become one of the largest registered housing providers in the West Midlands.

Group chief executive, Guy Weston said: “We are delighted to announce the creation of Fortis Living. As well as building financial strength and capacity, the merger will generate more than over £30m in efficiency savings over a 10-year period. This will maximise the resources we can put back into homes and neighbourhoods to help improve quality of life, choice and opportunity for local people. “Fortis Living will build on the both organisations’ excellent reputations and track records to create a stronger business and give us greater financial security in the future. We will also be better placed to respond effectively to the constantly changing and challenging business environment.”

Festival Property Care and the building maintenance service at WCH will be re-branded as Fortis Property Care and will carry out the majority of the group's repairs and maintenance work.

The group's creation will have no direct impact on tenants. Festival Housing and Worcester Community Housing will continue to operate as usual but with ambitious plans to improve and develop local services. Consultation with tenants and other stakeholders was carried out as part of the process leading up to the merger.