The Boards of Aspire Housing and whg have agreed to move forward with their proposed merger, creating a new housing association with more than 32,000 homes across their Midlands heartlands.
The legal merger is expected to complete in November 2026, when the new organisation will become known as whg aspire.
The decision follows several months of detailed work since discussions were first announced in February. Both Boards considered a full business case, due diligence findings and feedback from more than 11% of Aspire and whg customers before agreeing to proceed.
Taking a ‘best of both’ approach, whg aspire will build on the strengths, experience and local relationships that has seen both organisations achieve a C1 consumer rating. The new organisation will remain firmly committed to existing communities, while creating greater capacity to invest in existing homes, improve services and build more affordable homes.
Priorities will include delivering consistently excellent services and providing safe and energy-efficient homes. whg aspire will maintain a strong local presence and ensure customers continue to have a meaningful voice in decisions and shaping services.
By bringing together their resources and expertise, Aspire and whg will also create a more financially resilient organisation, better able to respond to increasing costs, regulatory requirements and other long-term challenges facing the housing sector.
Gary Fulford, current whg Group Chief Executive, will lead the new organisation and Sinéad Butters MBE, Group Chief Executive of Aspire Housing, will remain closely involved to support the transition and early integration.
Gary Fulford said:
“This is an exciting milestone in our plans to create an organisation that is stronger, more resilient and able to achieve more for people and communities across the Midlands.
“whg and Aspire share strong values, local roots and a clear commitment to providing good quality homes and services. By bringing together our knowledge and resources, we will be better placed to invest in the things that matter most to customers and respond to the challenges facing our sector.
“We are committed to taking the best from both organisations and building a new organisation that remains dedicated to the places and communities we serve.”
Sinéad Butters said:
“This decision marks the beginning of an important new chapter for Aspire, whg and our communities.
“Customers have been at the heart of our plans from the beginning. Their feedback has strengthened our proposals and will continue to shape the priorities, services and culture of whg aspire.
“Together, we will have greater capacity to provide safe and secure homes, deliver services customers can rely on, support thriving communities and build more affordable homes for local people.”