WHG and Aspire boards give approval for merger

WHG and Aspire are to merge after the two housing associations’ boards gave approval.

The merger, which is expected to complete in November, will create a 32,000-home landlord known as WHG Aspire.

In a joint statement the two organisations said the move will create “greater capacity to invest in existing homes, improve services and build more affordable homes”.

A spokesperson said the greater financial resilience created will mean the group is better able to respond to increasing costs, regulatory requirements and other challenges.

Aspire will initially become a subsidiary of WHG before fully integrating at a later date.

WHG reported turnover of £146m last year, with 22,881 homes under management. WHG completed 506 homes in 2024/25.

Aspire is smaller with revenue of £54.8m and 9,362 homes. It completed 37 homes in 2024/25 and said it is planning to build 71 further homes this year.

Gary Fulford, current group chief executive of WHG, will lead the new organisation.

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.”

A spokesperson said Sinead Butters, current chief executive of Aspire will remain “closely involved” initially to support the integration of the two organisations.