A new name in housing: Radius

The Boards of Fold and Helm Housing Associations are delighted to confirm completion of the successful merger of both organisations. A new association, with a new name, identity and vision has been created supporting 33,000 households.

Following an extensive consultation process involving the customers, the boards and 1,000 employees, Radius Housing was chosen as the new name.

It is envisaged that Radius Housing will have the critical mass in communities to offer new and expanded support services for tenants, helping them to deal with the impact of welfare reforms.  There will be greater scope for investment in new technologies, leading to more efficient working and enhanced customer access. With increased financial capacity and scale, Radius Housing has intentions to build significantly more new social and affordable homes whilst delivering value for money for its tenant base.

Radius Housing seeks to be a values-driven business with a commercial ethos. The new association intends to continue developing quality new homes in partnership with communities. However, in the interests of sustainability they recognise the need for community facilities, employment assistance and measures to promote healthy wellbeing. They have plans to increase their offering in partnership with communities, government agencies and the third sector.   

Diana Fitzsimons, chair of Radius, says: “Helm and Fold are progressing into an exciting new era, moving into uncharted waters. We are committed to delivering a bright new chapter in both organisations’ stories. In these challenging times our role is to help and support people in our communities who need it most. We are an enthusiastic, passionate, professional and dynamic team determined to make positive and lasting change.

“Radius has a combined vision for the future which will see us continuing to enable people of all ages to live in the community through a range of traditional, innovative and technological housing solutions. Demand for our services is growing and we are confident that our merger will place us in a strong position.”

In its first five years Radius is forecast to grow its assets to £1.25 billion and its turnover to £110 million, whilst investing around £325 million in the local construction industry. The new association will have a significant social housing presence in all 11 council areas, serviced by a regional office network spanning Belfast, Holywood, Ballymena, Newry and Londonderry.

Fitzsimons adds: “Together we are well-placed to deliver on the ambitious targets set for our future, which will see quality homes provided for our tenants, including people with disabilities, homeless families and vulnerable people. Our staff chose Radius’s strapline ‘everyone has a place’ and drawing on over 80 years of combined experience from Fold and Helm we are confident we can make a positive impact on housing and communities across Northern Ireland’s into the future.”

Radius factfile:
•    Providing housing, care and support to 33,000 homes;
•    Managing 12,000 apartments and houses;
•    Located in 80 towns across Northern Ireland;
•    TeleCare supports 23,000 customers;
•    400,000 Telemonitored days through TeleHealth;
•    14,000 day care placements;
•    450 Staying Put home adaptions completed each year;
•    1,000 staff employed in housing, care and support;
•    Spending £50 million per annum on development and maintenance.

Radius Housing, Head Office
38 – 52 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 6AA
T: 0330 123 0888
E: info@radiushousing.org
W: radiushousing.org