A North West housebuilding consortium is looking for more partnerships to increase delivery in the next Affordable Homes Programme (AHP).
Last year JV North handed over its 10,000th home and has procured a new £500m framework that will go live in the summer.
Made up of 14 housing associations and homebuilding local authority members, the consortium is looking for opportunities to boost the number of new homes it builds.
JV North Chair, John Bowker, said: “Housing associations are preparing development programmes and considering how best to deliver them once details of the new AHP are confirmed by government in June.
“Our consortium members are in a great place as we have procured our latest four-year contractors and consultants framework that will simplify and speed up the housebuilding process considerably.
“The Procurement Act brings in a new era of rules and regulations to navigate but our housebuilding framework removes this headache.
“As such, we are keen to hear from likeminded housing associations and local authorities who think they can benefit from this and want to build more to help address the chronic housing shortage.”
Organisations can join as full members with a seat on JV North’s decision-making board or as procurement members where they access the consortium’s framework of contractors and consultants.
“JV North is a genuine partnership and our enviable track record is built on working as a collective,” adds Mr Bowker.
“Members have equal status and as well as having a fantastic long-term relationship with Homes England as a trusted partner, we also share knowledge, market data and emerging risks and opportunities.”
Angela Perry, Executive Director of Assets and Neighbourhoods at South Liverpool Homes, said: “JV North has been a huge benefit to us, providing our board with assurance on our development activity.
“The ability to utilise the framework, not just for a compliant procurement route for contractors and consultants, but to use their experience and support in preparing grant funding bid applications and audit compliant documents has been invaluable.”
L&Q New Business Director, Ben Townsend, said: “Having access to good quality, locally compliantly procured contractors and consultants is important to deliver homes efficiently and effectively.
“The supportive spirit of joint working in JV North is invaluable allowing us to share intelligence, best practice and have constructive discussion in a rapidly changing market and environment.”
Louise Davies, Director of Communities and Regeneration at Cobalt Housing, said: “JV North provides a rich knowledge base and Homes England recognises it as one of their key delivery partners.
“We lobby as a collective and are passionate about the delivery of affordable homes. The expertise of JV North Board and its members will ensure we are well prepared for the new AHP when it launches later this year.”
JV North members are Bury Council, Cobalt Housing, Johnnie Johnson Housing, Muir, One Manchester, Peaks & Plains Housing Trust, Plus Dane Housing, South Liverpool Homes, Southway Housing Trust, Stockport Homes, The Sovini Group, Torus, Weaver Vale Housing Trust and Wythenshawe Community Housing Group.