# TogetherBetter
Progress, insights and news updates on our partnership
May 2017
Paul Hackett
Chief Executive Designate
We’re on track to launch Optivo this
month and we’re already setting out
our stall as a major developing housing
association.
Well done to the Viridian and AmicusHorizon
Development Teams for submitting a really impressive
bid to the Greater London Authority (GLA).
We’re jointly bidding for more than 2,000 homes and
a total grant of £46.5 million; this is one of the largest
bids in the g15.
And this is just the start…
We’ll bid for, at least, a further 500 homes through
continuous market engagement as we begin to carve
out a name for Optivo.
Snap election
So, it’s been confirmed a General Election will take
place on 8 June. We’re taking the opportunity to
lobby the main parties on the things that matter most
to Optivo – a quick rent settlement to give clarity on
future rent policy and a more joined up approach to
housing, welfare and health and social care policies.
Increasing our influence
One of our objectives in forming a partnership is to
increase our influence in the sector.
We want to be part of shaping the future of affordable
housing as this will help us build a stronger and more
successful organisation.
So I’m delighted that Optivo’s Sarah Smith, Executive
Director of Finance and Resources, has been
appointed as Chair of the g15 Finance Directors’
Group. The g15 represents London’s 15 largest
housing associations and Sarah’s appointment will
further strengthen our influence in London.
Kate Dodsworth already Chairs the CIH (Chartered
Institute of Housing) in London, Nick Apetroaie is a
member of the NHF (National Housing Federation)
London Standing Board and I’ll Chair the g15 from
September.
Where we’re at
Discussions with our lenders are progressing well. On
Thursday 27 April we received approval from both
Boards to merge.
Thanks to everybody who’s been involved in
developing policies.
Assuming everything goes to plan we expect to be
able to achieve legal merger by 22 May.
Wishing Matt all the best
Congratulations to Matt Campion who has been
appointed the next Chief Executive of Shepherds Bush
Housing Group.
Matt, Optivo’s Executive Director Commercial
designate, has enjoyed 16 years at Viridian and
is now looking forward to this new and exciting
opportunity.
We wish him well in his future role and thank him
for all his efforts as we head towards
amalgamation.