FOLLOWING a successful three year strategic alliance, DCH and West Devon Homes have merged to become one of the largest housing providers and employers in the region.

The merger reinforces DCH as a key employer in the region with more than 900 staff and 22,500 homes in management. DCH has continued to invest over £500-million in the south west economy over the last five years, creating new homes and jobs and investing in communities.

There is a pressing need for new affordable homes in the West Devon area — it is believed the merger will enable significant additional and on-going development of new homes to be undertaken in the West Devon area and the region as a whole, using DCH's ability and strong track record as a large scale developer of affordable homes.

Paul Love, former West Devon Homes chairman and DCH board member, said: 'The strategic alliance with DCH has made a real difference to West Devon Homes customers.

'By sharing staff we reduced our senior management costs and redirected these savings to improve the quality and range of our service offer.

'We have been able to draw on specialist skills within the group which we could not access in the past as a smaller housing provider. Coming together through a merger will only strengthen our ability to deliver great services to all our customers and provide more much needed homes in the area.'

The alliance between DCH and West Devon Homes began in 2012, founded on core principles of improving customer services and achieving value for money and efficiency savings.

The two housing associations were the first in the country to develop a VAT cost-sharing exemption partnership which has delivered more than £900,000 of savings for both organisations over the past three years.

This included sharing staff, repairs and maintenance teams and IT systems, creating significant improvements for customers.

Paul Crawford, group chief executive of DCH, said: 'It is clear that the merger between DCH and West Devon Homes will deliver real and tangible benefits for current and future residents and communities.

'It is essential that we continuously look at ways of delivering better value for money so that we can invest in building new homes and delivering improved quality services for our customers and communities.

'By running a financially strong and growing business we can focus on putting customers first in everything we do.'

Angela Dupont, group chairman of DCH, said: 'It has been an innovative partnership that even at an early stage has delivered great results for both customers and organisations, creating value for lasting investment in services and communities.

'Our shared commitments, culture and long term goals are a great match. This merger demonstrates the support we have from our residents, our staff and our partners.'

DCH is one of the region's largest housing developers, and will build 3,500 homes for affordable rent, shared ownership and outright sale over the next five years.