England: Housing association sets up estate agency

TwoCan-486x277A housing association has set up its own estate agency to help raise funds for new affordable homes.

Launched by Gloucestershire-based Two Rivers Housing Group yesterday, TwoCan property sales and lettings agency will gift all of its profit to support the work of the local housing charity.

TwoCan will also adhere to a commitment to ‘green’ working practices through digital solutions, low emissions vehicles, flexible and agile working practices to reduce the miles travelled by staff and the absence of a high street presence.

Gerry McFall, managing director of the new subsidiary, said the estate agency was “the most natural business opportunity for Two Rivers to develop, as an experienced landlord with strong community values”.

He added: “TwoCan will operate by those same values and, when that combines with the 70 years’ estate agency experience of the team, our clients can trust they will receive a professional service, delivered with honesty and integrity, whilst supporting a well-established charity.”

TwoCan is the second business enterprise set up by Two Rivers Housing. Both reflect the values of their parent housing association and are creating jobs and training opportunities. Their primary purpose is to generate fresh sources of income to replace reduced government funds. This money will allow Two Rivers to continue providing affordable homes and community amenities for those who need them, for many years to come.

“This is such an exciting venture,” said TwoCan’s manager Simon Cawley. “We have a team with an excellent track-record, a bright, fresh and distinctive image, strong professional values and an opportunity to do things well, but differently.

“Our customers will clearly benefit from this, and we know our success will help the people our parent organisation seeks to support for generations to come – and that’s a really powerful motivator.”

Simon is joined by senior negotiators Danielle O’Brien and Andrew Heard, who bring experience of working throughout the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire and Herefordshire.

The first 20 homes signed up for either sale or private let will benefit from a limited introductory ‘no fees’ offer (subject to terms and conditions).

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