Member Article

Just Housing Group Introduces Financial Services Consultancy as New Business Stream

One of the UK’s leading housing and support services provider – Just Housing Group (JHG) - has introduced a new financial services business stream to bolster its already extensive consultancy offering following the appointment of a well-recognised lead associate to head up the division.

The East London based company will introduce its financial services consultancy offering to the social housing sector to further complement its existing services including consultancy, surveying, interim management and recruitment.

Led by recently appointed Simon Smith – who has provided consultancy services to over 120 local authorities and registered providers over the past 15 years – the new business stream will offer focused financial expertise and advice to JHG’s new and existing client base. This will include assisting clients with financial reviews, benchmarking, operational reviews and new trading company appraisals.

Speaking about the new business stream, John Swinney, CEO at JHG said: “The everchanging social housing sector continues to face challenges and at JHG it is important that we expand our service offering in-line with the needs of our clients. In times where the housing market is uncertain and volatile, compounded by rising inflations, we want to ensure our clients receive financially sound expertise that will help them to drive their organisations forward and not leave them exposed.

“We are delighted that Simon has joined our talented and committed team. He is without a doubt the right person to lead this new business stream with his extensive experience and knowledge in finance and consultancy.

“Our strong focus has always been – and will very much remain to be – to help local authorities, housing associations, private contractors and direct labour organisations to improve performance, reduce expenditure and deliver better services. And we believe that adding this new service offering will continue to allow us to do exactly that.”

JHG’s flexible financial consultancy service offering will be available on either a day rate basis for specific assignments or through annual retainer packages individually designed to meet the needs of its clients. The company is also offering an option to tailor JHG’s financial services with a range of its other complimentary support services on a retained basis.

Simon Smith is a well-known consultant with extensive experience in finance. Most recently Simon has worked at Octopus QSH as a Finance Director whilst also serving on various housing boards. He has also held senior positions in local government and ran his own consultancy.

Commenting on his appointment Simon said: “Having worked in the sector for many years I am aware of how services should be delivered and I have been very impressed by JHG’s approach and ability to meet the specific needs of individual clients. The new business stream only enhances JHG’s current offering and I am delighted to be heading up this new service area where we already have great plans in place.”

JHG has built a solid reputation and prides itself on working closely with its clients to understand individual needs and develop solutions, frameworks and tools that equip social housing providers and their staff to do things differently and efficiently.

Established in 2004, Just Housing provides services and support in the supply, management and maintenance of social housing. The organisation successfully leads in transforming and creating Direct Labour Organisations (DLO) now offering seven services to clients.

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