Aster Group completes merger with disability charity Enham Trust

Housing association Aster Group and Andover-based disability charity Enham Trust have confirmed the successful completion of their merger. 

Enham Trust has become a subsidiary of Aster Group, retaining its name, heritage, and charity status. Enham’s residents will continue to interact directly with the Trust. 

As well as its core business, Aster Group is also home to Dorset-based East Boro Housing Trust (EBHT) and London-based Central and Cecil (C&C), both of which provide housing and support to older and vulnerable people. Enham Trust will retain its housing stock and disability services, in much the same way that EBHT and C&C continue to operate housing and care services for the benefit of their residents. 

Aster Group CEO, Bjorn Howard, said: “This merger will protect Enham Trust’s legacy and crucially secure its future, while enabling it to make use of our expertise, greater scale, and financial stability. This will not only enable the Trust to continue, but also to improve its services across its communities into the future. 

“During the consultation period we have listened carefully to residents, their friends and family, customers, employees, trustees and members, as well as the local community. We have been struck by everyone’s passionate commitment to securing the future of the charity and the community it serves. We are committed to continuing conversations with all stakeholders in Enham Trust to help together shape its future direction. 

“Our immediate priority is to work with the Trust to stabilise the business. Its employees’ expertise and experience will be critical to achieving this. And with our long-term strategic and specialist support, I’m confident this amazing charity will continue to thrive long into the future, as part of the wider Aster Group.” 

Chief Executive of Enham Trust, Simon Williams, said: “The merger is the right move for the Trust, our residents and the communities we serve. It will mean we can do even more for our current and future residents and service users. 

“Everyone at Enham Trust is immensely proud of the legacy the Trust has built over the past century and this partnership secures our future for many years to come.”