Greater Manchester landlords Mosscare Housing Group and St Vincent’s Housing have announced their intention to work together to deliver a business case for merging both organisations into a formal partnership.

The merger proposals are at an early stage, but build on the success of Mosscare Shared Services – a Cost Sharing Vehicle which St Vincent’s and Mosscare set up in 2015 to achieve savings in delivering repairs and voids maintenance works.

Charlie Norman, St Vincent’s chief executive, has been appointed as group chief executive designate, while Rob Ferguson, chief executive of the Mosscare Housing Group, has decided to take the opportunity to retire in 2017 after 36 years’ service.

The new partnership will focus on becoming more efficient; creating further opportunities; having greater influence and above all continuing to provide residents with a quality service.

Rob Ferguson said: “This is an exciting opportunity for the Mosscare Housing Group and St Vincent’s Housing Association. We are strong, well regarded organisations, with similar values and a shared ethos. We are optimistic about the opportunities that will be created by this new partnership which will be built on a proven track record over many years.”

Charlie Norman added: “St Vincent’s and Mosscare Housing Group are already involved in a great partnership through our cost sharing vehicle. I am delighted that we are now taking this further and I feel very honoured to have been selected as CEO Designate. We have a common bond which is rooted in our history and values over the last 50 years, and we have a shared ambition to do more together.

“By combining our tradition and ambition, we will continue as trusted social businesses and high quality Greater Manchester landlords. We will be even stronger and able to do even more. This is an exciting and important time and I am very happy and privileged to be part of this.”