ENTERPRISE specialist John Anderson has been appointed to chair the investment arm of award-winning social enterprise letting agency, Homes for Good.
Established four years ago, the organisation operates as a social business, offering landlords a property service, while reinvesting all profits into helping vulnerable tenants make “happy, secure homes”.
The company was named Social Enterprise of the Year at both the 2016 Scottish Social Enterprise Awards and last year’s Scottish Business Awards.
Homes for Good Investments Limited was created to develop a portfolio of homes for people on low incomes and housing benefit who have limited choice in the housing market. £8 million has been raised so far in equity and loan investment, helping to transform over 140 properties, mostly in Glasgow. Backers include Impact Ventures UK, Charity Bank and Big Society Capital.
John Anderson is head of SME Engagement at Strathclyde Business School. In 2014, he co-founded Entrepreneurial Scotland, having previously been chief executive of the Entrepreneurial Exchange. John also acts as programme director for Strathclyde’s Growth Advantage Programme which delivers learning for the leaders of ambitious Scottish businesses.
John Anderson said, “I am delighted to be joining Homes for Good at this important time and to be working with the business as it enters the next phase in its ambitious growth plan. I have always believed in the potential for business to combine strong financial performance with creating social impact and improving lives, and this business is a perfect example.”
Susan Aktemel, director of Homes for Good added, “Homes for Good Investments is at an exciting crossroads in its journey, and along with my fellow board members Chris Hunter and Alex Pollock, I very much welcome John into the team. John shares our commitment to social business, and the central role of housing in people’s lives, and I know that his wealth of experience in business will be invaluable as we go forward.”
Homes for Good recently moved to new premises in Bridgeton, having identified the area as having a significantly higher percentage of households living in the private rented sector than the Glasgow average.
