54North Homes Chair steps down after 6 years leaving business with a strong foundation

Mr Secker’s six-year term as chair came to a conclusion at the end of May. During his tenure, 54North has enjoyed a period of rapid growth and expansion, becoming one of the dominant providers of affordable housing in the region.

Mr Secker joined York Housing Association in 2019 shortly after the board agreed to join Karbon Homes as a wholly owned subsidiary, after the board identified Karbon as a very good strategic fit that would create a financially strong, more flexible, efficient and resilient organisation.

Three years later and 54North Homes was formed following a successful merger between York Housing Association and Leeds and Yorkshire Housing Association. Since then, the organisation has continued to go from strength to strength.

54North Homes now manages more than 4,000 homes and serves 7,000 customers across the Yorkshire region and is one of the fastest growing housing associations in the country.
Last year, Karbon and 54North Homes developed 470 new homes in Yorkshire including the completion of the flagship £12m Leonora House scheme in Leeds comprising 58 one, two and three bedroom flats for social rent.

Some of the most notable achievements under Steve’s leadership include:

Karbon Homes launched their own in-house repairs team in Yorkshire, so they can better serve customers;

Supporting customers through the cost-of-living crisis through the Money Matters Team who has helped them to maximise their income and manage their finances;

Investing in existing homes such as completing the retrofit of 98 flats at St Mary’s Court and St Mary’s Close in Chapeltown, as well as Wood Lane Court in Headingley, making them more energy efficient, warmer and cheaper to run.

Steve said: “We have achieved so much and I would like to thank my colleagues and board at 54North Homes and everyone at Karbon, who strive to deliver an excellent service for our customers.

“The UK's Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum (UKREIIF) has just had a successful conference here in Leeds and it was great to welcome organisations and representatives from all over the UK and oversees to Yorkshire and for the property community to show what we can deliver.

“It has been really encouraging to see the new government focus on the planning system and delivery of much needed new homes, but it is still hugely challenging given stretched resources at local authorities.”

Steve is also Chair of the York and North Yorkshire Property and Economic Forum for the Chamber of Commerce whose members include housing associations such as 54North Homes and the private sector.

Mr Secker added: “We have been working with City of York Council to produce a planning protocol to improve the relationship between the development sector and the planning authority.”
Steve will be succeeded by Andy Gamble, an experienced housing professional with 38 years housing sector experience and has a background in development and strategic asset management.

Mark Pearson, Managing Director of 54North Homes, said: “I would like to thank Steve for his support over the last few years. His leadership as chair has been vital in shaping the 54North Homes we have today. His passion and commitment have left a lasting impact on our organisation and the communities we serve.”