Leeds housing association set to significantly increase operations in 2016

Unity Homes and Enterprise, the Leeds-based housing association, is aiming to increase its delivery of affordable housing, regenerate local communities and help small businesses grow in 2016.

Established in 1987 to address the needs of black and minority ethnic communities in the city, Unity’s initial focus was the Chapeltown area before extending to other parts of Leeds including Harehills, Beeston and Holbeck.

The housing association now manages almost 1,200 properties for tenants from all communities and ethnic backgrounds.

Ali Akbor, Unity Homes and Enterprise’s chief executive, said: “Last year we increased turnover by 6% to £5.6 million and invested more than £1.3 million in home improvements. 80 new houses were also completed including a small development in Huddersfield, our first project outside Leeds.”

In addition, Unity is set to begin work on 120 new homes on multiple sites across Leeds, the largest construction programme in the organisation’s history.

Mr Akbor, who also serves as Secretary/Treasurer of BME National, continued: “We want to create economically viable neighbourhoods.

“Our subsidiary company, Unity Enterprise, supports local entrepreneurial activity and operates three business hubs close to Leeds city centre. These include Unity Business Centre, which is now home to 80 businesses, and the Leeds Media Centre where local TV station Made in Leeds has its studios.”

Unity Employment Services (UES) has also been established to support Unity tenants and surrounding communities access employment and training.

Mr Akbor added: “Unity works incredibly hard to provide support to as many individuals, families and businesses as we can. We go into 2016 with vigour and the clear purpose of continuing to make a positive impact on people’s lives.”