A WORCESTER housing association has changed its trading names after merging with another social landlord.

Nexus Housing, based at Apex Park in Wainwright Road, originally joined forces with Hereford-based Kemble Housing to form West Mercia Homes in 2013, but they both kept their local trading names.

Nexus which manages more than 2,800 affordable homes across the county, and Kemble will now instead be trading under a single name to reflect the fact that they are now one united team.

The name change came into effect earlier this month following talks between staff, customers and stakeholders.

Peter Gill, managing director of West Mercia Homes, said: “The change will improve our business in a number of ways – ensuring consistency of approach, greater sharing of best practice and improved flexibility, as well as strengthening team spirit.

“The move also mirrors our staff contracts, customer tenancy agreements and our board of management, which all relate to West Mercia Homes.

“Nothing operationally will change from the perspective of our customers and stakeholders. It will continue to be business as usual here but, going forward, we will all be working under one name.”