Loddon Homes and Berry Brook Homes have recruited a new Managing Director (MD) to take both companies forward on the next stage of their growth and development
We are delighted to announce that Monwara Ryatt (Monni) joined the team on Monday (7th March). She will be taking over from Nigel Bailey who will be retiring at the end of the month. Monni will be working closely with residents, Working Borough Council, the two Boards, and key partners to develop the new Business Plan and key Strategies to strengthen both companies’ financial position and ensure that stay strong and become an outstanding brand moving forward.
Monni started her career as a retail store manager after leaving college, before moving into project management, to work with residents and community groups in urban regeneration programmes for a community-based housing association in the Midlands. This then led to several senior roles at strategic level in Housing and Business Growth and Development for small and large housing associations, local authorities, Tenants Management Organisations, and private sector housing. Monni has worked with customers, communities, and small and large boards to grow and develop ‘fit for purpose’ housing services across the UK. She has over 30 years of solid housing management and housing development experience, which will bring a wealth of knowledge, and area of expertise, to both companies. Monni has a BA Honours Degree in Housing Management and an MBA in Public Policy, and she is a member of the Chartered Institute of Housing.
Monni states that she is very passionate about creating “excellence in customer service and optimising full potential of organisations and therefore looks forward to the exciting challenge ahead”.
“I am very excited at the prospect of working with the two boards, my team, Wokingham Borough Council, tenants, residents, local communities, contractors, developers and key partners to move things forward. Following the challenges of the recent pandemic, this is a very exciting time to start this new journey and I look forward to working with everyone to achieve our key goals in the coming year.”
Both boards welcome Monni and look forward to working with her.
“I look forward to welcoming Monni to her post, ready to execute a new, strong business plan to ensure the continued success of the companies and playing an important part in delivering on the Council’s commitment to affordable housing in the Borough,” says Cllr Shahid Younis, Chair, Loddon Homes.
The team are also looking forward to working with Monni.
“I am really excited to work alongside Monni and face new challenges for Loddon Homes and Berry Brook Homes together. Monni brings so much experience that will benefit the organisation, the people who work here and most importantly our residents,” says Karen Howick, Head of Operations.
While Karen is delighted that Monni is on board, she also wants to thank Nigel Bailey, the out-going MD, for his invaluable involvement in re-shaping the companies, to provide the best local and affordable housing and services.
“Nigel steered the organisations through significant change and restored the relationships that are so pivotal to the success of the local housing companies. While Nigel has led the organisation, he also enabled the team to grow and be successful in their own rights. We are all sad to see him go but wish him every success in the future,” Karen adds.
Cllr Shahid Younis also adds: “During his time as MD, Nigel has worked tirelessly to ensure the future of the Local Housing Companies by building strong foundations for the organisation to grow upon. On behalf of myself and the Board we thank Nigel for his commitment over the past two years.”
Nigel is confident that he is leaving the companies in safe hands and wishes Monni every success in her new role.
“While I am sad to leave, I know that the organisation is in safe hands, supported by a dedicated workforce, trusted partners, a strong pipeline for future housing in the Borough and an effective board,” says Nigel Bailey, former MD of Loddon Homes and Berry Brook Homes.
Monni and the whole team would like to take this opportunity to thank Nigel for his contribution to date and wish him well on his retirement.