Occasionally we like to shine the spotlight on our members, and in this case one of the members of the Bristol Initiative. We sat down with Louise Swain, CEO of Alliance Homes and Chair of Homes for the South West to talk about their work and their relationship with the Bristol Initiative.
Tell us about your role – what do you have responsibility for? What does a typical day look like?
I am the CEO of Alliance Homes and Chair of Homes for the South West. My days are pretty varied, I spend a lot of time in meetings! I do anything from appraising new development opportunities, to looking at operational performance across the business. We are a people-led organisation, so I try to get out and experience our services first-hand as much as possible.
Homes for the South West (H4SW) is a coalition of the 12 largest housing associations in the region, and the leading voice for affordable housing in the South West. We work collectively to boost affordable housing supply and drive economic growth. As Chair, I focus on engaging with regional MPs and decision makers to drive the changes needed to deliver more affordable homes.
What does your organisation do? Why do you love working for them?
Alliance Homes is a housing association operating across the West of England. We own and manage more than 7,000 homes, provide services to approximately 10,000 customers, and build around 200 new affordable homes each year. We also offer a range of support services and employ 400 colleagues. I am proud that we are an accredited Great Place to Work, creating a positive work environment is really important to us.
I love my role because the work we do makes such a big difference to people’s lives. I believe everyone has the right to a decent home, and I’m passionate about providing secure, affordable housing and services that help people thrive.
Why have you joined the Bristol Initiative?
I joined the Bristol initiative on behalf of the Homes for the South West a couple of years ago because housing is fundamental to the success of any city or region. Being part of the initiative allows me to build networks that support our work while also contributing to wider conversations on issues closely linked to housing.
Our members are major employers and contribute hugely to the local economy, so have a vested interest in many of the topics the initiative focuses on.
What are the key agendas you’re looking forward to getting involved with?
I’m passionate about meeting the affordable housing needs of Bristol and the wider region. The cost of housing is a real problem for employers trying to attract and retain talent. Over the last 25 years, house prices have risen 400%, while wages have increased by just 83% – this is a major issue that needs urgent action.
The new National Planning Policy Framework and the Devolution White Paper offer big opportunities for change. I am keen to be involved in exploring how we can achieve more for our city.
Where is your favourite place to visit in Bristol?
I live fairly centrally, and I love exploring the city on foot, walking my dog. The harbourside is a favourite for the buzz, energy and atmosphere, but I enjoy long walks in the green spaces such as Ashton Court and Blaise Castle. I am also a bit of a foodie, and I love Bristol’s diverse restaurant scene, – for special occasions, The Chef’s Table in Hotwells is a personal favourite!
If you'd like to follow Louise on social media you can do so on Linkedin and X, and you can follow Alliance Homes on Linkedin and X and Homes for the South West on Linkedin and X as well. Also if you are a member of The Bristol Initiative and would like to be featured in a blog just like this one then you can get in touch.
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