News

Pinnacle Group appointed to manage landmark Manchester development on behalf of Manchester City Council

Pinnacle Group has been appointed as the housing management partner for No. 1 Ancoats Green, the flagship development from Manchester City Council’s housing company, This City. This marks a milestone for Pinnacle, representing its first major housing management contract in Manchester.

Located in the heart of Ancoats, No.1 Ancoats Green comprises of 129 low-carbon homes, including 119 apartments and 10 townhouses, designed to meet the city’s growing demand for high-quality, affordable housing.

Thirty percent of the homes are being let at the Manchester Living Rent, ensuring accessibility for residents across the city.

Pinnacle will provide full housing management services on behalf of Manchester City Council, including lettings, tenancy management, resident engagement and maintenance.

To ensure residents receive responsive, high-quality support, Pinnacle has a dedicated on-site property manager, offering a visible and accessible presence within the development.

Residents will begin moving in this summer, with access to high-spec homes, green spaces and the newly launched Ancoats Mobility Hub.

“This is a pivotal moment for Pinnacle as we bring housing services to Manchester for the first time. We’re excited to support the council’s vision for inclusive, sustainable communities through professional, resident-focused management. No. 1 Ancoats Green is a thoughtful response to the city’s housing needs and we’re proud to play a role in ensuring these homes are expertly managed for long-term success.”

Claire Kober
Managing Director, Homes at Pinnacle Group

Leader of Manchester City Council, Cllr Bev Craig, said: “No. 1 Ancoats Green is the product of a vision we have had since the inception of This City, to use our own land to build the homes we know our residents want and need, to a high specification, and on our own terms. For many years it has been incredibly challenging for councils to build homes to meet demand, but through This City we are proving that it is possible – while also delivering genuinely affordable housing for our residents.

“This is only the beginning for This City and through our new joint venture partnership with the GM pension fund, we are scaling up delivery and we have more than 1,500 new homes in the coming years with sites across the city.”

Cllr Gavin White, Manchester City Council’s Executive Member for Housing and Development, said: “This is an exciting milestone for This City. I’ve been following the progress of this development from the beginning and it’s brilliant to start welcoming the first residents into their new, quality homes. With the Ancoats Green and the city centre on the doorstep, this is surely one of the most attractive developments on offer right now. And importantly, 30% of these homes are genuinely affordable and capped at the Manchester Living Rent meaning as many people as possible in the city can access them.”

Perry Lloyd: The government must not lose focus on how homes will be professionally managed, not just built

With the Government aiming to deliver half a million affordable homes during this Parliament, supported by £39 billion in public grant, the ambition is both bold and necessary. The scale of the challenge reflects the urgency of the housing crisis facing the UK, where demand for secure, affordable accommodation continues to outstrip supply. But ambition alone won’t deliver results. The UK’s affordable housing sector needs more than just bricks and mortar; it needs a robust, sustainable delivery model that ensures long-term value for residents, taxpayers, and purposeful investors with access to appropriate institutional capital.

Achieving this target will require an estimated £11 billion in private capital. For investors, this presents a compelling opportunity to deploy long-term funds into a sector of growing social and political importance. Affordable housing is increasingly recognised not just as a moral imperative, but as a resilient asset class with the potential to deliver stable returns and measurable social impact. However, the journey from capital investment to community impact is complex and requires more than financial commitment, it demands operational excellence and strategic collaboration.

The challenge isn’t just building homes; it’s about building investable, suitably configured stock in accordance with tailored specifications that design out long term cost in support of efficient well-managed and well-maintained homes with built-in resilience capable of delivering enduring value. Poor management not only diminishes the social impact of affordable housing but also undermines investor confidence and places additional pressure on local services. That’s why the conversation must evolve from a construction-based numbers game to one of stewardship, service quality, and sustainable outcomes. Homes must be more than units, they must be part of thriving, inclusive communities. 

"There is increasing recognition that professional, institutional-grade housing management is critical to the success of affordable housing."

There is increasing recognition that professional, institutional-grade housing management is critical to the success of affordable housing. From lettings and tenancy management to resident engagement, maintenance, and neighbourhood services, as well as quality performance reporting, efficient service delivery is what transforms housing units into places people are proud to call home. It’s also what ensures value for money for the public purse and supports the necessary proportionate return on investment for private funders. Without this, the sector risks falling short of its potential, socially, economically and financially.

This is where experienced housing partners play a vital role. The sector needs a trusted bridge between private capital and housing delivery, partners who can provide the operational scale, compliance expertise, and service excellence required to deliver high resident satisfaction and resilient, well-managed assets. These capabilities are essential to translating investment into long-term value for all stakeholders. The best management partner ensures that well-built homes are expertly maintained and operated in ways that improve quality of life for residents, promotes community wellbeing and, at the same time, minimises rent-loss for the investor. In this way the interests of residents and investors are closely aligned.   

The trend is already taking shape. For-profit registered providers (FPRPs) are increasingly partnering with expert housing managers to meet these demands. Pinnacle currently manages homes on behalf of 11 FPRPs and is set to contract with six more, representing nearly a quarter of all FPRPs registered with the Regulator of Social Housing. As the market leader, we offer institutional-grade services tailored to institutional investors, combining deep sector knowledge, regulatory compliance and high performance with a commitment to best resident outcomes. 

As the Government drives forward its housing targets, it must not lose focus on how these homes will be professionally managed, not just built. Encouraging collaboration between investors, housing providers, and experienced management partners will be key to delivering not only the quantity of homes we need, but the quality of life that residents deserve, and the financial performance and sustainability that investors require. This collaborative, long-term approach is essential to ensuring that affordable housing delivers lasting, meaningful impact. The future of affordable housing lies not just in construction, but in the creation of communities that are well-served, well-managed, and built to last. 

Perry Lloyd

Group Chief Executive, Pinnacle Group

Pinnacle Group expands local authority partnerships with 342 new homes under management

Pinnacle Group has announced the commencement of three new contracts with local authorities across London and the southeast, bringing a total of 342 additional homes under its management. This significant expansion strengthens Pinnacle’s role as a trusted partner to local authorities in delivering leading housing, neighbourhood and community-facing services.

The new contracts span three regions. In Surrey, Pinnacle has begun managing 94 homes for Elmbridge Borough Council, located across towns including Thames Ditton, Esher, and Weybridge. These include both temporary accommodation, which supports the council’s statutory duties to homeless households, and affordable housing for rent. 

In Essex, Pinnacle has been appointed by Harlow Council to manage 172 homes at the Millbrook Studios to the north of the town centre. This development features a mix of affordable and open market rental properties. Pinnacle will deliver a full suite of services including lettings, property management, security, concierge, and facilities management.

Further expanding its reach, Pinnacle is also partnering with I4B, the wholly owned housing company of Brent Council. Under this agreement, Pinnacle will manage 76 homes located across Hertfordshire, Oxfordshire, Slough, Milton Keynes, Luton, and London. I4B was established in 2016 to provide affordable, high-quality homes and reduce homelessness. 

“These new partnerships reflect our growing role in supporting local authorities to deliver safe, affordable, and well-managed homes. We are proud to be trusted by councils across the country to help meet the housing needs of their communities and look forward to providing our market-leading services."

Claire Kober
Managing Director, Homes at Pinnacle Group

Cllr Alex Batchelor, Portfolio Holder for Housing at Elmbridge Borough Council, said: “Elmbridge Borough Council has invested heavily in recent years to increase our stock of temporary accommodation and other social housing for rent and we’ve appointed Pinnacle to take on the management of these homes after a robust  procurement process.  We and our residents have high expectations and we look forward to Pinnacle delivering on these in the years ahead”.

Pinnacle Group’s Paul Carney awarded OBE in King’s Birthday Honours list

Paul Carney OBE, Chief of Staff, Pinnacle Service Families (PSF), has been appointed as an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the King’s Birthday Honours List 2025.

This honour recognises Paul’s outstanding service to the Army. He now continues his dedication to supporting military families in PSF.

Paul joined Pinnacle in April 2025 following a distinguished 28-year military career, culminating in his role as the Army Sergeant Major – the most senior non-commissioned soldier in the British Army.

Since joining Pinnacle, Paul has brought his deep understanding of military life and strategic leadership to the forefront of PSF’s mission to manage and enhance services for over 49,000 Service Family Accommodation homes across the UK. Paul has always been a “soldiers’ soldier” and this is at the heart of what drives his contribution to PSF.

“I am deeply honoured to receive this recognition. Serving the Army was a privilege, and continuing to support service families through my work at Pinnacle is equally meaningful. This award is a reflection of the incredible people I’ve worked alongside throughout my career, both in uniform and now as a veteran.”

Paul Carney
Chief of Staff, Pinnacle Service Families
“Paul's OBE is a testament to his exceptional leadership, integrity and commitment to those who serve, and their families. We are proud to have him as part of our team."

Perry Lloyd
Group Chief Executive

Paul’s award follows a series of strategic appointments to the Pinnacle Service Families Senior Leadership Team, reinforcing Pinnacle’s commitment to delivering high-quality services to the Armed Forces community.

Pinnacle Group marks 30-year anniversary with major contract wins and sustained growth

Pinnacle Group secured over 30 new contracts over the last financial year (April 24- March 25), marking £70 million in total contract value.

The achievement is part of a series of milestones that have seen the company expand its reach to new locations and increase its housing management portfolio by over 3,000 homes, bringing the total to over 74,000 homes nationwide.

These accomplishments came as Pinnacle celebrated its 30th anniversary, marking three decades as a provider of housing and community-facing neighbourhood services to 26,000+ delivery sites and over 230 workplaces.

https://youtu.be/r73pi5-81Tk

Pinnacle's new contracts included delivery partnerships with leading investors in affordable housing, such as Octopus-backed NewArch Homes, Pears-funded MTD Housing, and Nuveen-backed Preferred Homes Ltd.

The company also expanded its collaborations with investors such as L&G Affordable Homes, more than doubling the number of homes it manages for them, as well as securing significant housing management contracts with prominent organisations such as Manchester City Council, Birmingham City Council, and CBRE Investment Management.

The company also expanded its collaborations with investors such as L&G Affordable Homes, more than doubling the number of homes it manages for them, as well as securing significant housing management contracts with prominent organisations such as Manchester City Council, Birmingham City Council, and CBRE Investment Management.

Additionally, Pinnacle entered into a landmark 50-year contract with infrastructure giant HOCHTIEF to operate over 1,000 student rooms in partnership with Staffordshire University. Pinnacle also expanded its workplace operations for multinational manufacturer JCB and won new contracts worth over £2 million annually with Notting Hill Genesis to provide cleaning, caretaking, window cleaning, and waste services across five London boroughs.

A major highlight of the year was Pinnacle's new partnership with the Hyde Group. Hyde’s strategic investment in Pinnacle marked a transformative moment for both organisations, enabling them to amplify their impact across the housing and neighbourhood sectors.

Over the last year, Pinnacle's flagship Meadowship scheme, a partnership with Bromley Council, has successfully supported 127 homeless households into permanent homes, contributing to the alleviation of the ongoing temporary housing crisis. Since its inception, the scheme has helped nearly 400 homeless families find permanent housing.

As well as supporting local government, Pinnacle continues to be a trusted partner of the HM Government, last year supporting over 12,000 armed forces families as they move into MOD accommodation through its multi-million-pound contract with the Defence Infrastructure Organisation. The company has also played a crucial role in the Afghan Relocation and Assistance Policy, successfully assisting 170 Afghan families in transitioning to surplus MOD accommodation.

In addition to these achievements, Pinnacle has handled over 1 million customer calls across its 24/7 contact centres, significantly boosted its market rent and student accommodation portfolios, and achieved market-leading customer satisfaction scores.

"This past year has been remarkable for us. Our strategic partnership with Hyde Group, coupled with securing numerous high-value contracts, has positioned us to innovate more effectively and deliver high-quality, well-managed homes and communities nationwide. I am immensely proud of the profound impact our teams have had on communities across the UK and look forward to our continued expansion and success."

Perry Lloyd
Group Chief Executive

Pinnacle Group appoints former Army Sergeant Major Paul Carney to key military contract

Pinnacle Group has today announced the appointment of former Army Sergeant Major Paul Carney as Chief of Staff for Pinnacle Service Families (PSF), the company’s contract to manage 49,000 service family homes nationwide.

This strategic appointment highlights Pinnacle’s commitment to strengthening its senior leadership team and enhancing the service it provides to military families.

Paul – who has a 28-year military career – has most recently served as the Army Sergeant Major since 2021.

As the most senior non-commissioned soldier in the British Army, he has been a key advisor to the Chief of the General Staff as well as serving on operations in Macedonia, Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan.

In addition, he has held various leadership roles and has extensive experience in combat engineering, training, and strategic planning.

In his new role at PSF, Paul will oversee key priorities, ensuring the delivery of intelligent solutions, as well as enhancing operations to better serve military families.

"I am honoured to join Pinnacle and contribute to the vital work of supporting service families. My experience in the Army has given me a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by military families, and I am committed to enhancing the quality of services provided."

Paul Carney
Chief of Staff, Pinnacle Service Families

The news follows the appointment of Sarah Pittaway, a former Army Officer and senior executive, as Divisional Director for PSF six months ago.

Sarah heads up the firm’s contract with the Defence Infrastructure Organisation, overseeing its 400-strong team across a National Service Centre in Liverpool and regionally across the UK.

“We are thrilled to welcome Paul to our team. His wealth of experience and dedication to service families will bring huge value to the company. We look forward to his contributions and the positive impact he will have."

Sarah Pittaway
Divisional Director, Pinnacle Service Families

Pinnacle Group welcomes Anna Le Jehan to Executive Committee

Pinnacle Group is delighted to announce that Anna Le Jehan, has joined our Executive Committee.

Anna joined Pinnacle Group as General Counsel in 2017. A qualified solicitor, she brought fifteen years of private practice experience advising on large-scale social infrastructure and regeneration projects across the UK, including the company’s flagship scheme, Oval Quarter – Myatts Field North.

Anna advises the business on a wide range of legal and compliance matters, drawing on her sector experience to support and develop integrated and innovative service delivery solutions for our communities.

“I am thrilled to welcome Anna to our Executive Committee, a pivotal step that reflects our commitment to the continued growth and development of Pinnacle. Since joining us in 2017, Anna has proven to be an invaluable member of our team, and her extensive legal expertise will undoubtedly be instrumental as we navigate the exciting opportunities that lie ahead."

Perry Lloyd
Group Chief Executive
“I am very pleased and proud to be joining the Executive Committee after twenty years of working with and for Pinnacle Group. I'm looking forward to collaborating with the senior management team and supporting the continued growth of the business."

Anna Le Jehan
General Counsel

Claire Kober: It’s time to lift the social housing stigma

For those following the passage of the assisted dying bill through parliament, there may not be any immediate parallels with the housing world.

However, whatever your views on the bill, a recurring concern is being played out in the debate. Despite the apparent safeguards in place, there persists a worry that vulnerable people may be coerced into ending their lives simply because they no longer wish to be a burden – to their families, their friends or the state.

This concept of ‘being a burden’ is deeply troubling and is evident across several sectors, including healthcare, mental health and housing. But why do people consider themselves a burden in the first place, and how does this problem play out in the housing sector?

In January, the G15 – a collective of London’s largest housing associations – published a report entitled ‘Taking the stigma out of social housing: the residents’ view’. Nearly half (45%) of social housing residents surveyed report experiencing prejudice or discrimination due to their housing status, while 43% say they have felt stigmatised when interacting with their landlord. With statistics like this, it is no wonder people begin to feel like a burden.

"It is not just about perceptions, but also about the impact this prejudice has on people’s lives."

The report delves into how stigma is formed and perpetuated, with residents highlighting the impact of politicians’ words, media depictions of social housing and social media narratives. Residents say they feel social housing tenants are portrayed as a burden to the taxpayer when, in reality, over half are in work.

The stakes are high. It is not just about perceptions, but also about the impact this prejudice has on people’s lives. It is five years since two-year-old Awaab Ishak died in Rochdale due to exposure to mould that was not addressed by his landlord. The Housing Ombudsman’s report highlighted a pattern of “othering” residents, attributing issues such as damp and mould to “cultural practices” and “lifestyle choices”, rather than addressing the underlying causes in the building.

The housing association involved, Rochdale Boroughwide Housing, has since undergone a complete change of leadership, and update reports show significant progress. At a conference in January, its new director of communications spoke about the need for teams to properly represent the communities they serve.

Need for decisive leadership

We also need to consider the current state of play. The government aims to bring forward 1.5 million homes by 2030, but in our pursuit of higher housing volumes, we must not overlook the need for decisive and capable leadership to drive attitudinal change.

Comments suggesting social housing residents ‘should be grateful’, are ‘entitled’ or have caused issues themselves are still common. Language matters and, in line with the Rochdale recommendations, we must root out these attitudes and provide clear information to residents.

The affordable housing sector is at an inflection point, with more for-profit registered providers coming on board each month. These landlords reported owning over 38,500 homes in 2024, up 30% on the previous year. As well as securing stable, long-term returns, investors are looking to deliver positive social impact along with new solutions to intractable problems such as the number of people in temporary accommodation.

We are seeing new ways to create homes that challenge outdated perceptions of social housing and bring new players to the table, who also have a responsibility to challenge these depictions. For-profit registered providers, along with others in the housing sector, have an opportunity to shift perceptions by promoting a positive narrative on social housing; showcasing an accurate representation of social homes and the people who live in them.

This includes highlighting some of the excellent new homes being created. Regular registered providers, for-profit companies, housing organisations such as my own and the broader sector must work together to shift perceptions, which will bring substantial benefits to communities.

We must create an environment where all residents feel valued and respected, ensuring that social housing is seen as a vital, positive force in our communities.

Claire Kober

Managing Director (Homes), Pinnacle Group

Pinnacle expands portfolio with five new sites for Bellway Homes

Pinnacle has significantly expanded its portfolio with Bellway Homes after securing five new sites under its Residential Management Services (RMS) division.

This development makes Bellway the division’s largest client, with a total of nearly 5000 homes managed for the client, across multiple sites. The five new sites provide an additional 1,463 homes to Pinnacle’s RMS portfolio.

The new sites are:

• Copperhouse Green in Dartford, Kent with 450 homes
• Eastside Quarter in Bexleyheath, London with 500 homes
• Legacy Wharf in Stratford, London with 196 homes
• Maybrey Works in Sydenham, London with 150 homes
• Eastbrook Village at Barking Riverside, with 167 homes

“We are thrilled to expand our partnership with Bellway Homes. Our team is dedicated to delivering exceptional service and supporting vibrant communities at these new locations. This milestone reflects our commitment to excellence and our ability to meet the diverse needs of our clients.”

Russell O'Connor
Head of RMS, Pinnacle Group

Pinnacle’s strong community credentials and reputation played a key role in securing the new business wins. We will oversee various services including leasehold management, service charge collection, concierge services, cleaning, and grounds maintenance.

Pinnacle’s RMS division specialises in providing comprehensive residential management services to leasehold properties across the UK. Our team ensures the smooth operation of residential developments, focusing on delivering high-quality services that enhance the living experience for residents.

Pinnacle secures dual contracts with Walsall Housing Group, reaffirming presence in the Midlands

Pinnacle Group is celebrating the re-award of two significant contracts with leading housing association landlord whg, marking 18 years since the initial contract that spurred our expansion into the Midlands.

The contracts encompass both communal area cleaning across all whg’s housing blocks and office cleaning services, reinforcing Pinnacle's commitment to providing high quality neighbourhood services.  

The renewed contracts – which run for three years with scope to extend for a further five – solidify Pinnacle’s growing footprint in the Midlands, where the company now manages numerous contracts, including those with prominent regional partners such as Birmingham City Council and Midland Heart. 

whg is a regional housing association with 22,000 homes owned and managed across the Midlands. With a diverse portfolio ranging from high-rise and low-rise blocks to family homes and older persons accommodation, whg is committed to creating sustainable communities through investment in people and places. 

These contract renewals also secure employment for 40 local individuals, further contributing to the regional economy.

“We are incredibly proud to renew our partnership with whg, a relationship that began 18 years ago with our very first contracts in the Midlands. This renewal is especially meaningful as it allows us to continue delivering high-quality housing and neighbourhood services to residents with whom we have developed long-standing relationships. We look forward to maintaining our commitment to top tier cleaning services, ensuring the wellbeing of whg’s residents and employees.”

Raaj Bharania
Facilities Management Operations Director, Pinnacle Group
“We’re pleased to renew this long-standing partnership, ensuring our communal spaces are clean and welcoming for our customers. We know that well-maintained shared spaces make a real difference to how people feel about their homes and neighbourhoods, and we remain committed to creating communities to be proud of.”

Sarah Clarke
Director of Housing and Customer Services, Walsall Housing Group

Pinnacle Group to manage over 300 homes for Pears-backed MTD Housing

Pinnacle has been appointed to manage over 300 homes for MTD Housing, a for-profit registered provider backed by the Pears family.

This significant partnership will see Pinnacle overseeing a newly acquired portfolio by MTD Housing, which is dedicated to increasing the availability of affordable rental and shared ownership homes.

This portfolio totals 327 homes across London and the Southeast, helping Pinnacle to further its mission to enhance the provision of high-quality, affordable housing across London and the Southeast and ensure safe, comfortable and vibrant communities.

The Pears family, known for their extensive experience in financing and real estate, have a long-standing commitment to social and community causes through the Pears Foundation, which contributes over £20 million annually to various initiatives.  

Pinnacle’s role in this collaboration includes tenant on-boarding and management, building compliance, defect management, maintenance and void management. With a track record of managing over 74,000 homes across various tenures—including affordable housing, PRS, student accommodation, and later living homes—Pinnacle is well positioned to deliver exceptional service to both clients and residents.

The appointment by MTD Housing follows Pinnacle’s broader success in securing key contracts over the last financial year. These include taking on additional homes with L&G Affordable Homes, managing portfolios for for-profit registered providers Funding Affordable Homes, and NewArch Homes, and expanding its geographical footprint with first-time contracts in Cornwall and Brighton.

“This partnership marks a significant milestone for Pinnacle. We are excited to bring our extensive experience providing services to affordable housing communities to support MTD’s vision of creating sustainable places. Together, we will work towards enhancing residents’ experiences and contributing positively to the local communities.”

Claire Kober
Managing Director - Homes for Pinnacle Group

Pinnacle Group appoints former Army officer and Royal aide to key leadership role on MOD contract

Pinnacle Group has today announced the appointment of former Army officer Sarah Pittaway as the new Divisional Director for Pinnacle Service Families, one of the company’s largest contracts. It comes as Pinnacle Group builds on a series of contract wins in the past few months and looks to further strengthen its leadership team.

Sarah Pittaway said she was “committed to applying my experience to improve the quality of services we provide.”

Currently Deputy Chief Executive of the Union Jack Club – an HM Armed Forces members’ club – Sarah has a wealth of leadership expertise, including an early career as a Commissioned Army Officer.

As part of Sarah’s military career, she trained at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and was deployed on multiple overseas engagements and operations, including Afghanistan, Cyprus, and Oman, as well as inter-military exchanges in France and Italy in support of NATO diplomatic relationships.

Her extensive career in senior executive roles includes Managing Director at fine dining and events caterer, Chester Boyd, Assistant Private Secretary in The Royal Household, and Senior Manager for Enterprise Risk at EY.

Joining Pinnacle in October, Sarah will head up the firm’s contract with the Defence Infrastructure Organisation, managing 49,000 military family homes nationwide. She will oversee its 440-strong team across the National Service Centre in Liverpool and regionally throughout the UK.

“Sarah brings a unique and impressive blend of military and commercial experience, making her uniquely qualified to enhance the quality of services we provide. This new post has been created to drive further improvements for our military families. I look forward to welcoming her to the team and leveraging her expertise to support the families we serve.”

Claire Kober
Managing Director - Homes for Pinnacle Group
“I am thrilled to join Pinnacle Service Families as it will allow me to contribute to the vital work of supporting Service families. Whilst serving in the Army, and subsequently, I have been able to see first-hand the unique challenges faced by the military families community, and I am committed to applying my experience to improve the quality of services we provide.”

Sarah Pittaway
Divisional Director for Pinnacle Service Families