Lovell ties up deals with 42 former Connaught clients

Some 42 local authorities and housing associations have agreed in principle for the transfer of their contracts with Connaught Partnerships to Lovell.

The move comes a fortnight after Lovell acquired an interest in the majority of Connaught Partnerships' contracts and related assets, for which it paid £28m.

Lovell managing director Stewart Davenport said: “We are pleased to have secured so many partnerships so quickly and are delighted with the way clients have responded. Our prompt action has enabled us to provide customers with essential maintenance services with minimal disruption.”

The affordable housing firm said the deal with Connaught's administrators would significantly expand its planned and response maintenance business, extend its geographical coverage and increase its client base.

Davenport added: “Of course there have been challenges to face and I'm sure there will be a few more, but we remain committed to working with the employees we have taken on and our new clients to make the transition as painless and as positive as possible.”