Our firm foundations were laid in Sunderland in 2001 when the City’s tenants voted overwhelmingly to transfer 36,000 homes to Gentoo (then Sunderland Housing Group).

From day one we were committed to providing homes and customer service of the highest quality, and this remains with us today as our business horizons have widened. In our first five years we have shown our commitment, with over £400 million invested back into people and property.

During this period our achievements have included:

• Over 20,000 full modernisations - achieving the Decent Homes standard five years ahead of time.

• Increased value of stock to over 1 billion

• Creation of 280 jobs and 120 apprenticeships

• Over 2,000 additional jobs sustained in the local supply chain - more than doubling the effect of the Group's investment.

• Commencement of an ambitious programme of housing renewal - using Housing Association Grant levels that are among the lowest in the UK.