Whilst winning an award is a wonderful feeling and a tangible recognition of the hard work of our fantastic teams, there is a more significant reason that we go through the process of entering Resonance for these accolades. 

Our Impact Property Funds have important people to help, as there are still over 100,000 people stuck in temporary and unsuitable accommodation. Winning or being shortlisted for Awards is one way to highlight this issue, which is impacting so many individuals and families across the UK. At the same time, it helps put Resonance at the top of the minds of the people that make decisions, which could make a real difference:  Local Authorities (LAs), Institutional Investors, Pension Funds etc.

So, we were especially delighted to this month win the “Investment Company of The Year Award” from the UK’s Real Estate Investment Infrastructure Forum, a relatively new industry player, which aims to connect people, places and businesses in order to accelerate the Levelling Up Agenda, whilst unlocking sustainable, inclusive and transformational investment across the UK.

About REIIF

Well according to Gary Walker, Resonance Head of Investor Relations who attended this year’s event, REIIF has attracted some 7,000 delegates including LAs, financial institutions as well as Government Ministers, Shadow Ministers and regional Mayors. And, without it being a dedicated sustainability event, sustainability was very high on the agenda and was central to all the discussions on real estate and local development.

The Forum also had a focus on making great places to live, sharing the aims of Resonance: to provide good quality, energy efficient, affordable homes for those who have experienced housing crisis.

Gary said: “To be acknowledged amongst some of the most recognised investment companies in real estate is a significant achievement. It illustrates that our investment track record has proved attractive to investors, whilst keeping social impact at the heart of everything we do, working alongside some leading housing partners. It’s a winning combination.”

Why Investment Company of the Year?

Our Impact Property Funds were central to our nomination for the award. Explaining our ten year track record since the launch of our first homelessness property fund in partnership with homelessness charity St Mungo’s in 2023, to our management of seven property funds today, addressing the core themes of homelessness, vulnerable women and learning disability, alongside our extension of investment beyond London to other areas in the UK where rents are unaffordable, was the keystone of the entry.

In addition, in relation to sustainability, we explained how the refurbishment of our properties to a high standard including improving the carbon footprint of each property, helps reduce bills for tenants at the same time as helping the environment,

Why the funds are different?

The Resonance funds work with experienced housing partners that offer support to tenants where needed, from help progressing towards employment or upskilling, to overcoming addiction and mental health challenges. So, the investment in homes, provides an effective pathway for tenants ready for independent living who would otherwise struggle to access private rented sector housing; in most cases they would otherwise be stuck in inappropriate/ temporary accommodation for longer periods.

These funds represent a significant shift in tackling the housing crisis, trailblazing local authority and LGPS participation as investors, enabling them to solve local homelessness issues.

A final word

Daniel Brewer, Resonance CEO gave his view: “I’ve heard good things about the REII Forum and how in only two years it has become the ‘go to’ conference for Real Estate in the UK. Winning the award was a singular achievement and very humbling, especially as I really respect the work and standing of many of the organisations shortlisted, some of which are amongst the most respected brands in the UK.”