Avison Young UK has appointed Helen Collins as principal, national head of affordable housing and managing director for the Midlands region.
Collins brings 30 years of experience in senior consultancy and delivery, specialising in transaction advisory, development, regeneration and investment within both public and private sector sectors.
Colliers was UK board director and head of affordable housing consultancy at Savills UK. Avison Young said she had brokered and managed ground-breaking stock rationalisation transactions and supported Homes England’s Strategic Partnership initiative. She led a multi-disciplinary team providing strategic advice to affordable housing stakeholders. She has also been an advocate for new ways of working and innovative partnerships to deliver new homes and investment in existing stock.
At Avison Young, she will "lead the firm’s affordable housing team, driving growth in services for key stakeholders, leveraging the firm's expertise in development, regeneration and residential investment". She will also oversee irss Midlands multi-disciplinary operations as managing director, building on its track record of regional development and investment across residential, commercial and industrial sectors.
As a Fellow and former president of the Chartered Institute of Housing and a professional member of the RICS, Helen continues to highlight the opportunity of private capital and for-profit registered providers in working alongside housing associations and Local Authorities to extend sector capacity for investment and development, Avison Young said.
Nick Walkley, principal and UK president, Avison Young, said in a statement: “Helen brings a proven track record as an experienced leader, building high performing teams to deliver great value for affordable housing stakeholders. This appointment reflects our growth strategy for a new leading multi-disciplinary national affordable housing team, which will deliver great services to landlords, developers, lenders and investors.”
Collins added: “I look forward to bringing my experience of successful social and affordable housing delivery to this new role and championing the role partnerships can play. As a Midlander, I’m proud to join Avison Young’s Birmingham office, working with a multi-disciplinary commercial and residential team of over 200 experts with a 50-year track record of delivery in the region.”