OBE for Vela Group chief

The chairman of Housing Hartlepool has welcomed the announcement of the award of an OBE to chief executive of Vela Group, Cath Purdy, as part of the Queen’s birthday honours.

Cath Purdy had been chief executive of Housing Hartlepool since the company was established in 2004. It took over the ownership and management of the former local authority housing stock which was transferred to it from Hartlepool Borough Council following support of tenants. She is now the chief executive of ‘Vela’, the group formed in December 2010 bringing together Housing Hartlepool and Tristar Homes in Stockton.

Peter Olsen, chairman of Housing Hartlepool has praised her ‘dedication and flair’, which has resulted in the improvement of thousands of local homes.

He said: “Cath has conducted her work with dedication and flair resulting in a transformation of homes and communities in Hartlepool. She ensured the successful transfer of 7,000 homes into new ownership and managed the process of estate regeneration.

“Cath and her team have brought over £100 million worth of housing and community investment into Hartlepool and improved the lives of thousands of people. Her honour is well deserved and her colleagues are delighted.”

Cath Purdy said: “This honour recognises the entire team at Housing Hartlepool and the valuable work that housing associations do in our local communities. It also recognises the achievement of establishing the innovative new Vela group, which Housing Hartlepool has formed with Tristar Homes. I am thrilled to receive the award and want to thank everyone who has supported me.”