Inspired Villages Group crowned Retirement Living Operator of the Year at prestigious awards event

Inspired Villages Group – which owns and operates later living communities around the UK – has won the coveted title of Retirement Living Operator of the Year at the prestigious RESI Awards 2019. The later living operator was recognised as the best in its sector thanks to its innovative approach to retirement living, which puts health and wellbeing at the centre of everything it does.

The team at Inspired Villages were presented with their award in front of an audience of more than 1,200 key players in the residential market at London’s Grosvenor House on Wednesday 15th May. Organised by Property Week magazine, the RESI Awards celebrate the residential property industry and its successes, and this year’s event – hosted by comedian Stephen K Amos – attracted a record number of entries.

Jamie Bunce, CEO of Inspired Villages, said the team was over the moon that their commitment to reinventing later living had been recognised by such a highly respected panel of judges.

Jamie commented: “It’s an honour to be chosen – especially in such a competitive category. We’re in great company and want to congratulate everyone shortlisted, and to also thank our partners, Legal & General, for their continued support.

“The award is testament to the hard work, commitment and enthusiasm of the whole Inspired team. Together we’re transforming later living by providing communities where people want to live, with plenty of opportunity for our residents to be active, social and happy. The health and wellbeing of the Inspired community is at the heart of everything we do.”

A spokesman for Property Week said Inspired Villages stood out from its competitors thanks to its impressive achievements in the later living sector – a growing market.

The spokesman commented: “Inspired Villages is leading the way by creating schemes that are of such a high specification that they rival the finish offered by some boutique hotel group operators.

“As well as creating schemes that look great, the company is using intelligent design principles to make accommodation that’s more adaptable and flexible to meet the growing needs of people as they age.

“Inspired also stands out thanks to its innovative ventures to keep people well and happy – a very deserving winner.”

Inspired Villages is the fourth largest operator of housing with care in the UK. The company’s new approach to retirement living saw it make significant financial investment in the sector in 2018, as well as lobbying for policy change.

Since August 2017 it has grown from four principal shareholders and 20 employees to a team of more than 160. In partnership with Legal & General, Inspired owns and operates seven retirement communities – in Cheshire, Warwickshire, Hampshire, Devon, West Sussex and Kent – and looks after more than 700 residents.

The company has sought to offer retirees a broader range of options by introducing properties to rent, as well as buy across its portfolio.

Jamie Bunce added: “Community is key for us, so we put great emphasis on building our relationships with the wider local area. We encourage our residents to join groups and societies outside of their Inspired community, which helps to breathe life back into sleepy villages.”