Calico Homes logo with orange stylized text and black 'homes' text underneath.

Number of homes: ~4,600
CEO: Anthony Duerden
Website: www.calico.org.uk
Areas of operation: Primarily Lancashire and the North West

About Calico

The Calico Group is a partnership of businesses and charities working to create social profit—defined as the positive difference made in people’s lives—rather than financial profit. Formed of housing, care, construction, recovery, and domestic abuse services, Calico leverages its group structure to deliver high-impact, community-focused outcomes across the North West.

At its core, Calico Homes Limited manages more than 4,600 homes, including general needs, supported, student, and older people’s housing. Other group members include SafeNet (domestic abuse services), Acorn Recovery Projects (drug and alcohol rehabilitation), Ring Stones (maintenance and construction), and Whitworth Care Trust (residential care).

Performance & Accountability

In November 2022, the Regulator of Social Housing confirmed Calico Homes’ G1 governance rating and downgraded viability from V1 to V2, citing the impact of major investment programmes and wider economic pressures. While financially secure, the reduced headroom reflects risks tied to increased borrowing and investment in energy efficiency and stock improvement.

Strategic Direction

Calico is investing significantly in improving its homes, including a focus on energy efficiency to meet long-term sustainability targets. Alongside housing management, the wider Calico Group continues to expand its recovery, domestic abuse, and community support services, positioning itself as an integrated community anchor organisation across the region.

Resident Experience

The Housing Ombudsman’s record shows cases including disputes over rent arrears and arrears handling processes. More broadly, Calico’s integrated structure offers opportunities to combine housing management with support services, though it also brings challenges in ensuring consistent standards across diverse service areas.

At a glance

  • Homes: ~4,600

  • Governance / Viability: G1 / V2 (Nov 2022)

  • Group structure: Housing, care, recovery, support, and construction arms

  • Focus: Energy efficiency, community support, social profit delivery