Platform Housing Group selects EY to rehome finance functions

EY London HQ | EY and Platform

Key Takeaways

Platform Housing Group has partnered with EY to enhance its finance function by consolidating technology systems and implementing Dynamics 365 Finance, aiming to double its size within five years.

The new system will improve customer and employee experiences by focusing on data quality and financial insights, leveraging real-time dashboards, and transitioning to a cloud-based service for better security and accessibility.

Both EY and Platform emphasize the importance of using technology to drive innovation and modernization in the housing sector, aiming to create sustainable solutions that benefit communities.

Platform Housing Group (Platform) has selected EY and its in-house consultancy capability, EY Microsoft Services Group, to reshape its finance function.

EY will be responsible for consolidating the housing association’s technology systems and implementing Dynamics 365 Finance.

Created after a merger in 2018, Platform is one of the largest housing associations in the Midlands and one of the top 15 nationally. With a portfolio of over 47,000 homes, including social and affordable rent and shared ownership properties, the company aims to double in size over the next five years.

Leveraging the new system, Platform can deliver improved customer and employee experiences with a focus on data quality and financial insights, utilizing dashboards with real-time data. Additionally, the new system will involve a transition to a cloud-based service, improving security and ease of access for employees and suppliers.

James Downes, partner, technology consulting at EY, said: “The combined efforts of Platform and our Housing sector focused team will help accelerate outcomes and drive innovation and modernization efforts through Microsoft technologies. This will help solve complex challenges across the finance function to improve outcomes, now and in the future.

“EY and Microsoft are uniquely positioned to empower housing associations with technology, alongside the depth and breadth of knowledge of service lines and demonstrable strong social values.”

Rosemary Farrar, Platform Housing Group, CFO, said: “At Platform, we’re committed to continually investing into our communities and technology to create great places to live so we’re excited to begin the journey with EY Microsoft Services Group. This technology transformation project will enable us to focus on delivering excellence across our products and outcomes and will lay the foundation to reshape and futureproof our finance function on a platform for growth and innovation.”