Residential property company and shared ownership provider heylo (heylo housing group) has received the prestigious Silver Award from the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS), which recognises employers for their commitment to members of the Armed Forces, past and present, and their families. 

As well as helping defence personnel into home ownership through its innovative part buy – part rent schemes, Home Reach and Your Home, heylo has introduced a range of measures to support the Forces community. 

It has appointed British Army veteran Major Ian Weatherley as Armed Services Liaison Manager at heylo to act as a focal point and champion the Forces community’s needs. There is also greater flexibility and increased paid leave for Reservists and Cadet Force Adult volunteers working at heylo and active engagement with the forces’ Career Transition Partnership to promote jobs at heylo for Service Leavers and Veterans. 

heylo offers its part buy – part rent products on homes for sale across the UK, giving buyers greater choice than with traditional shared ownership programmes. These schemes are compatible with the MOD Future Accommodation Model and Forces Help to Buy schemes and heylo promotes its products in areas close to MOD service bases that have an accommodation shortfall. 

As an extra helping hand, heylo adapts the lease to fit the requirements of service personnel; those who are serving and posted have a special dispensation which gives them the right to sublet their property for the duration of their deployment, if their lender agrees. heylo also provides £500 towards legal fees when service personnel purpose a home through their Home Reach or Your Home products. 

Andrew Géczy, CEO at heylo says: “We are proud to play our part in supporting the Armed Forces and delighted to receive the ERS Silver Award. We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to benefit from home ownership, and we look forward to further extending our support to the Armed Forces community in future.” 

Retired veteran Major Ian Weatherley, Armed Services Liaison Manager at heylo, adds: “I am keenly aware of the desire of many service personnel to own their own home. We are determined to continue helping both regular and reserve forces to buy a new home, as well as veterans who transition from service to civilian life; this can be a difficult time but is made much easier with our assistance.” 

Minister for Defence People and Veterans, Leo Docherty said: “I would like to thank all the organisations who have proven their support for the Defence community during such unprecedented and challenging times. 

 “The vast range of those recognised this year demonstrates how employing the Armed Forces community makes a truly positive and beneficial impact for all employers, regardless of size, sector or location.”