It replaces our last Business Plan 2004 - 2009 We will use the Business Plan to communicate our aims and objectives to our tenants, staff and external agencies. We will use it as a management tool to control and monitor the growth and development of the association.

We hope that the Business Plan will be a useful document for our funders, regulators and partners.

What makes Innisfree different?

Innisfree was formed in 1985 to meet the acute housing needs of homeless and badly housed Irish people in London. Innisfree recognises the importance of providing culturally sensitive services for Irish people in housing need.

Our community is based on a common culture rather than geography. Being emigrants is a common experience shared by tenants and members of Innisfree's staff and Board. Growth has not compromised the "personal touch" in the services that we deliver.

Meeting our customers' needs

As part of the business planning process we have carefully analysed and explored the needs of our customers. This has included a series of detailed tenants' surveys. We commissioned a research study in 2005 which indicated the changing needs of the Irish community. As a result of this we recognise that fewer homes will go to Irish families while there needs to be a greater focus on single Irish people particularly those who are older and more vulnerable. Other research data supports this view.

Our plans for the future

We will continue to focus on the needs of the Irish community in London, within the framework of the iN Business for Neighbourhoods programme and the wider government agenda for integration and cohesion. We expect to work more closely with some of the new and emerging communities including migrants and refugees.

How we will achieve our aims

We will look at ways of extending our range of services, particularly to the most needy and vulnerable. We will strive to develop additional housing with the help and support of our partners. We will focus particular attention on our work in local neighbourhoods.

Our financial strength

Innisfree has a strong balance sheet for an association of its size. Innisfree's surplus from operations is now in excess of £1m annually and Innisfree is comfortably able to meet its interest payments to lenders from operations. Many of our properties are available to fund the private borrowing necessary to achieve the moderate growth set out in this business plan. Innisfree has consistently spent a significant amount on maintenance and its properties are in an excellent condition. We also have strong partnerships with local authorities and others to enable us to deliver the homes our customers need.