ach refugee integration services provider
ACH is a UK non-profit social enterprise founded in 2008 that delivers housing, training, careers advice, and business support to refugees and migrants across five offices in Bristol, Birmingham, Coventry, Wolverhampton, and Solihull, serving over 2,000 individuals in 2025.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2008
- HeadquartersBristol, United Kingdom
- Headcount—
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What ach refugee integration services provider does
ACH (Ashley Community & Housing) is a UK non-profit social enterprise founded in 2008 by former refugee Fuad Mahamed to deliver integrated refugee and migrant services. Headquartered in Bristol and operating across five UK offices (Bristol, Birmingham, Coventry, Wolverhampton, Solihull) with over 130 staff, the organisation serves refugees with granted status, asylum seekers, Ukrainian and Hong Kong BNO arrivals, migrants with no recourse to public funds, and migrant entrepreneurs. Its service platform comprises four core product lines: Supported Accommodation Services (exempt supported housing with intensive tailored support), Training & Education (ESOL, digital and AI skills, accredited courses), Careers Advice & Employment Support, and Migrant Business Support, supplemented by specialist programmes including Bridge to Employment, the Welcome Pledge, and Resettling Communities. Supporting resources include multi-language guides (English, Arabic, Dari, Pashto, Ukrainian, plus 10 other languages), the Wisdom from the Global Majority podcast, the MMB x ACH webinar series, and a research publications library.
The underlying technology is standard web infrastructure (Google Maps, YouTube, Instagram, Complianz cookie consent, UserWay accessibility widget, Google Analytics) with no proprietary platform or disclosed AI/ML capability. ACH is registered as a social housing provider with the Regulator of Social Housing (Registration Number 4716) and is planning to convert its legal structure to a Community Benefit Society.
The business model is a grant-and-commission hybrid. Services are free to beneficiaries. Revenue is generated through commissioned local authority contracts (Birmingham, Bristol, Coventry, South Gloucestershire, Solihull MBC, Wolverhampton councils, plus West of England and West Midlands Combined Authorities and MHCLG), philanthropic grants (Comic Relief, National Lottery Community Fund, Heritage Fund, Heart of England Community Foundation, Quartet Community Foundation), employer partnerships that fund pre-employment and placement programmes (Pret Foundation, Bristol Waste, Starbucks, First West of England, Hampton by Hilton, Radisson BLU, Visit West, The Doyle Collection, brunelcare), and a private landlord property rental programme offering 3-5 year leases with full management services. Academic and community partners (Aston University, UWE, University of Bristol, Citizens UK, Julian House, The Care Forum) extend service delivery and research capacity.
ach refugee integration services provider firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- ach refugee integration services provider
- Legal name
- Ashley Community & Housing Ltd
- Website
- https://ach.org.uk
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2008
- Operating status
- Operating
- Short description
- ACH is a UK non-profit social enterprise founded in 2008 that delivers housing, training, careers advice, and business support to refugees and migrants across five offices in Bristol, Birmingham, Coventry, Wolverhampton, and Solihull, serving over 2,000 individuals in 2025.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
ach refugee integration services provider industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Refugee Integration Services
- NAICS
- Emergency and Other Relief Services (624230), Employment Services (5613), Educational Services (611)
- SIC
- Services-Social Services (8300), Services-To Dwellings & Other Buildings (7340)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Refugee & Immigrant Support Services (BPAGAEAI)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Integration & Inclusion Services (Housing, Education, Employment) (BPADAHAI), Immigrant & Refugee Workforce Integration Programs (EDAAAOAJ), Refugee & Migrant Integration Enterprises (Livelihoods, Services) (BPAGALAN)
Keywords
Where ach refugee integration services provider is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Bristol
- HQ country
- United Kingdom
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices5 records
Markets served
ach refugee integration services provider business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- Housing and Tenancy Services: ACH provides supported exempt accommodation for refugees and migrants, managing properties and tenancies. Revenue is generated through housing arrangements with tenants and partnerships with local authorities for housing placement services.
- Government and Local Authority Funding: ACH receives funding and commissioned services from local authorities including Birmingham City Council, Bristol City Council, Coventry City Council, South Gloucestershire Council, Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council, Wolverhampton Council, West Midlands Combined Authority, and West of England Combined Authority.
- Philanthropic Grants: ACH receives grants from foundations and charitable organizations including Comic Relief, National Lottery Community Fund, Heritage Fund, and others for specific programs and projects.
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels6 records
Marketing channels9 records
ach refugee integration services provider product offering
Product offeringCore offering
ACH provides refugee and migrant integration services centred on three pillars: supported exempt accommodation with intensive tailored housing support; ESOL, digital, and accredited training programmes; and careers advice plus employment and business support. The organisation also delivers specialist programmes such as Bridge to Employment (co-designed with employers), The Welcome Pledge (inclusive hiring initiative), and Resettling Communities, alongside multi-language guides, podcasts, and webinars. Services are delivered free at the point of use to refugees and migrants across five UK office locations.
Product overview
ACH (Ashley Community & Housing) is a non-profit social enterprise providing refugee integration services across the UK. The organisation operates a platform of interconnected services centred on three pillars: housing, training, and employment support. The core offerings include Supported Accommodation Services (exempt supported housing with intensive tailored support), Training & Education (ESOL, digital skills, accredited courses), Careers Advice & Employment Support, and the Migrant Business Support programme. ACH also delivers specialist programmes including Bridge to Employment (co-designed with employers), The Welcome Pledge (employer engagement initiative), and Resettling Communities. Supporting resources include multi-language guides, the Wisdom from the Global Majority podcast series, the MMB x ACH webinar series, and research publications. For landlords, ACH offers a property rental programme with full management services. The Tenants Area provides existing residents with access to policies, repair reporting, complaints procedures, and payment services. The organisation operates offices in Birmingham, Bristol, Coventry, Wolverhampton, and Solihull, working in partnership with local authorities, universities, and community organisations.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Supported Accommodation Services Exempt supported accommodation for refugees and migrants, combined with intensive tailored support services including housing placement and tenancy management. Operates across Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Coventry, Solihull, and Bristol.
- Training & Education Personalised training courses and education programmes including ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages), digital and AI skills, accredited courses, and skills development with pluriliteracy principles and progression pathways from community-based learning to accredited classes.
- Careers Advice & Employment Support Free career guidance and employment support helping refugees and migrants build skills, develop CVs, prepare for interviews, and access the UK job market. Includes employer engagement and mentorship connections.
- Migrant Business Support (MBS) Free business development programme providing one-to-one mentoring, tailored advice, practical training workshops, and financial management guidance for migrants and refugees looking to start or grow businesses in the UK.
- Bridge to Employment A bespoke employment programme co-designed with employers, combining insight sessions, short pre-employment training, job-specific training, and English for work, with six months of ongoing support for both candidates and employers.
- The Welcome Pledge Ground-breaking initiative aligned with the Good Employment Charter and Living Wage Foundation, promoting inclusive hiring practices and calling on employers, training providers, and businesses to build diverse, equitable workplaces for refugees and migrants.
- Resettling Communities Partnership service working with Julian House and The Care Forum, commissioned by South Gloucestershire Council. Encompasses asylum seekers, refugees, Ukrainians on Homes for Ukraine Scheme, and Hong Kong BNO visa holders.
- Property Rental Programme Property rental service allowing landlords to rent properties to refugees through ACH. Features 3-5 year leases, no license requirements, full property management, maintenance services, and monthly inspections. Limited to West Midlands and Bristol City areas.
Quantifiable outcome
- 1,581 people found housing in 2025 (2,660+ over 2023-2025)
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use ach refugee integration services provider
Customer profileNamed customers11 records
Segments9 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
ach refugee integration services provider technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration6 records
ach refugee integration services provider partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
28 partnerships are on record, tiered core and supporting.
- Migration Mobilities Bristol (MMB) - University of BristolcoreACH works in partnership with Migration Mobilities Bristol (MMB), a Specialist Research Institute at the University of Bristol, on projects and events relating to migration. Since 2021, they have delivered a collaborative webinar series bridging migration research, policy, service delivery, and lived experience.
- The Pret Foundation & Tent UKcorePartnership case study documents how ACH, The Pret Foundation and Tent UK worked together to create employment opportunities for refugees through paid work placements and tailored pre-employment support across Bristol, Birmingham and Coventry.
- Aston University Birmingham UKcoreAcademic partner contributing to the MILE Project (2022-2024) which facilitates connections between refugees across Europe and empowers them through inclusive policymaking. ACH is one of several contributing partners alongside Birmingham City Council and CREME.
- University of the West of England (UWE)coreAcademic partnership for refugee integration research and education. UWE students have produced ACH podcasts as part of community engagement initiatives. Contributes to Change Makers 'From Sanctuary to Opportunity' research project.
- Birmingham City CouncilcoreGovernment partner commissioning ACH services for refugee integration in Birmingham. Local authority housing and support partner. Contributor to MILE Project facilitating refugee participation in local policy and decision-making.
- Bristol City CouncilcoreGovernment partner commissioning ACH services for refugee integration in Bristol. Local authority housing and support partner. Working with ACH on Resettling Communities initiatives.
- Coventry City CouncilcoreGovernment partner commissioning ACH services for refugee integration in Coventry. Local authority housing and support partner.
- West of England Combined AuthoritycoreRegional combined authority partner contributing to refugee and migrant business support initiatives. Partner on Refugee and Migrant Business Report contributing to best practice development.
- West Midlands Combined AuthoritycoreRegional combined authority partner. Contributes speakers to migration and education webinars and supports employment and skills programmes for migrant communities.
- Citizens UKsupportingCommunity organizing partner. ACH works with Citizens UK as part of community engagement and advocacy efforts for refugee and migrant rights.
- Bristol WastecoreEmployer partner in Bridge to Employment programme. Refugees complete pre-employment training and placements with Bristol Waste, leading to interview opportunities for permanent positions.
- Pret A MangercoreEmployer partner through The Pret Foundation partnership. Provides paid work placements and tailored pre-employment support for refugees across Bristol, Birmingham and Coventry.
- StarbuckssupportingEmployer partner providing employment opportunities for refugee and migrant job seekers through ACH training and placement services.
- First West of EnglandsupportingTransport employer partner working with ACH to fill vacancies while supporting people from refugee backgrounds into desired careers.
- Julian HousecorePartner in Resettling Communities programme working in partnership with South Gloucestershire Council. ACH's Resettling Communities team works alongside Julian House and The Care Forum.
- The Care ForumcorePartner in Resettling Communities programme commissioned by South Gloucestershire Council. Together with Julian House, supports asylum seekers, refugees, Ukrainians, and Hong Kong BNO visa holders.
- Coexist Community KitchensupportingPartnership delivering the Accelerated Cooking and Entrepreneurship (ACE) course, combining practical cookery training with business knowledge in a community-led environment.
- Bristol Green Capital PartnershipsupportingPartner in Community Climate Action Project (2022-2025) working with Centre for Sustainable Energy and ACH to support communities experiencing multiple disadvantages.
- Good Employment Charter West of EnglandsupportingWelcome Pledge aligned with Good Employment Charter standards, promoting inclusive hiring, fair wages, and tailored support for refugee and migrant employees.
- Living Wage FoundationsupportingWelcome Pledge aligned with Living Wage Foundation standards, ensuring refugee and migrant employees receive fair pay.
- South Gloucestershire CouncilcoreGovernment partner commissioning Resettling Communities programme encompassing asylum seekers, refugees, Ukrainians on Homes for Ukraine Scheme, and Hong Kong BNO visa holders.
- Solihull Metropolitan Borough CouncilcoreGovernment partner commissioning ACH services for refugee and migrant integration support in the Solihull area.
- City of Wolverhampton CouncilcoreGovernment partner commissioning ACH services for refugee and migrant integration support in Wolverhampton.
- City of Bristol CollegesupportingFurther education college partner contributing to refugee integration through education and skills development.
- Birmingham Social Housing PartnershipsupportingHousing partnership working collaboratively on social housing initiatives for refugee and migrant communities in Birmingham.
- Burges SalmonsupportingLegal firm partner providing support and expertise for ACH operations and refugee services.
- Business WestsupportingBusiness support organization partner helping connect refugees and migrants with employment and enterprise opportunities in the West of England.
- YTKOsupportingBusiness support organization partner contributing to knowledge transfer and support services.
Scale indicators10 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights5 records
ach refugee integration services provider competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Sanctuary Housing: One of the UK's largest housing associations providing supported and general needs housing, including services for vulnerable groups. Comparable to ACH in the regulated social housing provider role, but at significantly larger scale.
- British Red Cross: Major UK charity operating refugee support, family reunion, and integration programmes. Broader portfolio and significantly larger scale than ACH, but overlapping refugee integration services make it a relevant incumbent peer.
- Home Group: Large UK housing association providing supported housing and specialist services for vulnerable people including refugees and migrants. Relevant peer as a larger social housing incumbent with overlapping supported housing capabilities.
Direct peers
- Hestia: UK charity providing supported housing and domestic abuse/refugee services in London and beyond. Comparable to ACH in supported housing model and refugee/disadvantaged population focus.
- Clearsprings Ready Homes: Major provider of asylum accommodation and support services in the UK. Comparable to ACH in the supported housing model, with a focus on large-scale asylum accommodation contracts.
- Refugee Council: UK's largest refugee-specific charity offering resettlement support, casework, and integration services. Closely comparable to ACH in refugee-focused mission and supported housing provision.
- Refugee Action: UK-wide refugee charity providing integration support including housing, training, and advocacy. Directly comparable in mission and beneficiary profile to ACH, with similar wraparound service approach though broader geographic coverage.
- Julian House: South West-based charity supporting vulnerable adults including refugees and asylum seekers. ACH's existing partner on the Resettling Communities programme and a directly comparable regional peer in supported housing and refugee services.
- Migrant Help: UK charity providing advice, support, and accommodation for asylum seekers and refugees. Directly comparable to ACH in housing provision and integration casework, with national reach.
Regional players
- Bristol Refugee Rights: Local Bristol charity providing advocacy, casework, and integration support for asylum seekers and refugees. Geographic overlap with ACH's Bristol base and comparable refugee integration mission, though smaller in scale.
Market position
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
ach refugee integration services provider social profiles
Digital presenceach refugee integration services provider compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance7 records
ach refugee integration services provider financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
ach refugee integration services provider leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles12 records
ach refugee integration services provider funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
ach refugee integration services provider M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about ach refugee integration services provider
What does ach refugee integration services provider do?
ACH provides refugee and migrant integration services centred on three pillars: supported exempt accommodation with intensive tailored housing support; ESOL, digital, and accredited training programmes; and careers advice plus employment and business support. The organisation also delivers specialist programmes such as Bridge to Employment (co-designed with employers), The Welcome Pledge (inclusive hiring initiative), and Resettling Communities, alongside multi-language guides, podcasts, and webinars. Services are delivered free at the point of use to refugees and migrants across five UK office locations.
Is ach refugee integration services provider a public or private company?
ach refugee integration services provider is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was ach refugee integration services provider founded?
ach refugee integration services provider was founded in 2008.
Where is ach refugee integration services provider based?
ach refugee integration services provider is headquartered in Bristol, United Kingdom, in the Europe region.
How does ach refugee integration services provider make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Housing and Tenancy Services are the primary driver. The others are government and Local Authority Funding and philanthropic Grants.
Who are ach refugee integration services provider's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Sanctuary Housing, British Red Cross and Home Group. Direct peers are Hestia, Clearsprings Ready Homes, Refugee Council, Refugee Action, Julian House and Migrant Help. Bristol Refugee Rights is listed as a regional player.
Does ach refugee integration services provider have an API?
No public API is recorded for ach refugee integration services provider.
What industry is ach refugee integration services provider in?
ach refugee integration services provider's product category is Refugee Integration Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAGAEAI, Refugee & Immigrant Support Services, with a secondary code of BPADAHAI, Integration & Inclusion Services (Housing, Education, Employment). Its NAICS code is 624230 and its SIC code is 8300.