Voicescape buys Enterprise RPA to boost housing tech

Voicescape has acquired Enterprise RPA in a deal that combines tenant engagement software and robotic process automation for social landlords and local authorities.

Voicescape, a Manchester-based SaaS provider, said it works with nearly 100 UK social landlords and local authorities. Enterprise RPA, also based in Manchester, launched in 2018 and works with more than 35 housing providers.

The businesses said the combined group has a 70-strong team. They also said they share customers, including Onward Homes.

Voicescape said existing customer contracts, pricing and support arrangements remain unchanged across both businesses.

Product focus

Voicescape provides analytics and engagement tools used by housing associations and councils. The company said its software covers income, repairs, compliance, and customer support workflows.

Enterprise RPA provides automation services built around Robotic Process Automation. It focuses on administrative tasks in social housing operations.

The company listed use cases including Universal Credit verification, Direct Debit uplift automation, Housing Benefit overpayments, invoice processing and utilities processing.

The buyer described the combination as an integrated AI and RPA platform designed for housing providers and local government. Voicescape positioned the transaction as a response to pressure on housing services.

Sector pressures

Housing associations and councils have faced rising arrears and debt levels in parts of the sector. Providers have also dealt with a heavier compliance burden and requirements linked to safety and tenant standards.

The companies also cited staffing shortages and growing interest in automation with oversight by housing teams.

Voicescape said the acquisition consolidates AI-driven tenant engagement and RPA in one offering. It said the businesses already work across similar operational areas.

Gary Haynes, Managing Director, Voicescape, described the focus on automation and oversight in the social housing context.

"Landlords are being asked to deliver more with less, making automation critical to resilience, compliance and service delivery. By combining Voicescape's AI and behavioural science engagement platform with Enterprise RPA's automation expertise, we can now offer one integrated partner that serves the full operational lifecycle, built specifically for housing and local authorities," said Haynes.

"The move is driven in part by market demand and sets a new benchmark for what more efficient and effective automation that maintains human oversight and the human touch can achieve across the sector. Joining forces gives our customers continuity, greater capability and a clearer path to scale resident engagement in a way that is responsible, transparent yet aligned to the sector's challenges," Haynes added.

Partners and approvals

Enterprise RPA said it is an approved government supplier. It also said it holds Cyber Essentials.

The company described itself as a Primary Partner of UiPath and Druid AI, and a Microsoft Automation Innovation Partner.

The acquisition also brings Enterprise RPA staff and product specialists into Voicescape's operations. The deal includes the integration of teams and customer delivery functions.

Paul Agnew, RPA Integration Lead, Enterprise RPA, said the two companies already overlap on customers and said the service would not be disrupted.

"We're pleased to have found a new home for the Enterprise RPA team, technology and customers in Voicescape, which is a company we've admired for some time. We already have many shared customers, so the service will be undisrupted, and customers will be able to benefit from our combined offer," said Agnew.

"As well as an ideal strategic alignment, we also saw a clear cultural fit between Enterprise RPA and Voicescape. Our teams will integrate, and the move creates more opportunities for our people and more impact for our customers. We're all very excited about the next chapter," he added.

Voicescape said it was backed by BGF. It did not disclose financial terms for the acquisition.

The combined business said it plans to integrate AI-driven engagement tools and RPA services into a single offering for housing associations and local authorities.