Kexgill Group

Kexgill Group is a privately owned, award-winning student housing specialist headquartered in Hull, operating across the UK and Europe through its University Quarter brand. Established in 1978, the company's fundamental purpose is to make university life accessible by providing quality, affordable housing rooted in care. The firm has grown to become one of the UK's most respected independent student housing providers, expanding its operations to multiple cities and countries. Kexgill Group focuses on creating well-managed homes for students and postgraduates, underpinned by a community-first approach that prioritizes resident wellbeing and support.

The origins of Kexgill Group trace back to 1978 when Dr. Mike Lee founded the company. His vision stemmed from his own dissatisfaction with the sub-standard student accommodation available during his university years. Dr. Lee aimed to improve the built environment and provide better quality private-sector student accommodation at a time when universities predominantly controlled housing provisions. Starting with a single student house in Hull, the company embarked on a mission to offer better homes at fair prices. Over more than four decades, Kexgill Group has expanded significantly, with Richard Stott joining in 2006 and becoming Managing Director in 2014, contributing to the company's continued innovation and European footprint.

Kexgill Group operates with a core belief that exceptional student accommodation begins with care for its residents, communities, and partners. The company combines quality housing, fair pricing, and genuine support to foster an environment where students can thrive. Its approach extends beyond mere "bricks and mortar," aiming to build more cohesive communities despite the transient nature of student occupation. This community-centric philosophy is reflected in transparent pricing, consistent maintenance, and long-term reinvestment in its neighborhoods, ensuring safe and welcoming places that feel like home. The firm's vision is to provide caring, quality, and affordable homes that support academic success, build community, and respect the locations in which it operates.

As a dedicated student housing specialist, Kexgill Group manages over 3,000 beds across the UK and Europe. The company's portfolio includes a blend of student halls and bespoke developed Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), designed to offer a balance of independence with welfare support, and privacy with a sense of belonging. Kexgill Group maintains a presence in various UK cities, including Hull, Nottingham, Bradford, Salford, Liverpool, Preston, Middlesbrough, and Newcastle, alongside its operations in Germany and Denmark. The firm's University Quarter brand encapsulates its founding values of care, affordability, and community support, while continuously evolving to meet contemporary student needs.

Kexgill Group is recognized as an innovator and disrupter within the student accommodation market, consistently seeking ways to achieve its aims while remaining profitable as a privately funded company. The firm actively engages in strategic partnerships, particularly with universities, to address local housing needs and deliver high-quality, affordable accommodation. An example of this collaborative approach is the joint venture with the University of Liverpool, which involves a multi-million-pound phased program to create new student living units. This partnership aims to establish a benchmark model for university-industry collaboration, focusing on social impact through affordability and disciplined, institution-anchored performance, reinforcing Kexgill Group's commitment to sustainable, long-term business practices.