Thought leader interview with Chris Seeley

What will be the biggest issue you hope to hear more on at Housing 2022? 

As a development specialist, I always want to hear more about how we can solve the crisis of a lack of affordable homes. With that in mind, I want to hear about the strategic plans for increasing the production of houses, particularly affordable homes, whilst faced by the challenges of construction labour market skills shortages, land inflation, materials shortages and potential interest rate hikes.

What will you be speaking about in your session? 

ARK are sponsoring the Insight stage this year, and we will be speaking about two key topics. The first is around the Great Resignation which will look at the personal and economic cost of resignations businesses. Covid has changed how people feel about employers and made them question everything about the world of work. Resignations cost money and affect business continuity. We will look at how some of our clients are responding to these challenges. The second is about data and will look at how you can capture and interpret data to take your decision making to the next level. Whether it’s a proactive approach to disrepair, compliance or development and regeneration opportunities. Data provides the building blocks for good governance, managing risk and effective decision making – knowing how to use data effectively to inform your options is critical to the success of your organisation.

Tell us a question for the Secretary of State?

The Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill proposes an Infrastructure Levy which will, we understand, take the place of Section 106 which has proved to be a highly successful model of affordable housing delivery. Why should we look forward to cash today and homes tomorrow?

What are you most looking forward to? 

Reconnecting with clients and colleagues face to face for informal discussions. The creative thinking and bright ideas are always inspiring and often gathered whist chatting on the exhibition floor or in Manchester’s cafes and bars.

Name the housing speaker of your dreams and why?

John Prescott. Why? I’d love to know what he thinks about the potential scrapping of Section 106 and the lack of formal production targets.

Why is it vital the whole sector has a place to meet each year? 

Being reminded of the importance of what we do and who we do it for is key. Homes are about people – the people who live in them but also the people who build, repair and manage the housing and often help build and repair lives.

Book for your ticket for Housing 2022 now.