A life in 15 questions Mark Fletcher Newly-appointed board member at ForHousing, Mark takes us through his life – from treasured possessions to biggest achievements.
1. Tell us about your career and how you ended up in your current role I started my career in advertising sales working for a local newspaper in South Manchester. Swayed by the bonus-earning potential, I left uni and began to climb through the ranks before taking up a commercial and marketing role in the construction industry. Whilst in this role I was approached by a previous client who asked me to help them secure commercial support for an event. I helped them successfully in my free time and then made the decision to step out as a freelance sponsorship consultant. I represented a number of festivals, awards, and events before being asked to help out with Manchester Pride. When my predecessor stepped down I was encouraged to throw my hat in the ring and I’ve been Chief Executive ever since. I currently sit on the board at The Manchester College and also chair the LGBTQ+ Advisory Panel to the Greater Manchester Mayor and combined authority. Having grown up in social housing I’ve always been keen to work within the sector and I’m thrilled to have joined ForHousing. 2. Describe yourself in three words Ambitious, loyal, sarcastic. 3. Best piece of advice you’ve ever been given? Always retain your integrity.
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HOUSING QUALITY MAGAZINE JANUARY 2022
say it’s memories I truly treasure, not possessions.
4. Favourite place on earth? Home. 5. What would you change about yourself? I’ve learned to accept myself for who I am. I recognise all of my flaws, imperfections, and human hangups and I’m pretty comfortable in my own skin. 6. Describe your home Well, currently, my husband and I are in the middle of renovating our Georgian-built house which makes for quite an interesting place to live. For me, home is a place to really live and this is the sentiment that was carried through to conversations with our architect. When it’s complete we’ll have a modern, eco-friendly family home complete with a few gadgets and smart technology. It’ll be our ideal place to work, rest or play and a welcoming place to entertain family and friends. 7. What makes you angry? Dishonesty and bullying. 8. Most treasured possession Whilst I like the possessions I own, I can’t actually think of one that I would consider as treasured. I’d
9. If you won £1 million on the Lottery, what would you spend it on? I’d invest some of it in property for future family security and also in a holiday home abroad. I’d then reserve an amount and really take the time to think about how to invest in needy causes that I feel can achieve positive social impact. 10. Biggest achievement? Becoming a dad. 11. Biggest regret? Waiting so long to become a dad. 12. Most overused phrase? To be honest. 13. Recommend a book Twelve Red Herrings, Jeffery Archer. 14. The best piece of television in the last 12 months? I’m a bit of a telly addict and I love all different types of programmes, from hard-hitting social justice documentaries and gripping dramas, right the way to trash TV and reality shows like KUWTK (RIP). 15. Tell us a secret about yourself You can find me on the HSE Health and Safety Law poster, posing in a tool belt and seemingly hard at work in a loft. My picture is literally hanging on the wall of most businesses and organisations in the UK!
