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.

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 say it’s memories I truly treasure, not possessions.

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!

Putting sustainability at the heart of what we do

Supporting over 6,500 households and up to 25,000 people, Rooftop Housing Group takes its responsibility to environmental sustainability seriously and has adopted both the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the new housing association Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) reporting standard, and is already ISO14001 certified. Rooftop has committed to building new homes that are environmentally efficient, investing in existing homes to improve their energy performance as well as small scale projects such as parks for health and wellbeing.

Passionate about creating great homes, Rooftop has adopted a “Rooftop Living Homes Standard”, which is the minimum standard that new homes will achieve to ensure that customers have a high quality, energy efficient home, in a pleasant setting in which they can lead a successful life. This enhanced technical specification is regularly reviewed and updated with the aim to deliver Net Zero Carbon Homes.

Currently, at least 72% of new homes built by Rooftop achieve EPC A, and where possible developments will utilise a sustainable energy source rather than rely on gas, a plan that is four years ahead of government guidelines.

Other plans include a new development in Worcestershire that will not only include ground source heat pumps, but a community orchard, allotments, and a wildlife pond; and the installation of a pocket park for residents, on a former factory site in Gloucester is already underway.

Rooftop has also recently secured external funding to determine whether an existing site is suitable for a renewable energy scheme, such as a solar farm, to ensure best use of the land which is unlikely to be built on for many years.

As part of Rooftop’s commitment to sustainability, it has also completed the first phase of decarbonisation work to existing homes, funded by the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) and Rooftop’s own investment.

Awarded over £270,000 in funding, and internal investment of over £135,000 as part of a pilot decarbonisation project, Rooftop has fitted 56 solar PV systems and 20 ‘Quantum’ heating systems (high efficiency low carbon electric storage heaters) as part of the first wave. These systems mean that residents will see reduced bills, warmer homes, and the homes are now more sustainable.

The next wave of installations has begun and will deliver 80 solar PV and Quantum heating systems to 80 properties, with work continuing until March 2022.

The second wave of installations has again received over £270,000 funding from BEIS, and investment from Rooftop of over £135,000. The BEIS Funding supports Rooftop’s plans to ensure that its existing homes are made more energy and heat efficient, cheaper to run, responsible for less carbon emissions, and achieve EPC C.

Boris Worrall, Rooftop’s Chief Executive, said “We want to make homes cheaper to run, more sustainable and easier to live in. We know that our customers are facing rising fuel prices. This is a first step on a major programme of work for the next nine years to invest in the homes of customers who currently live in lower energy band properties. It’s also great to be part of a national pilot programme testing how we can innovate to tackle the real and present threat of climate change.”

Website: www.rooftopgroup.org Email: enquiries@rooftopgroup.org Tel: 01386 420800