Gordon Perry
Former CEO Accent Group, governing board member at the Chartered Institute of Housing and 2025 Housing’s Next Generation judge
1 What do you do for fun?
HOLIDAYS, mostly cruising. Eating out or theatre with friends and family. Talking and debating over a nice glass or two – oh and lots of days out to interesting gardens, towns and cities – spotting and boringly commenting on the quality of social housing!
2 You have the power to change one thing about the social housing sector: what would it be?
Reinvent housing as a home rather than an investment. Focus on social housing rather than ‘affordable housing’ or homeownership. Meeting the needs of people for whom the market doesn’t work, those in greatest need, they should be key.
3 What advice would you give to someone starting out in housing?
Be open to new challenges and new roles, make sideways moves – volunteer for projects outside your experience. Listen, learn and innovate! Remember: it’s more about people than the bricks! In fact, it’s all about people.
4 Who’s your favourite author, and why?
Alan Bennett. I love his books and plays – it’s real life I can relate to, it’s dark humour I love.
5 Strangest thing you’ve ever experienced?
Strangest and most wonderful – was walking and swimming amongst wild animals on desert islands in the Galapagos last year.
6 Sat snugly at home or travelling around the world?
Travelling around the world of course!
7 What are your three favourite albums?
Sorry, but I don’t have favourite albums. I have eclectic tastes but mainly listen to very un-cool, un-fashionable musical theatre and early 20th century music. I love words so Sondheim is the best! I enjoy discovering old and new music, just not jazz or rap!
8 A world without music or a world without literature?
I could easily survive without literature but not easily without music. I would just have to sing…not good for others!
9 If you had to work in housing in another country, which would it be, and why?
For learning, The Netherlands. For a challenge, Hong Kong.
10 You can resurrect anyone from history and talk to them for an hour: who, and why?
I want two! Oscar Wild and Quentin Crisp to make me laugh, cry and learn about being a gay man in different times.
11 Favourite food?
Difficult, very eclectic. Obviously pies (I’m a Wiganer) roast lamb dinner, lobster and any seafood, curry and anything spicy. Nothing sweet for me!
12 Pessimistic, optimistic or unsure about the future?
I’m an eternal optimist with my glass half full (unless it’s alcohol that needs filling up). I’m pessimistic in the short term but optimistic that our grandchildren will do a better job than us.
13 Favourite film?
A Private Function, by Alan Bennett, with Michael Palin and Maggie Smith. Hilarious!
14 If you didn’t work in housing, what would you do?
Hotel management. Aged 16-26 I worked part time in restaurants and hotels at the weekend as a second job to save for a home of my own. I loved it. It helped frame my passion and expectations for great service.
15 What makes for a good life?
Staying alive! Being honest and true to yourself and others. Having a great partner, good friends and close family. Work hard to be able to play even harder. Be kind #Karma.
