What was your highlight of 2008?
It’s a bit of an understatement to say that 2008 was a big year for me. I’ve been described as ‘the man charged with solving the country’s housing crisis’, so 2009 promises to bring even greater challenges than setting up the new Homes and Communities Agency. Taking the helm of England’s single, national housing and regeneration agency has undoubtedly been this year’s highlight, culminating in our launch on 1 December. It’s difficult to pick out a specific event for particular attention, but it was certainly a memorable day when the Housing and Regeneration Bill received royal assent to become an Act. This made the creation of the HCA a reality and enabled us to forge ahead with our accelerated start date. I would have to say that John Sergeant’s early exit from Strictly Come Dancing just weeks before the HCA’s inception came as quite a shock, but it hasn’t cast a shadow over our preparations.

What was your biggest challenge in 2008?
For me personally, the biggest challenge of 2008 was making the move from Sheffield to take on a national role. My previous job as chief executive of Sheffield City Council stood me in good stead to lead a national organisation delivering local ambitions. Our relationship with local authorities will be critical to our – and their – success in creating more
affordable homes and successful communities.

What will be your priorities in 2009 and how will you achieve them?
Looking ahead, my priorities will be to ensure that we deliver our existing responsibilities and provide continuity as well as change. There will be an inevitable period of upheaval for our staff as well as our partners, but we must not lose sight of the benefits behind the creation of an integrated, flexible housing and regeneration agency. The implementation of the ‘single conversation’, our new business process, will enable us to work with local authorities to identify and deliver joint housing and regeneration objectives for individual places.The current economic climate has brought the importance of the HCA’s role into sharp focus. We are already developing our response to the credit crunch: our proposals include providing flexibility on grant rates and tailored investment plans for housing associations, and continuing the national clearing house initiative to enable them to buy appropriate unsold private stock for affordable housing. We will also explore joint venture models with the private sector, promote low-cost homeownership products, and ensure that best use is made of surplus public sector land. From day one, we will be a single agency, with one culture and one set of operating policies and procedures. We will build on the strengths of the contributing organisations and work closely with our partners to deliver solutions in the short and long term. Our focus throughout the year will remain firmly on delivery and making a difference where it matters most – to local people and places.

What would you like for Christmas?
Of course I’d like to see signs of an upturn and a sense of confidence and optimism returning to the housing and regeneration world. It will be great to see more of my family and get out walking in the Peak District.