Brighton housing charity chief named as the Inspirational Leader of the Year

Brighton Housing Trust chief executive Andy Winter has been named as the Inspiring Leader of the Year at the Housing Heroes Awards.

The awards were presented at a ceremony in Manchester hosted by Paralympic athlete Tanni Grey-Thompson and organised by Inside Housing magazine and the Chartered Institute of Housing.

Mr Winter said: “It is obviously very flattering to win any award but this one is particularly special as it is decided on by fellow housing professionals and a public vote.

“I would like to thank the judges and everyone who voted for me.

“I know it is the done thing to say that an award is an acknowledgement of the work of very many people and I am just the figurehead. But in this case that is absolutely true.

Andy Winter

“I am extremely fortunate to have around me a board that is brilliant, a chair in Joan Mortimer who is supportive and challenging in the right measure and colleagues who can be relied on to deliver life-changing services in what is an increasingly difficult environment.”

Joan Mortimer, who chairs the BHT board, said: “I am delighted that Andy’s inspirational leadership has been recognised with this award.

“Andy is both a truly hands on leader and a courageous innovator who is constantly involved in developing new projects to address complex housing needs and social exclusion.

“I congratulate Andy on behalf of all the members of the BHT board.”

Martin Hilditch, acting editor of Inside Housing, said: “The standard of entries for the awards hit new heights this year.

“All of our entrants can be truly proud of everything that they have achieved in the past 12 months.

“Housing professionals are carrying out fantastic work to build and sustain communities across the UK.

“We had more than 200 entries this year and it was incredibly tough whittling that down to a shortlist, quite apart from picking a winner.

“Huge congratulations to everyone who entered.”