The HIP: The Housing Industry Podcast
The housing crisis looms large. The UK’s crying out for housing stock, and new builds can play a huge role in the recovery. Diversity and inclusion is finally getting the attention it deserves at a strategic level. Although there’s plenty of work still to do. And environmental concerns are taking centre stage, with time running out to reach ambitious targets in net zero carbon emissions. Suffice to say, the UK housing sector is going through a period of great change right now. With everything developing at such a pace, it can be hard to keep your finger on the pulse. That’s why we’ve launched The Housing Industry Podcast. Featuring lively conversations with key leaders in the housing sector, The Housing Industry Podcast will provide real value to anyone working in the UK housing market who cares about making a difference.
The HIP: The Housing Industry Podcast
What’s Holding Back the Housing Workforce—and How to Fix It With Greg Reed
The skills gap in the housing sector is widening by the day. How can we bridge that gap and build a future-ready workforce?
In this episode, Greg Reed, Group Chief Executive at Places for People, shares his
views on why the sector struggles to attract talent and the forward-thinking
strategies he's using to tackle these challenges.
With a background in banking and financial services, Greg brings a fresh perspective to the UK’s largest social enterprise focused on affordable housing and community development. He shares how Places for People is addressing the skills gap through collaboration, grassroots talent development, and innovative initiatives like PfP Thrive.
PfP Thrive is a charitable foundation dedicated to training apprentices in trades and housing management. Designed to benefit the wider sector, it serves as a resource for other housing associations, fostering collaboration to tackle skill shortages and create lasting change.
In this episode, we cover:
● The obvious gap in skilled trades—and a growing area you might not expect.
● How to be an attractive employer and retain skilled tradespeople.
● Strategies to attract a diverse workforce in housing and construction.
● How large and small housing providers can work together.
● Why selling job opportunities based on salary alone isn’t enough anymore.
● Greg’s vision for housing associations to act as catalysts for community growth and engagement.
● How the PfP Thrive Academy is training apprentices and creating community-driven workforce development.
Discover how Places for People is reshaping workforce development and how
housing associations across the UK can join in to bridge the skills gap and empower communities.
LEARN MORE
PfP Thrive Academy - https://www.placesforpeople.co.uk/pfp-thrive/
Places for People -https://www.placesforpeople.co.uk/
Andersen James - https://www.andersenjames.com/
CONNECT
Greg Reed on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregoryreed/
James Leighton on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-leighton-65023b11/
LISTEN
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1JHMfNs33BK4UTOgaYt3cB
Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/za/podcast/the-hip/id1576686644
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7vH1zt3GSm3_B_-OhDSlRg