60 Seconds with Director, Sue Petri

What gets you out of bed in the morning?

I keep chickens so I am usually woken up very early by the cockerel.

What do you like most about your job?

Knowing that I’ve made a difference in keeping people safe. My role focuses on mitigating risk including overseeing fire safety and building safety, so it is all about helping make sure people are safe in the properties we manage.

What challenges do you face?

Addressing the safety of external wall systems on residential buildings and replacing unsafe cladding is one of the biggest challenges we face as an industry. Specifically, the unrealistic deadlines set by the government to apply for the Building Safety Fund has posed a huge challenge, and it is heart-breaking and stressful to see what leaseholders are going through and trying to support them.

What do you believe is the way forward for the cladding issue?

Resident safety is the number one priority, but leaseholders should not have to bear the costs of remediation. The Building Safety Fund does not go far enough – the Government should initially fund all remediation costs, before establishing a long-term financial solution. We are part of a working group together with industry bodies and other agents that is continuing to put pressure on Government to resolve these issues.

What made you pursue this career?

I worked in sales and teaching before I started my career in property management. Both types of work gave me a wide range of skills that are needed in this industry, so I knew property management was a sector I would be well suited to.

Who inspires you?

Sheryl Sandberg (COO of Facebook) has been an important voice on women in business – I found her book ‘Lean In’ quite inspirational.

What are you most proud of?

I’m proud of the people I’ve mentored over the years and watching them develop.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

I love early morning walks in nature. As well as my chickens, I also keep bees.

What are you most looking forward to this year?

Being able to travel again and visiting my holiday home in Cyprus.