Peter Osborne
Peter is currently the Managing Director of
Central Services for Longhurst Group. His first role in the housing
sector came in August 2002 when he took on the role of Managing
Director at Havelok Housing Association (now L&H Homes) just
before the company joined Longhurst Group in 2003.
His move to the housing world came after a
career spanning 25 years at Marks and Spencer, which saw him take
on a number of roles from menswear sales development to store
manager. With the feeling that he had accomplished everything he
wished to and having become a strong communicator and general
manager, he chose to venture into a new industry whilst remaining
within the local area that he has now called home for the past 22
years.
During his time as Managing Director of
Havelok Housing Association, Peter’s focus on delivering good
customer service as well as a highly conscientious approach to
running things allowed him to lead the company through a period of
change and growth before and after its partnership with Longhurst
Group. One of his proudest moments was when the Audit Commission
accredited Havelok Housing Association with 2 stars and ‘promising
prospects’, an achievement that he believes is one of his most
recognised.
Since October 2009, Peter has been the
Managing Director of Central Services and with his understanding of
each aspect of the housing sector, including his experience in the
commercial and voluntary sectors, he continues to deliver ever
improving services to our member companies.
With a changing trade environment and finite
resources, Peter feels that the main challenge to the sector will
be to ensure that quality services are still delivered and that
companies remain flexible and resourceful; in a way, becoming more
commercial but without losing the core values of the company.
When he can, Peter enjoys holidaying in
Orlando, Florida, away from the tourist areas to experience the
real America. The slow pace of life offers a great escape with
fantastic weather to accompany a leisurely walk, or for Peter in
particular, a good read.