A HOUSING boss has been named ‘inspiring leader of the year’ at an awards ceremony celebrating heroes of the industry.

Andy Winter, chief executive of Brighton Housing Trust, was at the 2014 Housing Heroes Awards in Manchester, which was attended by 800 guests and hosted by Paralympic athlete Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson.

Andy 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 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.

“I am extremely fortunate to have around me a board that is brilliant, a chairwoman 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, chairwoman of the trust’s board, added: “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.”