In this edition, Lisa Farmer, Managing Partner, interviews Suresh Lal, Managing Partner at Boyden, on industry trends in the housing sector and how to succeed as an interim executive in a competitive market. Suresh also analyses the key challenges, opportunities and how interim executives can play a key role in the sector's success.
Lisa: Suresh, as a Managing Partner in Boyden UK’s Interim Management Practice, can you tell us about your focus and priorities?
Suresh: I’ve spent close to 20 years working with leaders from across the housing space and the vast majority of my time is spent in private meetings to ensure I understand the issues they face. Clients and candidates recognise that I form long-lasting relationships built on trust. The team at Boyden reflects that ethos, which is why I’ve joined them. This allows us to deliver a truly holistic service of Interim Management when partnering with any team.
Lisa: What do you see as the key challenges and opportunities within the UK housing sector for 2025?
Suresh: The UK housing sector is still waiting for key policy and practical changes from the government to unlock its ability to deliver the substantial number of 1.5 million new homes over the next four years. In the meantime, we face issues around the quality of housing stock and the C-Suite area is seeing several changes at senior levels as we try to tackle underinvestment and poor performance. Challenges are coming from many angles and senior leaders must be agile, responsive and empathetic to deliver the lasting change needed for excellent customer service and better relationships.
The opportunity lies in attracting individuals who see these challenges as ones they can help with and want to be part of the solution moving forward. The sector will continue to cross-pollinate from private to social housing and vice versa. We will also have access to the best talent from other sectors and will strive to attract the most diverse options possible. The sector is still seen as one of the safest places to invest, with strong regulatory factors ensuring robust credit ratings and long-term strategies.
Lisa: What is the focus for Boyden’s Housing Practice in the UK?
Suresh: We are focusing on leveraging the value we bring from deep sector understanding and lived experience and marrying it to the truly global reach we now possess. Our key is building relationships that add true value and feel less transactional than perhaps individuals have received in the past. The Leadership Consulting space is another tool that we have as a support for teams. It can deliver fast and decisive insight to sector leaders, particularly new CEOs and board members, who are assessing the fit and style of direct reports. All of this leads to a new delivery partner that teams want to collaborate with.
Lisa: What do you look for in a great interim profile?
Suresh: I work in a sector that is highly regulated, so there are certain roles where I can only select interim executives who have delivered in the housing sector previously. However, there is always the opportunity to add new talent and skills to organisations, depending on their circumstances. I also assess the cultural fit and the technical capacity of new interim managers coming into this setting. I highly value interims who are referred to me via another source. A client or another interim who vouches for you means my due diligence is already underway and I will be more likely to come back to you with options.
Lisa: What are your top tips to be a successful candidate in the interim management industry?
Suresh: Your reputation for delivering and background of success are key to future roles. If you can prove time and again that you can enter any given environment and help deliver long-lasting change and success you will be seen as a ‘go-to’ specialist. Build a working relationship with a select few interim providers. If in doubt about who to speak to, ask for referrals from your network – who is regarded highly and will your skillset match their sector and needs. Take time to reconnect with your previous colleagues and friends. Providers can introduce new networks, but stay close to those you already know. Finally, be clear on what you are looking for and why you are looking for interim roles. At the senior end of the market, we aim to deliver solutions that de-risk what could already be a difficult time for someone, so why should you be the answer above other choices?
Suresh Lal’s insights and approach to managing client needs for interim executives highlight the importance of trust, adaptability and strategic thinking in the housing sector. His experience and dedication to building meaningful relationships position Boyden as a leader in providing comprehensive solutions to the challenges and opportunities in the UK housing sector.
If you are looking for expert interim management solutions in the housing sector, Boyden is here to help. Our team of experienced professionals is dedicated to delivering tailored solutions that meet your unique needs. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your organisation in achieving its goals.
