“From Mr Kipling to Arches – it’s been quite a journey ”
We decided it was time to sit down with Paul Common, our Chief Executive ahead of his pending retirement, to understand more about the journey he’s been on with Arches, what he’ll miss the most and what he will remember fondly after eight years at the helm.
Paul comments “Believe it or not, my first ever job was driving a van full of Mr Kipling cakes around the seaside camps in Norfolk – I was a very popular man, who wouldn’t be with a van full of cake! After that I moved into the charity sector and then sort of fell into housing, working for the Housing Corporation (as it was then) for ten years. I then moved on to work at various other Housing Associations over the years from the big names through to the smaller independent organisations. I finally arrived at Arches in 2018 to take up the role of Chief Executive.”
Hitting the ground running
Paul joined Arches at a time of change and hit the ground running. He initially had three primary focuses – re-establishing the organisation’s G1 grading with the regulator, improving the repairs and maintenance service for customers and realigning the investment in new developments – no small task in anyone’s book!
Paul continues “From my first day it was clear that Arches is an organisation firmly rooted in its communities. I think the organisation had just lost its focus slightly and seemed to be more concerned about bricks and mortar ahead of the people living in their homes. Once we had realigned that balance, the organisation went from strength to strength – so much so we achieved our regrading with the regulator within just 12 months”.
Retirement
From talking to Paul it’s obvious that he’s enjoyed his time with Arches massively and although he’s looking forward to his retirement (so is his wife), he will miss the daily contact with colleagues and customers the most.
He adds “Arches has a really strong staff team who all work together to achieve the best outcomes for the customer. We have a ‘robustness’ now in the team, our culture has never been so good, it’s what makes Arches such a special place to work. Some of my fondest memories involve colleagues and customers, which I will cherish. I know Arches will be in good hands with John taking over the reins. I’m very lucky to have been able to choose my own time to retire and I feel very blessed to have been able to say I’ve been part of the Arches journey."
"Long may Arches remain independent and continue to work hard for its customers across South Yorkshire and North Derbyshire.”
You will be missed by many, Paul - enjoy your retirement!
26/03/2026 15:00
