Stephen is a detail-oriented and strategic individual with a strong track record in planning, research, and logistics. Known for his meticulous but also compassionate approach, as a team leader and team player providing and working together on actionable plans — whether coordinating new build or travel itineraries, comparing and assessing building materials or accommodations, or evaluating safety and accessibility for projects or group activities. His ability to balance structure with spontaneity makes him a reliable and creative problem-solver in both professional and personal settings.
Stephen comes from a close-knit family and values community, connection, and thoughtful preparation. His interests span immersive travel, hiking, live music and keeping fit, He is particularly passionate about exploring and has a strong and close network of friends who consider him a faithful and loyal friend. He also takes a keen interest in community-driven environmental projects, such as the long ongoing River Severn project and the local Reabrook group.
With a warm, open personality and a touch of humour, Stephen brings energy and insight to every project he undertakes. He thrives in environments that value clarity, safety, and curiosity — and is always ready to dive into the next adventure.
Having moved o Shropshire in 1977 he became interested in engineering and craftsmanship from an early age, mainly due to working on building sites from an early age. With a family history involved in the building industry he started his career with the West Midlands Regional Health Service in 1979. This was following the Construction Industry Training Board programme with a 5-year apprenticeship (mechanical and electrical craftsman). Further to completing his apprenticeship he was successful in obtaining a full-time post at the then Shelton psychiatric hospital. During his 15 years within the health service, he was seconded to many departments within the NHS including the Biomedical Engineering Department and also the new NHS Trust estates department. After some successful promotions he became NHS Trust Works manager at the ripe old age of 28. After a varied and interesting early career in electrical installation, maintenance and design he decided to explore other opportunities. At this time, he was also running a small residential home for people with special psychiatric needs. The early 90s he decided to apply for a new position as an electrical surveyor with the local authority Shropshire Council (SC). This was a great opportunity to spend more time with his young family. SC was so much more flexible with significantly more free time, no on call or weekend working! His new career as an electrical surveyor with (SC) gave him a level of freedom to deliver some very high-profile projects as well as the luxury of being able to assist and advise mainly schools with their repair and maintenance and planned projects. The portfolio was wide and varied and he had great satisfaction from making difference to not only teaching accommodation but also enhancing the facilities to enable a better learning environment. During his 30 plus years career with SC he was fortunate enough to continue with his desire and passion for continued learning and development whilst also being able to gain several successful career developments. Stephen was very grateful when Manager for the Property Maintenance team for the opportunity to create a whole new branded Property Services Group (PSG) team in 2017. This was at a time when Academies Trusts were starting to be created in Shropshire. The landscape was certainly changing within the education sector and the local authority. This did though give the team a new outlook as PSG became an income generating team and expanded to create a new architectural team delivering multi-million-pound schemes, facilities management and continued its minor works programme, including statutory repair and maintenance works. Budget planning, resource management, strategic planning and estate management plus day to day team management and it was a very important and interesting career and the varied nature of the demands and rewards was an important inspiration to Stephen.
Stephen retired in August 2024 and has enjoyed his favourite hobbies, plus being kept very busy and active by his three now very grown-up children.