As Nigel Stephens retires after 21 years with Rund, we reflect on his loyal service and the significant role he has played in our company's journey.
When Nigel joined us in 2004, we were a close-knit practice of around 12 people working above a shop in Locks Heath, Hampshire. Fast forward to today, and we have grown to nearly 100 people working across four UK offices - a transformation made possible by the dedication and expertise of colleagues like Nigel.
Throughout his time with us, Nigel has been a trusted and skilled Employer's Agent, consistently delivering outstanding results for our housing association clients. His professionalism, reliability, and commitment have earned him the respect of colleagues and clients alike.
Paul Deakin, Executive Director at Rund comments:
For over two decades, Nigel has been a key presence in Rund’s Southampton office and an integral part of our growth, particularly in expanding our Employer's Agent services across our founding region. It was Nigel who led Rund's very first regeneration project at the Velmore Estate in Eastleigh - a project that established the foundation for what has become our recognised expertise in affordable housing provision nationwide.
What will be missed extends beyond Nigel's technical expertise and dedication. His ability to remain composed and level-headed in the face of complex challenges is a quality that has been consistently admirable - I don't believe anyone here has seen him appear flustered. Equally valued is his dry sense of humour - we could always count on Nigel to contribute a perfectly timed one-liner that left us wondering where he'd found it.
Nigel will be missed by all of us at Rund, and his absence in the Southampton office will certainly be felt going forward.
Nigel Stephens comments:
I remember joining Rund all those years ago in a small office above shops in the ‘Outback’s’ of Southampton. Initially working as a Building Surveyor, with an increasing client base of Housing Associations, the scene was set to take on more jobs in the role of Employer’s Agent. Having previously worked for a Housing Association for seven years and more than one contractor engaged in the delivery of affordable housing, I had experience from both sides of the table… so, sitting in the middle as an Employer’s Agent just seemed to fit like the proverbial glove.
From tiny acorns grow mighty oaks. Carving out its name in the sector, Rund was growing rapidly, soon expanding into an adjacent office and then relocating to the larger premises in Eastleigh where the Southampton office resides to this day. More staff, more clients, and more specialisations meant concentrating on EA/PM roles. Social housing does not always have the kudos it deserves but this country needs affordable housing to consolidate the present and ensure a future for our younger generation. I am proud to say I have been involved in one way or another in the delivery of enough new housing to constitute a small town.
I could not have imagined when starting out in that small office that 21 years later, I’d still be here, working within a much larger company with offices across the country - that must say something about the culture and people that make up Rund.
Of course, over time, the role has changed and is continuing to change in the age of digital platforms, verification authenticators, and artificial intelligence. It’s time for me to move on as I look forward to spending more time with children and grandchildren, giving back to the community with voluntary work, and taking care of those DIY and gardening tasks that never seem to come to an end.
A final farewell and thank you to all my colleagues new and old for all your help, tolerance, and friendliness. I wish you all every success in your careers and personal lives.
While we will miss his presence in the office, we are thrilled for Nigel as he begins this exciting new chapter. Thank you, Nigel, for two decades of exceptional service and for being such an integral part of Rund’s story.