Stephen Powney
Stephen’s working career commenced in banking and after spells working in the Midlands, and on the South coast he spent 10 years working in the South East ending up as a bank manager in central London. In 1990, following a period of extreme change in the bank, he moved in to Company Secretarial work getting his Chartered Secretary qualification 4 years thereafter. Subjects covered included finance, corporate law & pensions. In this capacity he worked for a variety of entities ranging from a fifth generation family owned and run printing business, to a top five accountancy firm. One of his roles was as Company Secretary for Servomex plc (a listed company) in Crowborough, until it was taken over in 1999, which included involvement in preparing their report and accounts.
Apart from paid work, matters took an interesting turn for him in 2002, a point in his life when he was at a low spiritual ebb. His pastor came back from sabbatical, having visited the Thai/Myanmar border and felt it was right to take a team out there on a short term trip. With prayer in the background, Stephen was persuaded to go on that trip, which transformed his life. This introduced him not only to the situation in that impoverished area, but to charity sector. A flame had been kindled which grew in to a passion for that people group. Initially he helped a small UK organisation, which was supporting relief & development in the same area, to achieve charitable status. He made a number of trips to SE Asia over the years, including taking groups out there. His involvement moved on to a multi-national group of charities during that time, providing Company Secretarial services alongside the trips. He continues to follow developments in Myanmar, maintaining relationships with some of his contacts there. He has become very saddened by what is happening there now, particularly as he was in Yangon at the time of the 2015 election and witnessed first hand the delight on people’s faces on that day. Places he had previously visited are now closed to foreigners – it just would not be safe to return.
For the last 8 years he has been working with the A21 Campaign Ltd, an anti-people trafficking charities, across a number of countries, which he felt it was time to “retire” from earlier in the year. Responsibilities included ensuring the timely submission of Annual Financial Statements to the various authorities. All this has broadened his understanding of world affairs and one could write a book on his various experiences from these two paragraphs alone.
He has been married to Beth for 46 years and moved to Uckfield three years ago, upon her retirement as the RMTL for the EBA (Eastern Baptist Association). They have three children and 7 grandchildren ranging from 5-year old twins to two grown lads in their 20’s. For the bulk of their marriage they lived in Essex, but have also spent time in Bedfordshire and Norfolk.
Apart from supporting family, Stephen’s interests include his 00 gauge model railway, photography & music (saxophone & singing) not to forget DIY (refitted 4 kitchens over the years). Stephen & Beth are active members of Uckfield Baptist Church.
Contact Stephen