Banker Steve unveiled as new chairman of Portsmouth Property Association

Steve Cripps has been unveiled as this year’s chairman of the Portsmouth Property Association (PPA) – the first banker to hold the role in its near 100-year history.

The 58-year-old is a very experienced SME (small and medium enterprises) Relationship Manager for the NatWest in Fareham and takes over the association’s reins from Danny Smith of independent financial advisers ADN
Financial Solutions in Southsea.

He follows other well-known industry professionals in the role of chairman in the PPA’s 95-year history.

Steve, who is single with an aspiring musician son aged 24, is Fareham born and bred and has worked for Nat West for more than 40 years.

The newly-appointed chairman is keen to drive the Association forward as its centenary year approaches.

He said: “As we move towards our centenary year in 2020 my aim is to ensure the PPA continues to grow – from the present number of 145 members.

“I am acutely aware of the prestige and responsibility this role entails and I am determined that the highest level of integrity is maintained.”

Steve is keen to promote the ethos of the Association which brings together local estate agents, letting agents, property valuers, solicitors and bankers into one recognised professional body.

“As the property market continues to flourish the PPA can play an invaluable role because it brings together so many industry professionals under one roof.

“Our ongoing aim is to assist clients, both personal and commercial, in all aspects of their journey into property ownership and to make this as smooth as possible.

“Portsmouth and the surrounding post code area continues to flourish and, with the upcoming America’s Cup yacht races, this can only be tremendous news for this great city.”

“The recent changes in stamp duty have helped reflate the market and it remains buoyant. I am optimistic about the future, but we must continue to do everything we can to keep it that way.”

The PPA has raised upwards of £75,000 for local charities over the years.

Steve’s nominated charity for this year is the New Blendworth Centre, a day centre for young adults with learning disabilities based in Horndean.

“They do so much good for young people in our community that I decided they deserved to benefit from my year in office.

“I have known this centre for eight years and their work with young adults goes largely unrewarded so to be able to give something back to them is very satisfying.”

“Our NatWest management team even spent a day there last year doing some painting and gardening. We had a whale of a time and were really welcomed.

“I was also looking for a charity just slightly ‘off the island’ to show that the association does have a wide reach,” he added.