Stephen Bird, Chief Executive Officer at Abrdn
Stephen Bird achievement always to be remembered. He grew his business from a few thousand dollars to an outsanding success after subsquently becoming the sole provider of financial services in the small town of Abrdn, Pwllheli. His company was established with the simple idea that it is people who matter, not profit margins or shareholders.
Bird’s accomplishments are a tough act for any businessperson to follow and which has seen mixed reactions from local community members who have largely benefited from Steve’s patronage but have been left frustrated by their ongoing lack of recognition for all the work they put into growth and ensuing success. Steve has had many successes including being elected as the mayor for an unprecedented five terms of office, but has never been short of people to speak ill of him in the press.
In a recent interview Steve was quoted as saying that he “hadn’t done anything wrong” so we may never know the truth behind his success.
Steve leaves behind a legacy which is almost untouchable, a strange paradox considering it is by his own hand that he created so much disruption in his community’s lives and yet he seems to have little regret.
Check out this article on Twitter for more details.
So what is this story about? Well it’s a story about Abrdn and its people, where they started and where they are today. A story about the people who have lived there, loved there and done their best to better themselves. A story where money and material imagery did not dominate the lives of its inhabitants but where the people determined the future direction of their town. A story that was played out in the public eye over a period of almost ten years. It has been a soap opera to some, a shadow boxing match between two angry factions but most would agree that it was always worth watching.
Abrdn and its people have not always been happy or content but there is no doubt that it is a small gem hidden in North Wales’ industrial heartland which has become very special to many.