“Get on with it Steddy…”.

So as I sit paralysed for a moment by the enormity of loss I can see Nick in my mind’s eye, shifting eagerly in his seat… almost willing whatever business might reside in my slipcase to present itself so he could crack on.  “Ship it in!  Ship it in…”.  All those years and I cannot think of a single moment of frustration.  His judgment and approach was spot on every time.  If he disagreed with anything I proposed he’d call it out and just point out what needed to be done.  His integrity, ethics and willingness to ‘have a go’ made our corner of the market what it is today and will endure.  He challenged the status quo and opened the door to possibility – the life blood of anyone’s sense of self-worth and precursor to so many of the successes enjoyed by those contributing to this book.

Nick enabled so much.  There can’t be many corners of human endeavour around the world that his pen didn’t support and breathe life into.  

Casting my mind back now I am struck by just how far ahead of the rest of us he was.  He’d take a friendly swipe at me for saying it but in business terms he was a human algorithm!  He knew with certainty how all the variables in the market would come together so he wouldn’t mess about.  He’d provide whatever support trusted clients required and would do so in a fashion that made everyone feel good about their part in the outcome.  And if you needed a little extra or just digging out of a hole you’d somehow dug for yourself… well, no matter.  Job done.  And with anything new he’d have a crack.  What a joy to work with.  What an honour to have known him.

Nick, I miss you and know I always will.  You were a cornerstone in my career since we met in 1998 and you gave so much to so many…  More than most could aspire to in a thousand lifetimes and perhaps that is what we must hold on to.  Rest in peace my friend.

And to Mrs K and Nick’s children my heart goes out to you, not least as he spoke of you all so often and with such love.  I wish you every strength.