Today, we celebrate not just a milestone birthday but an incredible man whose expertise, dedication and unwavering support have helped shape STEPS Rehabilitation into the facility it is today. Ray isn’t just one of our co-founders and Chairman, he’s dad to Jules and Toria, a much-loved grandfather, and a constant source of guidance, expertise and encouragement to the entire STEPS team. He can be frequently found chatting with staff and clients over a coffee in the STEPS café, offering words of encouragement and wise-words of guidance to younger staff on life-admin, like managing finances and mortgages. Ray always makes time for others, showing a genuine interest in them and a willingness to share his knowledge.
Even at 80, Ray never shies away from a challenge or a new adventure—including his first flying lesson just two weeks ago! As a birthday gift from his grandson Tom (Toria’s son), a flight instructor, Ray took to the skies.
In May 2017, Ray, alongside his daughters, launched STEPS Rehabilitation, in Sheffield, which provides specialist rehabilitation for individuals following life-changing injuries including brain injury, spinal cord injury and traumatic amputation. His determination and financial expertise were instrumental in launching STEPS Rehabilitation, navigating the complexities of securing funding, and ensuring its success, despite being of retirement age.
Ray’s financial acumen and reputation have been the backbone of STEPS’ success, securing funding, overseeing its financial growth, and ensuring its stability. Under his guidance, STEPS has grown from a start-up to an internationally recognised centre of excellence within the field of neurorehabilitation, expanding from 44 employees in 2018 to over 190 today, placing it among the top 1% of employers in Sheffield.
Ray’s influence extends beyond STEPS Rehabilitation, his expertise in the mortgage and property market remains unparalleled. His opinions are highly sought after for TV and Radio interviews and he continues to write ad hoc blogs for John Charcol, where he maintains a part time role of Senior Mortgage Technical Manager. Ray has also been a Board Member of The Association of Mortgage Intermediaries since 2001 and for several years was a member of the Bank of England Residential Property Forum.
Ray's stature in the industry is evident through numerous award wins, including Mortgage Strategist of the Year, Press Spokesperson of the Year, and a Lifetime Achievement Award. In November 2023, Ray, Toria and Jules were awarded the ‘Northeast, Yorkshire and Humber Family Business Entrepreneur of the Year 2023’ at the Great British Entrepreneur Awards, which acknowledges and celebrates the individuals within the same family who work together to build and operate a business.
Martin Lewis, founder of MoneySavingExpert.com
‘When it comes to mortgages, Ray is the King of the Nerds. That is something I say with both affection and admiration. I’ve known him over twenty years. And if there’s a mortgage issue too complex to fathom out with anyone else, you call Ray – he’s thoughtful, diligent, helpful, concerned. It’s not that he has his finger on the pulse of the mortgage market, it feels more like the mortgage market pumps through his veins.’
Lisa Walkin-Knight, John Charcol
“For over three decades Ray has been a trusted and knowledgeable mortgage industry expert, and his contributions have significantly shaped the landscape of the market.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Ray is known for his approachable and personable nature. He is always willing to lend a helping hand and offer guidance to those in need. His genuine care for the well-being of borrowers and his passion for the mortgage industry is evident in everything he does.
It is an honour and privilege to have Ray represent John Charcol, his contributions have made a lasting impact, and his legacy will continue to benefit borrowers for years to come.”
Pete Sorsby, Deputy Fund Principal, Mercia
“Ray has steered STEPS Rehabilitation for over a decade now, from the very outset and concept proving, through the extensive project delivery phase of a future-proof, state-of-the-art treatment facility, to the early period of trading and now in its high growth phase.
This has drawn and relied upon all of Ray’s deep knowledge and experience of the financial markets, which sees STEPS in the incredibly strong position it enjoys today. Equally, it is the strength of the culture that flows through the whole of the STEPS family and team that is as much a testimony to Ray’s leadership as its financial success - that success comes as a by-product of that culture, as it does in all great businesses. And that culture emanates from Ray and his family members that share it.
Ray’s track record and reputation speaks for itself – “Google” Ray’s name and the search results speak for themselves – here is a leader who has done just that, throughout his life and career, resulting in the reputation and position he unassumingly enjoys today. A true achievement.
From all of us at STEPS Rehabilitation—thank you, and Happy 80th Birthday!