Colleagues share well-wishes ahead of Miles Punter’s retirement

09 October 2025

The Director of Environment and Housing Miles Punter is retiring after 43 years of dedicated service.

This week, we’ve been hearing from colleagues who have been sharing their favourite memories of working with Miles over the years as well as their well wishes as he steps into this next chapter.

Colin Smith, Head of Neighbourhood Services, said: “I have worked with and for Miles for over 35-years. We have over the years negotiated many challenges together, celebrated many successes and he has always been supportive, through difficult times. Miles has always been an inspirational leader, and he has over his career, captured the respect of his staff and other colleagues across the Council, with the positive values, he stands up for and represents. He has always led his teams by example, and I’ve never worked with anyone so dedicated to their job and career, with the Vale. 

“Over the years, Miles was always partial to a night out, and he was particularly proud at one recycling awards night we both attended, when he was awarded “Manager of the Year”. A really nice accolade, but we didn’t have the heart to tell him he was the only applicant!!!. I think over the years though, he worked it out.

“Miles loves his football, and over the years we have had many debates about how Liverpool should perform, their many highs and lows and who they should buy, during the different transfer windows. We also went to many football games together, watching both Liverpool and Cardiff City and they were always entertaining days out.

“I will sincerely miss working with Miles, the friendship and banter we have, as well as his inspiring leadership but I can’t think of anyone more deserving for a long, happy and healthy retirement. YNWA Miles.”

Speaking of his time working alongside Miles, Neighbourhood Services Manager Adam Sargent said: "I’ve had the privilege of working with Miles for over 35 years—yes, I even remember his brief stint as Parks Manager! 

“Throughout my time at the Vale, Miles has been a constant presence: calm, thoughtful, and always approachable. He’s the person you could bring any concern or idea to and know you’d be heard. He’s never shied away from making tough decisions—and more importantly, standing by them.

“Miles has been a key role model in my career, embodying everything a great manager, leader, and people person should be. We’ve been incredibly fortunate to have someone like him guiding the way.

“If I had to find a fault… it might be his questionable taste in music! (Only joking… sort of.) Looking forward to catching you at a gig soon, Miles!"

Jane Hobbs, who has worked as a PA to Miles for a number of years, said that it was a challenge to pick just one standout moment from her time working with him: “There are countless stories from the 19 years I have worked with Miles but my final words can only be that I am losing an absolute star of a boss, the one person who has kept me on the straight and narrow, seen me through my good times and bad times and someone who I class as my best friend.

“Life at the Vale of Glamorgan not be the same for me personally from 13th October 2025.”

Business Manager Joanna Lewis also shared this reflection: “On a professional level, Miles has always been approachable, a champion to women in the workplace and always looking at innovative ways to deliver for staff and customers. He would always be open and honest with and provide you with examples from knowledge and experience. He gave me the confidence to speak out and question, every day was a school day, always learning something.

“I would receive random calls, saying we need to get such and such implemented, knowing myself and the team had less than a week, but we always delivered – including things such as Pool Car Implementation, Residential Permits in new locations during COVID, asking for assistance the Penarth Pier Management during COVID and managing weddings.  The DOGS ARE CLEVER Campaign - even the dogs attended the office during these days.

“Being the audience for his presentation at the Staff Awards, now that was an experience. Walking into his office and seeing quote of the week and receiving the annual message - which always included a saying from the Muppets Christmas Carol.

“Being told “I am retiring” is memorable but well deserved and now time for Mr P to enjoy his retirement.”

As Miles embarks on his next adventures, please feel free to send on your own well-wishes to him here. 

Well Wishes from Colleagues