Nic Puntis and his family have lived in and around Chippenham for generations, with Nic living here for all of his life. They are all well-respected and well known within the community. Professionally, Nic has worked in every town within the new constituency and has long advocated for them alongside the neighbouring villages. He is currently a Chippenham Town Councillor and Wiltshire Councillor serving the residents of Cepen Park and Derriads and has previously been a Parish Councillor for Dauntsey, being successfully elected in 2011.
After Graduating in 1992 with an Honours Degree in Land & Construction Management, Nic worked in Chippenham, starting as a trainee Surveyor before his local knowledge was used to start a chain of Estate Agents. Branches were opened within each of the four towns and he employed all local people. Nic bought his first home in Lowden, Chippenham and has since been privileged to live across the Chippenham area with his family as they grew up. Nic set up his own Property Development Business in 2001, where he worked on small-scale property development projects. Nic has since retired from this business and is now a co-partner of Sarah-Jaynes Café, named after his wife, on Chippenham High Street, which they continue to operate as a successful business, using primarily locally sourced products, supporting local businesses. Nic was also a keen sportsman in his youth, playing for local clubs and county in Rugby and Football, he also continues to support his local clubs as well as enjoying his keen interest in motorsport and walking throughout our beautiful countryside with his family and Jack Russell, Max. Nic's Daughter is a Solicitor in Chippenham and his son-in-law is an Architect in Corsham.
In 2010, Nic was diagnosed with a rare cancer called GIST Cancer, two years later his wife, Sarah-Jayne, was also diagnosed with Breast Cancer, both have since undergone surgery and intensive chemotherapy and are now cancer-free. This experience hardened both of their resolve to enjoy life to the full and set Nic on a path to help others. Following Nic’s personal experience with cancer, he became a trustee of 2 Cancer Charities, roles he still holds today. In 2021, Nic was a candidate in the unitary elections of Wiltshire Council, where he was successfully elected to represent the ward of Cepen Park and Derriads. Alongside representing his constituents, Nic is currently the Portfolio Holder for Flooding at Wiltshire Council, ensuring our county is protected from flood-based disasters.
The Puntis name is one that is well known within the Chippenham area with Nic’s mother working as a PE teacher in Hardenhuish School for 20 years and then as an EBD teacher at Sheldon School. Nic’s father spent his entire career working in Corsham at Leafield Engineering. Both of Nic’s grandfathers worked within the constituency, one at Westinghouse Brake & Signals and the other as a Pig Farmer, where Nic spent most of his time growing up.
Nic has been a strong advocate for Chippenham Rugby, working alongside local media to ensure the access to the ruby club is maintained and approved when the duelling for the A350 takes place. He will continue to advocate for this and will work with local residents and councillors to open railway stations in Corsham and Royal Wootton Bassett.
Nic’s involvement in the hospitality industry, owning Sarah-Jaynes Café and being involved in the running of Soho Public House in Derry Hill, has helped him understand the challenges faced by the industry first hand, more poignantly, from the effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic and rising prices, due to inflation fuelled by the war in Ukraine. Nic will actively campaign and advocate for further support for our communities that rely on pubs and restaurants as Community Hubs. Nic continues to keep in touch with the challenges of owning and running of pubs, through his nephew and his wife, who own the Royal Wootton Bassett Pub, this engagement will continue with Nic speaking regularly to owners of local businesses to find out what is affecting them and how he can help them prosper, enriching our local economy. A major part of our constituency is home to members of our brave Armed Forces, Nic’s father was in the Navy and his Grandfather was a Royal Marine during the Second World War, reinforcing his desire to be a strong advocate for further support and recognition to those who serve our great country. Nic is a strong advocate for the community, as he has already shown in the community of Cepen Park and Derriads, he is both a representative the community, can be proud of, and rely upon, to best represent your interests on the council and beyond.