Ashbourne News Telegraph

Widespread shock as the chairman of family-run bakery Birds dies, aged 63

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THE chairman of Derby-based family firm Birds Bakery has died, aged 63, the chain has announced.

Nicholas Bird’s death was announced to staff by his wife and Birds chief operating officer Lesley Bird.

Mrs Bird said: “Nick’s death is a shock to us all. He was much loved in the company and he will be missed greatly.”

Nicholas, who leaves Lesley and three sons, was on the board at Birds. Birds Bakery was founded in 1919 by three brothers, supplying baked goods and confection­ery.

The business has a proud history and currently has 62 stores within the Midlands, including Nottingham­shire and Derbyshire, employing more than 700 people.

John Forkin, managing director of Marketing Derby, said: “Birds is as synonymous with Derby as Rolls-royce or Derby County - it sits in the city’s grand tradition of innovation and making. Everyone knows someone who has worked at Birds, just as everyone has their favourite Birds product - be it bread or cakes.

“A Birds store visit is usually one of the first things exiled Derbeians do when back in town.

“Marketing Derby passes on its sincere condolence­s to the Birds family.”

Martin Langsdale, chair of the Cathedral Quarter Business Improvemen­t District (BID), and Helen Wathall MBE, chair of St Peters Quarter BID, said: “We are saddened to hear of the untimely death of Nicholas Bird and our best wishes and condolence­s go to his family and friends.

“Birds are amongst the longestabl­ished and iconic businesses in the city whose popularity and customer loyalty continues to span the generation­s.”

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Nicholas Bird

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