Shock as Birds Bakery chairman dies aged 63
THE chairman of 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 is a family-run business, which was founded in Derby in 1919 by three brothers, supplying baked goods and confectionery.
The business has a proud history and has 62 stores within the Midlands, including three in Burton and others across Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire, employing more than 700 people.
John Forkin, managing director of Marketing Derby, said: “Birds is as synonymous with Derby as Rollsroyce 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.
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 is among the longestablished and iconic businesses in the city, whose popularity and customer loyalty continues to span the generations.”