Tributes as man who played a major role in reinvigorating St Peters Quarter dies suddenly
TRIBUTES have been paid following the sudden death of a Derby man who had been playing a key role in restoring the city’s St Peters Quarter to its former glory.
Ian Hinds, project manager of the St Peters Quarter Business Improvement District (BID), died just days after he was diagnosed with terminal cancer last month. He passed away at Royal Derby Hospital, aged 65.
Mr Hinds was responsible for the day-to-day running of BID, which involves businesses in the St Peters Quarter working together to support and fund initiatives that boost the fortunes of the area.
His connection with the BID began in 2008, when he joined Partnerships for Better Business (pfbb UK), the BID project management company that was responsible for setting up the Cathedral Quarter BID.
He joined pfbb UK after working in business crime prevention at Derbyshire Police.
Mr Hinds supported the development of the BID for the St Peters Quarter, which was first launched in 2011. He then went on to become its project manager, a position he held for seven years.
Mr Hinds leaves a widow, Dawn, daughters Suzie and Maxine, and four granddaughters, twins Eva and Aria, 3, Scarlett, 6, and Miya-Lei, 10.
Mrs Hinds said: “Ian was immensely proud of being a Derby lad and was passionate about the city, particularly St Peters Quarter.
“He was adamant that the BID was an opportunity to bring the area that he so fondly remembered as a young man back to its former glory.
“Suzie, Maxine and I, are all amazed at just how many kind messages we have had from people who knew him in all different aspects of his life.
“The common thread reflects just how we will always remember him, as a true gentleman who was kind, respectful, always smartly dressed and with a tremendous sense of humour.
“Ian would have been delighted that so many people have taken the trouble to reach out to pay their respects and it has been a real comfort at this difficult time.”
Mr Hinds was born in Chaddesden and attended Spondon Park Grammar School where he met Dawn, his childhood sweetheart. A BID is a business-led and business-funded body that is set up to improve a defined commercial area, often in town and city centres. The benefits are wide-ranging and include:
■■Businesses decide and direct what they want in their area.
■■Businesses are represented and have a voice on issues affecting their trading area.
■■BID levy money is ring-fenced for use only in the BID area.
■■Increased footfall and spend. They courted until they were 18 and then went their separate ways. Mr Hinds started a long career with Barclays Bank, initially in Derby and then Reading and London.
Meanwhile, Dawn had a successful career as a microbiologist in the food industry which took her around the world.
Having both divorced and having a daughter each, they met again 30 years later at the class of 1969 school reunion and soon rekindled their romance. They married seven years ago.
A big Derby County fan, Mr Hinds was a Rams season ticket holder for 44 years. He was also a fan of cricket and horse racing.
Mrs Hinds said: “His death
■■Improved staff retention.
■■Reduced business costs.
■■Enhanced marketing and promotion.
■■Looking at infrastructure, pollution and movement.
■■Guidance in place shaping vision activities.
■■Facilitated networking opportunities with neighbouring businesses.
■■Assistance in dealing with the council, police and other public bodies. has been a complete shock. He had been losing weight and eventually agreed to go to the doctors but he became weak and exhausted a few days before his death and was admitted to hospital for scans. Once diagnosed, we knew the cancer was incurable and the prognosis of months very quickly turned to weeks and then hours.
“My first emotion when Ian died was anger – questioning why he had been taken just 15 years after fate had brought us back together. However, I am trying to remain positive because we have had a wonderful blended family and Ian spent many happy years enjoying his grandchildren who have been a total joy.”
Helen Wathall, board chairman of the St Peters Quarter BID, whose company Wathall’s is handling the funeral arrangements, said: “The directors of the St Peters Quarter BID Board would like to express their sincere condolences at the sudden death of Ian Hinds.
“We are so saddened by this news and our thoughts are with Ian’s family at this time. Ian was dedicated to working with us all in St Peters Quarter and his friendly face and enthusiasm will be sorely missed.”
Melanie Ferguson Allen, from pfbb UK, said: “Ian was a very valued part of our company, a great friend, colleague and BID manager and a true gentleman. We know he was highly respected and will be greatly missed.”
Mr Hinds’ funeral will take place at Markeaton Crematorium on Wednesday, October 10, and will be for family, friends and colleagues. A memorial service will then be held at St Peter’s Church, in St Peter’s Churchyard, on Thursday, November 8, at 2.30pm.