Tributes are being made to the former coo of Fashion UK and Blues licensing director, Patrick Bailey, who has sadly passed away.
Patrick spent some 30 years working in licensing, including time at Hasbro and Blues Group, as well as Fashion UK/Global Licensing where he spent the last two years of his career.
Patrick said “adieu, but not goodbye” to the licensing trade in December 2019 at a farewell party attended by over 100 of his industry friends and colleagues, where Gurdev Mattu, director of Fashion UK/Global Licensing toasted him as a true maestro of “friendships and professionalism.”
In the same year, Patrick was feted at The Licensing Awards, receiving the Honorary Achievement Award where Jakki Brown, md of Max Publishing, hailed him as “someone you would want in your raft in the bad times and by your side in the good ones”.
She said: “To use a golfing analogy, he is a real ‘go to’ caddy, who can read a course, knows what clubs to have in his bag, remains calm and objective throughout but will be there for the celebration afterwards whatever the outcome.”
As news of Patrick’s passing reached those in the UK licensing community who were attending Licensing Expo last week, stories and memories began to be shared of his kindness, warmth, vibrant personality, his sound judgement, industry nous and extraordinary people skills.
“Licensing has lost one of its stars – Patrick will be missed but has left us with some fabulous memories and a great example of how to conduct yourself in business and life,” commented Ian Downes, md at Start Licensing. “He was first and foremost a friend you could trust and rely on. He was one of the first people to call me and offer his support when my son died. He followed this up by meeting me in person. I will always appreciate his steadfast support and kindness.
“In business he was a person who contributed a lot – to the companies he worked for, licensing in general and, of course, The Light Fund. He had an indepth knowledge of the industry and the people in it. When he spoke you listened. He was influential but used that influence in a measured way.”
David Scott, treasurer of The Light Fund – to which Patrick generously gave his time, whether by taking part in events or organising the popular golf day – said: “I can’t think of a more vibrant personality than Patrick Bailey. What a character! Like anybody reading this, I can only smile as I recall our times together. Patrick always made you laugh, wherever you were, whatever you were doing.
“But he also had a heart of gold. Whenever The Light Fund came up with a crazy idea – cycle to Utrecht, cycle to Dublin etc – he was quick to be involved and, despite being one of the older participants, he was also one of the fittest. And even if he was one of the last to leave the bar in the evening he’d be one of the first at the start line the next day, cracking a joke and relaxing those around him before the challenges of the day ahead.
“But that wasn’t enough. He then took over The Light Fund Golf Day and delivered many more great days, and funds, to the Light Fund, all of which contributed to changing many more disadvantaged lives for the better. We all have stories about Patrick, and we’ll all remember him fondly whenever we get together but, in a nutshell, he was just a Top Bloke. There’s no higher accolade than that.”
Trevor Jones, chairman of The Light Fund, continued: “Such sad news that Patrick has died after a long cancer battle. My heartfelt condolences go to his wife and family. He was an enthusiastic licensee and an ardent supporter of The Light Fund, completing long distance bike rides as well as organising golf days. His warm smile and sense of humour will be long remembered.”
LicensingSource.net will be publishing further tributes to Patrick throughout the week. If you would like to share your memories, please email Samantha Loveday on saml@max-publishing.co.uk.
