Kevan Blackadder Remembered

3rd February 2021

The Cheltenham Chamber of Commerce would like to express their deep sadness at the passing in January of Kevan Blackadder, BID Director and Chamber Executive member. Kevan was a well-respected and much-admired leader and colleague, who gave his immense talents and efforts so willingly to others, dedicating himself to the life and well-being of the town. His great loss is remembered by Chamber Executive members and the videos in which he advocated on behalf of the Chamber and the business community (see videos below). Our thoughts and prayers are with his partner Liz and his family.

Chief Executive Michael Ratcliffe: “Kevan was an indefatigable member of the Chamber of Commerce and real stalwart. As Editor of the Gloucestershire Echo, and then Town Centre Manager and latterly Chief Executive of the Business Investment District, he played an important part in the wellbeing of our town. His enthusiasm and common sense attributes inspired all those with whom he worked, and he will be missed very much indeed. On behalf of the business community, I would like to express our deepest condolences to Liz and his family.”

Deputy Chief Executive Jon Leamon: “Kevan was an extremely important member of the Cheltenham Chamber Board. He was always prepared to take responsibility for initiatives, always positive with his feedback, and always delivered in a timely manner. He was engaging and delightful to work with and we will miss him very much.”

Dan Harris, Vice President and Editor, Chamber News: “Kevan was such a positive force for business and the wider community. He was immensely talented, a consummate professional and an honour to know and work with. He was so helpful to anyone in need, giving his time willingly. Most of all, he was a great guy. As the Germans say, a real mensch. We did a number of videos together and he did them all in one take. Phenomenal. He will be deeply missed and a huge loss to our town and Gloucestershire.”

Belinda Hunt, BID Operations Manager: “Kevan was an inspiration to work with, constantly sharing his knowledge, experience and time. His dedication to helping the BID businesses and Cheltenham as a town to grow will be a long lasting legacy. I will miss the smile that he brought to work with him every day.”

Anna Freeman, Vice President and Membership Secretary: “I am so very sad to hear this news. Kevan was a delightful man and a pleasure to know. I shall miss him as shall we all. Bless him!”

Claire Thayers, Tourism Executive: “Kevan was always so very professional, whilst maintaining calmness and humour that made him so approachable and so very kind. His passion for Cheltenham was clear to all that met him and the BID will continue to be a lasting legacy, as he achieved so much whilst there. He was also very generous with his time, volunteering to help Young Enterprise, where I first met him and his continuous support of the Chamber will always be remembered. Our thoughts are with Lizzy and his friends and family, RIP.”

Video Tributes: Kevan Blackadder Remembered

Videos: Kevan Blackadder, BID Director; Dan Harris, (Interviewer), Chamber Vice President and Executive Producer; Julian Wellings, Producer, Expertise on Tap