It is with great sadness that the Directors of The Enterprise Forum report the death of our chairman Mr Andrew Cumpsty.
The fact that the Forum is now an integral part of the national conversation in respect of business and enterprise is a lasting tribute to Andrew’s work and vision.
When Andrew realised, over 25 years ago, that there needed to be an organisation to enable the exchange of views and information between the politicians, government and the executive and business and enterprise, he set about bringing the Forum into being. The fact that the Forum now occupies such a special place in the national conversation is a tribute to Andrew’s tireless endeavour and no small amount of Lancastrian grit. To say that he will be greatly missed is a trite understatement, but wholly true.
The team that he has built and led and the structure that he has created will be a continuing tribute to his imagination and industry.
The entire Enterprise Forum family will mourn the loss of Andrew’s ebullience and humour, his drive and tenacity, his compassion and humanity, his loyalty and vigour and his desire to make our world a better place.
We will endeavour to manifest these values as we go forward, in sadness at the absence of our friend, but with his resolution, his humour and his hope.
Rt Hon The Lord Eric Pickles, President, The Enterprise Forum:
“I want to add a few words about a man I have known for over thirty-five years who became a good friend.
I first met Andrew when he was a student at Bradford University, and I was the Leader of the City Council; over the years, our paths crossed many times at Conservative Party events. He was an exceptionally talented Leader of the Reading Council and co-founder of the Thames Valley Berkshire Local Enterprise Partnership. Later, we served together on the government’s Advisory Committee on Business Appointments and the Enterprise Forum. In all these roles, he brought his customary drive, determination, and charm.
Above everything, Andrew was such good company. He was a natural wit with a wicked sense of humour. Rarely a day would go by without an exchange of texts about the occasionally bizarre world of politics. Over recent years, I have laughed more in his company than in any others. Like all his friends, I will miss him greatly. Yet, even at the suddenness of his death, I find it impossible to think of Andrew without smiling. He made our lives better, and I am grateful for his friendship.”
Rt Hon Alistair Burt, Co-Founder, The Enterprise Forum:
“When I was a young MP in Bury, I made a speech in Parliament comparing the lost jobs in manufacturing in my northern constituency with “McDonalds” employment, not particularly favourably towards fast foods. I received almost immediately a call from the manager of the local McDonald’s in Bury, suggesting that before I sounded off again, I might like to visit them, and take a look at their employment and training, and perhaps I would not be quite so stupid in the future. That manager was Andrew Cumpsty, and thus began a friendship between us of some thirty years.
Andrew’s commitment to fairness, the societal value of business and his political acumen led to a discussion between us following the election of 1997, of how political parties treated business. Andrew observed that, especially in the run up to an election, parties appeared to demand that businesses endorse their manifestos, which made them wary of engagement. And contact with the Opposition was negligible, as business concluded that contact with Government alone served their interest.
He told me that we should change that, that business should be able to suggest improvements to the culture surrounding enterprise to all parties, without being extorted for money in donations or expressions of party political support, as the aim of business was to have their interests supported in all manifestos. He suggested we seek the support of Gerald Frankel, who had built up Labours Industry Forum whilst it was the Opposition, explaining that, straightforwardly, we wanted to open a channel with the new Conservative Opposition, for the same purposes as he had-to ensure those who might hold the reins of power one day knew what business needed. Over a lunch at Vasco and Piero’s Pavilion, Gerald became an enthusiast for Andrews idea, the first of many conversions.
Andrew’s perception led to the creation of the Enterprise Forum, and his extraordinary commitment to it for over twenty five years has seen his idea grow into the successful channel of communication which is unique in our politics. I have had the great joy of seeing my friend succeed, seeing his commitment rewarded by his securing not just high quality membership, but a place at the tables of all parties, as he put open communication and the benefits to business, their employees and the economy ahead of any party political interests. To be both an active and successful Conservative, but keep the trust of those who were not, is testimony to a very special character.
We have lost a very special friend, but what he inspired will not be lost.”
