UPDATED. It is with great regret that we report the passing away of Barry Goddard last weekend after a short illness, as tributes to the man begin to flow as the news spreads far and wide. Any readers wishing to add their personal words can do so by emailing [email protected]

 

In his early life, Barry Goddard worked for several organisations in various positions in commercial services and also as a successful and well-connected political lobbyist in his later years.

 

He most latterly held the position of Secretary General of the UK Travel Retail Forum (UKTRF) where he was a staunch and passionate supporter of the industry through this body – previously founded as the Duty-Free Confederation.

 

During his many years heading up the UKTRF he was a dedicated and passionate supporter of the travel retail business, having contributed very strongly indeed to the campaign effort which came so close to saving intra-EU duty free sales.

 

 

Prior to heading up the UKTRF he was also employed as political lobbyist by BAA until April 1992.

 

Doug Newhouse writes: “I am very proud to say that I knew Barry very well as a highly intelligent, forthright and passionate man who really cared about the travel retail business. He worked closely with several other duty free and travel retail lobbying organisations and individuals and was not only widely respected, but also very well liked and trusted as a very decent individual.

 

“He was always a great help to me before, during and long after the battle to save duty free sales was sadly lost. I was also particularly grateful to Barry for the one-on-one briefings he would give me on the progress of the industry’s lobbying efforts at a political level, both on and off the record.

 

“Sadly, Barry passed away at the age of 69 and he will be greatly missed by all who knew him as a really nice intelligent man who cared about many things in life – most notably his family. He will be sadly missed by many long-time friends and colleagues, including myself.”

 

TRIBUTES TO BARRY GODDARD:

From Keith Spinks, Secretary General of the European Travel Retail Confederation ( ETRC):

 

I first met Barry in 1988, when another famous duty free campaigner Guntram Brendel set up a meeting in London to initiate the industry campaign to defend the duty free industry when the proposed 1992 Single Market rules suggested the end of duty free within the EU.

 

At the time, Barry was a political lobbyist with the then BAA and his contacts proved invaluable in getting the UK government to insist on an extension until June 1999.

 

During the 1999 campaign, Barry continued to play a key role with the UK government and also managed the campaign finances for the industry which has always been a key factor in its success or otherwise. As Secretary General of the UK TRF and Company Secretary of today’s ETRC, Barry continued to play an important part in representing the industry’s interests until he retired a couple of years ago (in 2012).

 

In his passing, I have lost not only a close colleague of 25-years plus, but also a dear friend.

 

From John Hume, Managing Partner, Hume Brophy:

I first met Barry in 1997 when he was running the UK lobby campaign. Over the years I learned a great deal from him. He had a lovely easy going demeanour, but behind that was a very sharp political brain.

I was always struck by the high esteem in which he was held by politicians of all parties. Barry was a man they could do business with – with no fear of personal or private agendas. Integrity was his watchword. He will be sadly missed.