It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dr Adrian Hawkins OBE.

Adrian served two terms as a Board Member of Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership from 2014 and was serving his second term as Chair of Hertfordshire Futures, alongside his longstanding role as Chair of the Skills and Employment Board. Through his leadership, he played a pivotal role in securing investment and driving regeneration, infrastructure, education and innovation projects that have helped shape Hertfordshire's future. His influence, strong partnerships and unwavering determination were instrumental in ensuring Hertfordshire's voice was heard and its ambitions recognised. In recognition of this, Adrian was awarded an OBE for his services to business and the welding industry in 2021 and recently received an honorary doctorate from the University of Hertfordshire business school.

Born and raised in Stevenage, Adrian's commitment to supporting the businesses and residents of Hertfordshire never wavered. He was also the first independent Chair of the Stevenage Development Board, where he brought together partners from across the public, private and voluntary sectors and helped lead the successful Towns Fund bid that secured £37.5 million of Government investment for Stevenage.

Neil Rutledge, Deputy Chair and Acting Chair of Hertfordshire Futures, paid tribute to Adrian, saying: "It was an honour to work alongside Adrian. His passion for Hertfordshire and genuine care for its people shone through in everything he did."

Neil Hayes, Chief Executive of Hertfordshire Futures, shared a personal reflection: "Those fortunate enough to have worked with Adrian will know what a hugely supportive individual he was, as well as a fierce advocate for Hertfordshire Futures. I will personally miss his energy, enthusiasm and wise counsel over the past 12 years."

Councillor Steve Jarvis, Leader of Hertfordshire County Council, Hertfordshire Futures Board Member and Chair of Hertfordshire Growth Board said: “I am deeply saddened to hear of the death of Adrian Hawkins OBE. As Chair of Hertfordshire Futures, a member of the Hertfordshire Growth Board, and in his many other roles, Adrian brought energy, vision and a deep belief in the strengths and potential of our county."

Remembering Adrian's contribution to Stevenage, Cllr Richard Henry, Leader of Stevenage Borough Council and Hertfordshire Futures Board member, said: "On behalf of Stevenage Borough Council, I would like to extend our deepest condolences to Adrian’s family, friends, and colleagues at this very sad time. Adrian gave a great deal to Stevenage over many years and was always ambitious for our town and its future. It was an absolute pleasure to work with him in shaping and delivering our shared vision to Make Stevenage Even Better."

Adrian will be greatly missed by colleagues, partners and friends alike. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with his family at this incredibly difficult time.