Lord Derek Foster was a valued Board Member for a number of years and was a ‘fore father’ of the enterprise movement in South Durham. Derek was a champion of local industry and enterprise and helped form the first enterprise agencies in the County following the closure of the British Rail Engineering Limited’s Shildon Works in 1984.
Derek always championed enterprise throughout his career, and in 25 years as a serving MP, supported the communities of Bishop Auckland and the surrounding area grow and develop as changing Northern towns.
Derek supported dozens of local organisations as a Trustee and Board Member, including our own, and contributed to good work of the sector since leaving office in 2005.
Whenever we met Derek at a meeting or engagement, he would always provide a word of encouragement and some sage advice. His passion for our area was always clear to see and he was proud of our work supporting local people to create wealth and prosperity through new business creation.
We shall miss his contribution to our movement very much and our thoughts are with Anne and Derek’s family and friends during this difficult time.
Steven Robson
Chief Executive – South Durham Enterprise Agency Ltd
