Sadly, we lost Derrick Hopper, Health and Safety Advisor. As Julie Welch summarises Derrick: “He was a dear friend, colleague – and in Derrick’s mind – a budding comedian! She shared this great picture of two similar characters – “Derrick’s on the right if you didn’t recognise him without his cravat! I’ll miss your passion for work and taste in music.”

Derrick joined the business in 1986, initially working at the Concrete products factory in Bishop Auckland, where his father also worked.  He started in an operational role but soon developed an interest in health and safety.  He later joined the Health and Safety team as an Advisor in April 2007 where he was able to turn his passion for looking after colleagues to good use, going on to become a Chartered Member of the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health while supporting the operations in their quest for ZERO Harm.  Derrick was 58 years old and leaves behind a wife, son, daughter in law and granddaughter.

Andy Taylor paid tribute: “Derrick was a great colleague, who the team and I personally will miss greatly.  He was never afraid to express his views, which he always did with the interests of everyone in the business at heart.  A passionate health and safety professional who I feel privileged to have worked with.  Our thoughts are with his family and friends.”