On Thursday, September 2, it was announced that the KBB industry legend, Nick Hopkinson MBE DL, had died. Since then, the KBB industry has been paying tribute to the Mark Two Distribution founder.
Damian Walters, CEO of the BiKBBI said: “I am shocked and saddened, brought to tears in fact, to learn that someone I looked up to, respected and admired has passed away. As I developed the concept of BiKBBI, I looked at your business success and entrepreneurialism as a guiding light.”
“RIP Nick Hopkinson,” said Steve Randle, managing director at Steve Randle Installations. “What a legend in our industry!”
Jim McCay, CEO at The Kitchen Depot Holdings, also paid tribute by saying: “A beautiful, caring human being. I’m so privileged to have met him and to be considered as a friend. Never to be forgotten.”
Another tribute from former Laufen managing director, Russell Barnes, read: “RIP Hoppy – a special person in so many ways and a mate forever. Will so miss you but forever in my thoughts – goodbye buddy xx”
Commenting on a social media post announcing the passing of Hopkinson, Rob Stewart, group sales and marketing director at LPD Doors and Furniture, shared his condolences: “Gutted to hear this news. Worked alongside Nick way back at Hopkinson’s in Weybridge and our paths crossed many times over the years in both business and pleasure.”
Outside of the KBB industry, Hopkinson was a prolific philanthropist. Bolton Lads and Girls Club – a cause he raised millions of pounds for as director of fund-raising for over 20 years – shared a post on social media that read: “This week all of Team BLGC were deeply saddened to hear the news of the passing of the wonderful Nick Hopkinson MBE DL. For everyone at Bolton Lads and Girls Club; staff, trustees, supporters, volunteers, and young people, past and present, it was deeply upsetting.”
The post goes on to say that Hopkinson was the “driving force behind years of enormously successful fundraising for the club” and that “he wanted the best for the young people in Bolton.”
Hopkinson is survived by his wife Lesley, three sons and three grandchildren.