Popular licensing executive bids farewell after 30 years in the trade.
Not surprisingly, given his huge popularity, there was a fantastic turnout for Patrick Bailey’s Farewell Send-off who is saying “adieu, but not goodbye” to the licensing trade after 30 years, avoiding the use of the word ‘retirement’.
As fanfared on the invitation, Fashion UK/Global Licensing (for whom Patrick has worked for the last two years) could not see ‘The Ledge’ leave the industry without a party that was attended by well over 100 colleagues and friends.
Patrick, who was feted in The Licensing Awards where he received the Honorary Achievement Award in September, was “overwhelmed” by the large number of people who made sure they were at the event that was organised by Fashion UK, and took place at Archers in London’s Soho.
“This is a fantastic industry and I am lucky enough to have made so many good friends over the years; friendships that will endure,” said Patrick. “But you are not getting rid of me that quickly as I am organising The Light Fund Golf Day – on June 18!”
Paying tribute to his colleague, Gurdev Mattu, director of Fashion UK/Global Licensing used a sporting analogy saying that against all odds Patrick can “take a ball at the half way mark and get it past the goalkeeper in a way that no other can!”
There was a riotous cheer from those gathered when Gurdev toasted Patrick, as a true maestro of “friendships and professionalism.”
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