Ian, who was awarded an OBE in 2015 for services to the bus industry and business in the East Midlands, was part of a four-man team that led the management/employee buyout of Trent Buses by Wellglade Group in 1986. As Commercial Director of the business, he had overall responsibility for all commercial, marketing, sales and external affairs activities. In 1989, the Wellglade Group acquired Barton Buses and subsequently five other businesses to become the UK’s largest independent bus group and market leader in customer service. In 2009, he accepted a part-time, non-executive role as Deputy Chairman of Wellglade Group, to pursue other activities and interests.
He served as a Board member and Business Representative on D2N2, the Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) for three years and was Chair of the Board of the East Midlands Chamber for four years having previously been its President. He was also a member of the University of Derby Invest to Grow panel which awards grants and loans to private sector businesses creating jobs.
He also works as a volunteer for Derby City Council’s Enterprise for Education (e4e) project which prepares school students for the world of work
In April 2024 he will be installed as the High Sheriff of Derbyshire a post which is held for 12 months.
