Sweet Dreams announces with great sadness the death of the company’s former General Manager, Stephen Boyd. Stephen passed away suddenly at his home in Colne on 27 March.
Stephen worked in the bed industry for over 42 years and during that time he was Chairman of the members’ forum of the National Bed Federation and a council member. His first senior position was in 1968 as managing director of N & N Christophides Bros of Nicosia, one of Silentnight’s first ventures overseas. Stephen was to be managing director of four further Silentnight companies.
While based in Ajman, UAE, Stephen worked closely with General Manager Riaz Ahmed. The two men became friends and, later in both their careers, Riaz invited Stephen to join Sweet Dreams as General Manager in January 1995.
Stephen retired a decade ago, describing the nine years he spent at Sweet Dreams as “the most enjoyable part of my career”. He remained a consultant to the company and visited Primrose Mill regularly, his last visit taking place only a couple of weeks ago.
Riaz Ahmed, Sweet Dreams’ MD, says: “It is with enormous sadness that we convey this sad news. Stephen’s experience, his expertise and his gentlemanly approach made a hugely significant contribution to the development and success of Sweet Dreams, not only when he was General Manager but in recent years, too. Stephen will be much missed, as a colleague and as a friend. Everyone at Sweet Dreams who knew him extends sincere condolences to his family.”
Stephen’s funeral will take place on Friday 4 April.
