Tributes Paid to Former BHF Director General, Jonathan Swift

Tributes are being paid to a Jonathan Swift, a former Director General of the British Hardware Federation who sadly passed away this weekend.

Jonathan was Director General of BAGMA from 1973 to 1986, and became Director General of the BHF in 1986 until his retirement in 2006.

He brought BAGMA into the BHF Association in 1984 and continued in his role of Secretary General of the International Hardware Association until 2011.

Jonathan was instrumental in building the BHF into today’s BIRA, representing independent hardware and agricultural business, lobbying Government during the difficult period in the 70s and 80s when interest rates hit over 17% and inflation rose to 24% - thus making the BHF an essential campaigner for retailers during these hard times.

Jonathan will be remembered for his powerful personality and towering speeches, he had an ability to make everyone he worked with feel special and important, and always ensured that members’ needs were at the heart of all decisions.

He will be greatly missed by all his former colleagues and the members.