TRIBUTES have been made to the managing director of Salisbury Reds, Andrew Wickham MBE, following his death.

Described as an industry champion, Andrew dedicated his entire working life to the transport industry and remained at the helm of Salisbury Reds’ parent company, Go South Coast, until the very end.

Andrew passed away following a long illness, with Salisbury Reds posting a tribute to his life on Sunday (May 25).

A Salisbury Reds spokesperson said his death has been met with “great sorrow” among their colleagues, and their thoughts are with his family and wide circle of friends at this time.

“His outstanding leadership drove forward the entire Go South Coast team – with colleagues at our operators across the region utterly dedicated to Andrew’s vision to improve services and increase the popularity of bus travel,” a spokesperson said.

“He achieved this and so much more during his tenure – with the number of people travelling by bus along the south coast now amongst the highest in the UK.”

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Andrew was presented with an MBE in January earlier this year, presented by Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, for services to the bus industry – with his career spanning almost 40 years.

Originally graduating from Aston University in 1987 with a BSc (Hons) in Transport Operation and Planning, he joined Brighton Borough Transport in 1986, whilst at university.

Andrew held various roles across the country, including at London General Transport Services, and Plymouth Citybus.

In 2011 he was appointed managing director of Go-Ahead Group owned Go South Coast – consisting of Southern Vectis, Morebus, Unibus, Bluestar, Unilink, Salisbury Reds, Swindon’s Bus Company, Damory, Tourist Coaches, Excelsior Coaches, and Hants & Dorset Trim.

“Under Andrew’s leadership, Go South Coast received many accolades – including Large Operator of the Year – on numerous occasions,” a Salisbury Reds spokesperson added.

“When asked for the secret behind his extraordinarily successful career, he was always humble – repeatedly citing the monumental efforts of his team members.

“Andrew, who was also a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, leaves an outstanding legacy.

“The business is in a very strong position, with the successful team, which has worked alongside him for many years, committed to ensuring Go South Coast remains one of the strongest bus operators in the UK now, and for many years to come.”

Ben Murray, finance director, is taking the reins as interim managing director at Go South Coast, and will be fully supported by the Go-Ahead Group.

Group chief executive Miguel Parras said: “On behalf of everyone at Go-Ahead and Go South Coast I want to pass on our deep condolences to Andrew’s family and loved ones.

“Andrew was a fantastic colleague, and he will be greatly missed. He made a big impression on our business and we will honour his legacy at the appropriate time.”

Managing director of UK Regional Bus Martin Dean said: “I had the privilege of working with Andrew for 26 years.

“His enthusiasm and passion for serving his community was admirable and the loyalty of his team at Go South Coast is a testament to Andrew’s character. We will all miss him.”