Publican and national campaigner Ian Cox passes away
Cox lost his beloved wife Eileen just before Christmas 2017 and then started chemotherapy himself in the middle of November 2018, but lost his battle this month (January 2019).
He had been running the Fox & Flowerpot, in Woking, Surrey, with his son Darren, having previously worked for many years as a licensee, and also a defence contractor following his time in the army. He also, as a result of his own experiences working for a multi-site pub operator, became a passionate and effective pub campaigner.
Cox was a well loved and respected member of Licensees Supporting Licensees and Justice for Licensees. He sat on the Justice for Licensees Council and then became a member of the steering group on the Fair Deal for Your Local campaign in 2013. He then became a founder steering group member of the British Pub Confederation in 2015.
He was well known for his sense of humour and he loved his football and was a very proud supporter of the armed forces and veterans’ organisations.
Cox's funeral is at 1pm tomorrow (Friday 1 February) at St Andrew's Church, Goldsworth Park, Woking, followed by a reception back at the Fox & Flowerpot.
Truly committed
British Pub Confederation chairman Greg Mulholland said: “Ian Cox was a passionate and dedicated pub campaigner, qualities he showed in all aspects of his life.
“His only motivation in taking up pub campaigning and supporting reform of the pubco model was that it would help other licensees suffering unfairness and exploitation – things he had previously seen himself first hand.
“He always had something worth contributing to national campaigns and organisations and had a wicked sense of humour and love for pubs and publicans that shone through all he did.
“Ian was truly committed to the organisations he supported, including the British Pub Confederation and licensees have lost a real fighter for justice.
“Ian will be sorely missed and our condolences and thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues, but we will never forget Ian nor his contribution towards the campaign for a fairer pub sector.”
Fought for beleaguered trade
Justice for Licensees founder Inez Ward added: “We first met Ian on The Morning Advertiser forum and then in person at the pubco peaceful protest of January 2009, we became friends for life.
“Ian was a licensee for a good proportion of his life and loved the job.
“He sat on Justice for Licensees council and fought very hard to bring some justice and fairness to this beleaguered trade, he will be sorely missed.
“He helped many tenants when they were facing very difficult times, he will not be forgotten.
“Sincerest condolences and love to the family, we are thinking of them at this difficult time.”
