13 www.signlink.co.uk Issue 263 - February | March 2026 PEOPLE | NEWS Tributes Paid to Andrew Hickinbotham Tributes have been paid by several members of the exhibition industry, and its related sectors, to Andrew “Andy” Hickinbotham who passed away at the age of 54. In an article posted on LinkedIn, Mark Eddy, a board member for a variety of service companies, and managing director of Network Group, wrote about Hickinbotham who Eddy worked with for over 25 years. In his article, Eddy says “Andy was taken far too early,” and that he is “deeply rocked” by his passing. Hickinbotham’s last role was at exhibition and retail specialist, Tecna, where he worked as head of sales. Jordon Jones, installation technician at Tecna, says: “He was one of the most thoughtful, loving, wonderfully eccentric, and intelligent men I’ve come to know and have had the pleasure to work with.” After falling ill in late November, Hickinbotham was admitted to hospital six days before his passing where he was diagnosed with an extremely rare and aggressive renal sarcoma. In his article, Eddy expressed the thoughts of him and others to Hickinbotham’s family who were in his words: “Proud of everything that Andrew achieved in life.” Starting his career at Hayden International, Hickinbotham then moved to Silver Knight Exhibitions, as well as Sovereign Exhibitions, and GES UK & Europe. Hickinbotham was also responsible for helping establish Human Built during the Covid-19 pandemic and establishing sustainability via initiatives such as Sheltersuit UK. Commenting on Eddy’s article, Peter Bowen, owner of Access Displays, adds: “I’ll always remember the Event Supplier and Services Association (ESSA) golf days – the laughter, the easy conversations, and the way Andy brought people together so effortlessly. Those moments capture him perfectly: warm, inclusive, and quietly influential without ever needing the spotlight.” Concluding his article, Eddy says: “Andy touched more lives than he ever realised, and he will be remembered with enormous respect, affection, and gratitude. He will be deeply missed, but his legacy will live on through the people he supported, the standards he stood for, and the more sustainable, collaborative industry he worked so hard to help shape.” Since his passing, a dedicated web page has been set up to donate money to the Blue Ribbon Foundation and HEAL Rewilding, as well as a place to share memories and pictures of Hickinbotham. The page can be found at: https://andyhickinbotham.muchloved.com Andrew Hickinbotham worked with a number of organisations including Tecna, ESSA, and Service Graphics RMC Digital employee scoops Rising Star Award Alex Pollard, senior contracts manager at wide-format trade supplier company, RMC Digital Print, has been crowned the winner of the Rising Star Award at the 2025 Hull and East Yorkshire (HEY) Business Awards. Pollard started working at RMC Digital five years ago as an apprentice, shortly after leaving school. Since then, he has risen through the ranks to become a full-time contract manager, subsequently earning a senior position at the company while still in his twenties. Speaking about Pollard, the judges for the Rising Star Award said: “Alex is a very deserved winner of this category. He has demonstrated clear progression from apprentice through to senior level, showing growth in his responsibilities and success at every stage. Alex was modest during his interview but came across as extremely passionate about his industry, and he’s actively encouraging others to join it.” Alex Pollard [L] joined RMC as an apprentice shortly after leaving school Soyang announces retirement of Tim Egerton Soyang Europe has announced the retirement of its sales manager, Tim Egerton, who has worked for the company since 2012. Egerton had worked as sales manager for Soyang Europe since joining the company 13 years ago. In a statement on his retirement, Soyang says that he “has played an integral role in the business’s evolution into a leading provider of high-quality media and hardware solutions.” Before working at Soyang, Egerton worked as the technical product manager for both Brook International and Bainbridge International. Earlier this year, Egerton was given the diagnosis of onset Parkinson’s and was advised by doctors to take time for himself and his family. Despite his diagnosis, Egerton still participated in ‘Ride the Trossachs’, a cycle event across the Scottish Highlands, raising funds for charity in the process. Looking ahead to his retirement, Egerton plans to take part in another cycling event this year, again in Scotland, as well as enjoy some rest and relaxation. Tim Egerton, former sales manager at Soyang Europe By Jonathan Pert By David Osgar By Jonathan Pert
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