Mark Brett, UK agent for Boland Party, looks back at the legacy left by party industry stalwart Dennis Payne, who sadly passed away on 6 February 2018.
“The man who is often credited with being responsible for starting the UK party retail market also holds the record for longest service within the industry with an impressive 57 years. He has also been one of the most influential individuals in the industry, certainly within the UK.
Dennis first started working in the balloon trade in the 1960s, after the company he worked for was taken over by the London Rubber Co (LRC).
He spent much of his time developing trade with the majors and was given the task of developing the balloon business in Europe. Dennis also started developing a range of retail party product, which was unheard of at the time.
In 1982 LRC closed its balloon division and he became the UK agent for Mexican company Latex Occidental, the world’s largest balloon manufacturer.
In 1999 Dennis set up an independent distribution centre and office in Colchester. That business continues to flourish and in 2017 ITI (UK) had its best year ever.”
Dennis passed away peacefully at home on 6 February 2018. He leaves a son, daughter, five grandchildren and four great grandchildren. ITI (UK) will continue to be run by his son-in-law, Brendan Fahy.
A full version of this obituary will appear in the March version of Progressive Party Europe.
