Celebrating a Lifetime of Innovation, Leadership, and Dedication to the Hospitality Design Industry
It is with deep shock and sorrow that we inform friends, former colleagues and customers of the passing of Andrew Fordyce, Chairman and founding member of ifse Group.
Andrew peacefully passed away at his family home on Friday 10th of January 2025. He had bravely battled a serious health challenge for a long time, and whilst he had rallied many times; was sadly unable to overcome a recent severe illness.
With a vivid interest in hospitality from an early age, Andrew’s career started in 5-star hotel and night club management before turning his hand to designing and running his own restaurant. This was the foundation for Andrew’s creative flare, leading him, Ron Hodge and Bill Moore to form ifse in 1991, specialising in designing and building spaces for brands that would later include Williams F1, Squires Garden Centres, Boston and Lincoln Hospitals, Sony, Kew Gardens, as well as many more.
A keen designer, at every stage of his career, Andrew would regularly lead the creative vision for client spaces, pioneering new and innovative ideas to answer client’s catering challenges.
Over the years, Andrew’s steady stewardship of the business had allowed the business to grow into the flourishing design-first business that put creative-thinking at the core of its client offering. A testament to Andrew’s commitment to the growing ifse family, he guided the business through a transition into an Employee-Owned Trust in 2022, the first in the industry.
A personable and positive leader, Andrew cultivated a friendly and open atmosphere at the business, ensuring all were heard at every level.
Julia Hill, Group Managing Director of ifse spoke of the passing:
“Andrew was an industry powerhouse, with design expertise that was second to none and his mentorship of so many in our industry who worked with him was the foundation of many careers. A brilliant businessman who steered ifse to become one of the most innovative companies in our industry whilst steadily growing the business, he was always positive and with a brilliant sense of humour. Andrew was simply unique and will be greatly missed. We send our condolences to his wife Maria, children Imogen and Matthew and all his family. Thank you, Andrew, and rest in peace”.
Andrew left his mark on the industry with his innovative ideas, and the ifse family hope to be able to continue this legacy through his spirit. An inspirational leader, colleague and friend to all at ifse, he will be deeply missed.