It is a great sadness to hear that Francis Ives, the former charismatic Chairman of Cyril Sweett, has died aged 76 on 27 October.
Francis was a well known quantity surveyor with a love of classic sports cars, holidays in his Italian house, fine wine and a passion for model railways. He was a highly respected leader in the commercial property world for over three decades from the 1980’s onwards, working with many of the top UK property companies on some of the largest shopping centre and office developments of the day.
During his chairmanship of Sweetts from 1991 – 2010, he presided over some interesting times, buying back the business in 1998 from a sale to Chesterton’s in 1994, a listing on the London Stock Exchange in 2007 and then going through some turbulence before being bought by Currie & Brown in 2016. During his time as Chair, Sweets expanded internationally and became a dominant name in the property world mainly in the UK, Europe and North America..
A great believer in giving back, Francis was one time President of The British Council of Shopping Centres (now Revo), a Board member of the British Council for Offices and Chairman of the BCSC Educational Trust.
Francis had an infectious smile and, as quoted frequently in the property press, a perma-tan! Condolences to his wife Janet and their two sons William and Ed.
——-Written by Derek Barker, CooP UK. National Council Member and ——-
Some Words From Our Members:
Andrew Ogg, Consultant Architect, Andrew Ogg Architects
“Terribly sad news. Another of the greats of our industry who will be fondly remembered. He contributed so much, worked on so many of the significant projects of the last 40 years and made a lasting contribution to BCSC during his Presidency. His charming company and hosting of many business events including dinner at the Hotel de Paris in Monte Carlo and many MIPIM Challenges are happy memories.”
Mark Williams, Director, RivingtonHark
“Very sorry to hear. Someone who was always there to offer advice and support.”
Yvonne Boyd, Operations Director, Revo
“So sorry to hear this, condolences to the Ives family on the loss of a wonderful man.”
Michael Green, Non-Executive Director, CoreTech Solutions and past Chief Executive of BCSC/Revo
“Very sad to hear this news. Francis was a true gentleman and a great supporter of BCSC and a great help to me when I became Chief Executive. Sending condolences to his family and friends.”
Edward Cooke, and past Chief Executive of Revo
“A wonderful man, charming and smart. I suspect he lived a great life. My thoughts are with you all x.”