We were shocked and immensely saddened to hear that Barry Proctor, Managing Director at Cutting Technologies in Bolton, passed away at the end of December 2023. Barry was an active and supportive member of AILU’s Job Shop Committee and was a greatly valued AILU member. He was on fine form at AILU’s Job Shop Annual Business Meeting on 22 November 2023.

Cutting Technologies announced Barry’s passing on their website as follows:

“It is with deep regret that we announce the passing away of Barry Proctor, one of the co-founders at Cutting Technologies. Barry passed away in hospital surrounded by his close family after a short battle with a blood infection. Barry’s death has come as a huge shock to everyone at Cutting Technologies and he will be sadly missed.

Barry was not only a great Managing Director but a great mentor and friend to many people in the company and throughout the industry. He was what we call “One of life’s good guys”. Whilst this is a very difficult time for all of us at Cutting Technologies we are continuing to operate and push on with our plans. The day-to-day business will remain the same, as Barry would have wished. Barry’s funeral took place on January 18th 2024. It was a small, intimate celebration of his life, surrounded by family, personal and work friends.”

Colleagues at Cut Tec have added their own tributes:

“Baz was a close friend and mentor. He had a gift for getting the best out of people with his warm, friendly, genuine character. He will be missed but his ethos and culture will live on for many years.”
Leon Allen – Sales & Marketing Director.

“Baz was such a genuine, knowledgeable, down to earth person with a great sense of humour – I couldn’t have asked for a better boss over the last 20 years at Cut Tec, he will be dearly missed by us all.”
Sarah Neville – Finance Director.

John Powell of Laser Expertise and fellow Job Shop Committee Member added:

 “Barry was a great guy who was never happier than when chatting with a pint in his hand. Conversation ranged from putting the world to rights, to the cost of nitrogen – all delivered with humour and intelligence. He was an important member of the AILU Job Shop Committee and will be sadly missed by all of us who knew him. Here is a photo of Barry in his natural environment doing what he did best.”

Barry Proctor (centre) with other members of the AILU Job Shop Committee (image credit: John Powell)