A SILENT tribute has been paid to the “charismatic” boss of company managing administration services for South Holland and East Lindsey district councils.
South Holland District councillors paid tribute at their meeting on Wednesday to Stephen Bayliffe, who died at the age of 51 and was managing director of Compass Point Business Services (CPBS).
Coun Paul Przyszlak said: “Steve had a background in outsourcing and his enthusiasm for the vision created by the two founding councils shone through.
“He led the company through the difficult start-up work, including the restructuring and implementations of new systems - and achieved the targeted savings in year one of the founding councils.
“At all levels, Steve was an inspiration to all those who came into contact with him.”
Among the messages of condolence the council has received was one from an apprentice trainer who said: “I don’t think I have ever met anyone who could inspire, motivate and enthuse other people.”
An apprentice said: “Steve was a genuinely great guy and an inspiration to me.
“I met him in my interview just under two months ago and he gave me his card regardless of whether I got the job or not.
“It’s not often you come across such a genuine and all-round great guy – he always made me feel like I was part of something.”
Coun Fiona Martin, who chairs Compass Point Business Services Board, said: “Steve was an inspiration to everyone he worked with and he will be greatly missed.”
Team members said: “When someone has such a wonderful character – inspiring, motivating, caring and friendly.
“It is hard to believe that all you can do now is remember those wonderful qualities.
“We must try extra hard to hold on to those memories and to strive to make CPBS what he believed it could become.”
Coun Chris Brewis added: “We needed a charismatic character for Compass Point and we certainly got one in Steve.”