A tribute to John Binks

It is with great sadness that we inform you that following a long and dignified battle with Cancer John Binks passed away at home early morning on the 26th of September.
In a career spanning 30 years John’s knowledge and passion touched countless people across the industry. With a background in Management Accounting gained at a UK retailer and Sony in the late 70’s, John joined what was then AGB in 1984 where he was instrumental in launching the Retail Audit Panel in the UK which became GfK in 1989. John has inspired clients and colleagues both locally and internationally; whether through his public speaking or through coaching of our International recruits. With an ability to be somehow  both at the cutting edge of the industry and to draw on knowledge going back to the launch of the Walkman and Betamax his views were constantly in demand, and always delivered with a healthy balance of enthusiasm and a wonderfully dry humour.
As a gregarious, humorous yet professional member of our Industry John was a very popular figure and no doubt will be sorely missed by many. As an untiringly enthusiastic and patient colleague  his absence will be felt across the length and breadth of the GfK world by the hundreds of colleagues who have been inspired by him over the years.
Towards the end of 2007 John had decided to spend more of his time focussing on his wide range of interests including; Photography, Music and Ornithology. It is in the field of Ornithology where he also excelled having published a number of papers. John’s interest lead him to travel widely including a trip to the Himalayan foothills of North East India to study the rare and endangered Ibisbill (Ibidorhynchastruthersii).
John was a special character who tackled his illness with immense dignity and at this moment our thoughts are with his family and in particular Janice his wife and constant partner of over 25 years.
The funeral has been confirmed for 14th October at 11.15 am. at Woodham Church, 564 Woodham Lane, Woodham, Woking, Surrey GU21 5SH and after refreshments will be served in the Church Hall which is behind the church and all are welcome.  This is the church which is on the right hand side just before the Six Cross Roads Roundabout on the way to Woking from West Byfleet on the A245.
No flowers please, but donations to Cancer Research to be sent via the Funeral Home:  Lodge Brothers, Unit 2, Technology House, 48-54 Goldsworth Road, Woking, Surrey  GU21 6LE.