During a long career Liverpool businessman John Haynes inspired generations of entrepreneurs and he will be posthumously honoured by the city this week. Tony McDonough reports
When Liverpool businessman John Haynes died in December 2020 his passing was mourned by many of the city’s most successful entrepreneurs.
Via his Liverpool Coaching Academy, John inspired countless people to “fly with the eagles”. Now his immense contribution to the city will be honoured in a special ceremony at Liverpool Town Hall on Wednesday, April 13.
After leaving school at 16, John worked at a furniture factory in Kirkby. He was made redundant following its closure and later began working as a salesman for Royal Insurance in Liverpool.
He worked his way up to regional director and was in charge of 1,500 people. He left the company in 1998 and used what he had learned about business and leadership and launched the Liverpool Coaching Academy. It was here he coined his personal catchphrase “fly with the eagles”.
The business went from strength to strength and John took his expertise overseas, operating as far afield as Australia and the Middle East. He also raised thousands of pounds for a town in Kenya which has been left devastated by a terrorist bomb.
In 2020 John was diagnosed with motor neurone disease. His partner Linda announced his passing on his Facebook page, saying that “John had left us peacefully in his sleep”.
He was a regular at business events in the city and helped to inspire a new wave of entrepreneurs. Andrew Dwerryhouse, founder of one of Merseyside’s most successful SMEs, brand marketing specialist Wild Thang, described John as a “master mentor” and his “special friend”.
This week will be posthumously awarded the title of Citizen of Honour at Liverpool Town Hall in recognition of his hugely influential contribution to the business community of the city, and beyond.
The John Haynes Foundation has been set up in his memory to inspire others to continue his work. It was launched as a charitable foundation in summer 2021 and has the aim of transforming the lives of one million people.
Liverpool Lord Mayor, Cllr Mary Rasmussen, said: “John Haynes was a true inspiration for many people and I am delighted that we are honouring him. He loved Liverpool and never missed an opportunity to promote it, no matter where in the world he was.
“It is fantastic that The John Haynes Foundation continues to honour his legacy, supporting people of all ages and from all walks of life to transform and enhance their lives and careers.”
Hilda Yarker, chair of the John Haynes Foundation, added: “John Haynes was one of the most high profile, respected business leaders across the Liverpool city region and beyond. Since John passed away in December 2020 his legacy continues through The John Haynes Foundation and all those who were influenced by his teachings.
“Along with John’s family, the Patrons, and Trustees of the foundation we are delighted to see John posthumously awarded the Liverpool City Council Citizen of Honour Award. This is a fitting tribute to a man whose impact will continue to be felt for generations to come.”