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David had had a career as a lobbyist, in the 1980s on the controversial Sunday trading campaign when he represented the retailers' interests.
Through his connections from that campaign, he was approached to help to set up the PCG (later IPSE) in 1999, when the then Labour government tried to introduce the IR35 tax on freelancers.
David co-founded the PCG and was one of its earliest directors. His contribution was primarily on the political side having links within the Labour Government and the Conservative Opposition.
He used many of the lessons learnt from the successful Sunday trading campaign to raise the profile of the 'contractors' tax'. He organised a what is still one of the largest attended 'green card' lobby of Parliament on what became known as 'Contractor Wednesday', ran several fringe meetings at Party Conferences and was instrumental in taking forward judicial reviews against the measure and the 'Arctic Systems' Section 660 case which successfully contested the so-called married couple's tax through to the House of Lords.
CEO of IPSE, Chris Bryce said: "David’s colleagues on PCG’s Consultative Council and Board always found him to be a tireless and cheerful person and a great man to take problems to. His Chairmanship of PCG saw the organisation develop from single-cause campaign group to a representative of the entire contracting industry. His warm personality meant he was friends with everyone he met. Once you had his respect, you had it for life.
"Since David left the Board of PCG, we were always amazed by his cheerful disposition in continuing his work with the Federation of Small Businesses while at the same time promoting the cause of contractors, and continuing the fight against IR35.
"He was passionate and committed to PCG/IPSE, and will always be remembered as a valued freelancer and trusted advisor to the organisation. The contractor sector would not be where it is today if not for David and I know David would want all of IPSE to keep up the good work. He will be sorely missed by all."
David is survived by his wife Sylvia, and their two sons.
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Susie Hughes © Shout99 2016
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