Russell Dryden, the driving force behind the Blue, passes away

Aged just 64, the passing of ‘Mr Fish Man' has shocked many in the Bermondsey business community and beyond.

Known to many as The Blue's Fishmonger, Russell’s death has sent shockwaves throughout the area in which he was born, grew up in, and in which he was a driving influence on businesses. He took over a fish stall at the Blue Market Bermondsey in 1990 and had run it for the past 34 years.

In 2014 he founded the Blue Bermondsey Business Improvement District (BID) and last year, it was renewed for a third term with more than 80% of support in YES votes.

The BID exists to promote the area, attract investment and drive forward projects that improve the trading environment for local businesses and the community. Russell has lived in the area his whole life and was rightly proud of The Blue, and he always aimed to make The Blue a better place for residents and businesses.

As BID manager, Russell led the 'Greening The Blue' campaign, which included support for local organisation Trees for Bermondsey to improve to the local Shuttleworth Park, a project in progress.

One of the most prominent BID’s successes was GLA’s £2 million 'Made in Bermondsey regeneration Project' to transform The Blue and its historic outdoor market.

"An inspirational local character who lived and breathed the Bermondsey community. When the Southwark Construction Skills Centre was based in Bermondsey, Russell introduced and supported us in recruiting and finding local people for local job opportunities in the construction industry. Russell is a true Bermondsey legend."

John White MBE, The Skills Centre (London) Director

After achieving the opening of Hannah Orchard Walk, Russell worked with Greystar to open another arch to link The Biscuit Factory with the High Street to increase footfall in the area, Luds van den Belt, the manager, and Russell as chairman of Big Local Works, secured the market operator licence to run The Blue Market. Since then, it helped to bring more traders and host events such as Young Traders Market.

Bermondsey Carnival was Russell's most known project in which his involvement was notable, managing to bring it back after the COVID pandemic.

Local community initiatives were always at the heart of Russell’s work as manager of the BID which led him to get involved in projects such as Low Line, The Construction Skills Centre, and Big Local Works.

Under Russell's leadership, the BID started offering free services to members such as 'Dr Bike' repairs, an online business directory, and recycling services among others.

Russell, as manager of the BID, played an important role supporting both, businesses and community, with popular events and business initiatives.

Above all, Russell truly loved The Blue, and his legacy and work will continue thanks to the Blue Bermondsey BID he represented so proudly.

"As a bid manager, Russell Dryden elevated Southwark Park Road and the surrounding businesses. He was a visionary and a very positive person who believed in The Blue. His tireless work and vision for the future of The Blue and its surrounding area are a legacy that we, as a BID, hope to carry on and make him proud."

Jack Shah

Chairman. Blue Bermondsey BID