HIS sartorial style was atypical of the staid local government corridors of power. His immaculate wardrobe included ever-present scarves, vivid socks, suits and sovereign rings.
The 'armour' was part of his personality. It reflected the success he had achieved, always putting his beloved city of Manchester and the wider region at the heart of each and every grand plan.
Everything he did, he did for his city. He was a man who got stuff done, a master dealmaker.
Sir Howard Bernstein, the former chief executive of Manchester council, who has died aged 71, was a fixer-in-chief whose visions reshaped Manchester. He talked big - and delivered.
He was one of a trio of key players whose influence propelled a once tired looking city onto the international stage. Together with Labour council leaders Graham Stringer and Sir Richard Leese, Sir Howard brokered deals others could only dream of.
Reversing decades of decline, he oversaw the city's remarkable transformation from the post-industrial doldrums of the 1980s to the modern city of today.
He knew that to grow and prosper, Manchester had to work closely with the private sector and politicians, whatever their allegiances. Sir Howard, knighted in 2003, stepped down in 2016, 45 years after joining the town hall staff as an 18-year-old junior whose first task was to wash teacups.
He went on to hold advisory roles at Deloitte, the University of Manchester and Manchester City's parent company City Football Group, among others. He was also named an honorary president at City and president at Lancashire Cricket Club.
Sir Howard's incredible legacy includes the regeneration of Hulme - one of the most 'important experiences' of his life - bringing the Commonwealth Games to the city; the success of Manchester Airport; the rebuild after the 1996 IRA bomb; the Metrolink network; the Bridgewater Hall and devolution.
'MANCHESTER HAS LOST ONE OF ITS FINEST'
Denne historien er fra June 23, 2024-utgaven av MEN on Sunday.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra June 23, 2024-utgaven av MEN on Sunday.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Ronaldo hints at retirement - in two years
CRISTIANO Ronaldo says he has not set any plans for retirement but hinted it could come within the next two years.
Carsley's focus on getting job done
INTERIM England boss Lee Carsley is focused on getting the job done by sealing Nations League promotion with victory against the Republic of Ireland in his final match before handing over to Thomas Tuchel.
Selfish parking has driven me to despair
Wheelchair user tells of 'disgust'
Death threats made to medic
A WOMAN banged on the window and shouted death threats at a terrified paramedic who locked themselves in their car after she turned violent during an ugly row with a neighbour.
Street fight captured on CCTV
HORROR footage has shown the moment a fight involving masked thugs erupted on a residential street in Prestwich on Tuesday (November 12).
'He should have had to sit there in that courtroom'
Teenager allegedly sexually abused by man who took his own life speaks out on how she can now move forward.
Town's top cop taking on off-road bikes Interchange
New district Commander makes dealing with scourge one of his first priorites.
Funding for 600 new sustainable homes
MANCHESTER council leaders have approved further funding of £5.1m to advance four new developments by its own company This City to the planning submission stage.
Dad, 50, suffered a sore throat-two days later he died
Family tells of their complete shock and devastation
Demand doubled but we nearly had to close
Foodbank Humans MCR supports 400 families weekly across Manchester but has suffered due to a lack of funding
