8:16 am, September 21, 2023
Tributes have been pouring in for Trade Price Cars founder Dan Kirby, who has passed away at the age of 37.
The former Car Dealer Used Car Awards winner died suddenly earlier this week, leaving behind his wife and two young daughters.
Kirby was a well-known face throughout the UK motor trade and was roundly admired by his colleagues, contemporaries and friends from within the industry.
Car Quay’s Jamie Caple told Car Dealer: ‘Dan was a very talented and driven individual, motor trader, racing driver and a former multiple-time award winner at the Car Dealer Used Car Awards.
‘He was held in such high regard by those who ever had the pleasure of dealing with him, and you only need to look at the comments and tributes made to him across social media to see what he meant to so many people.’
A spokesman for Octane Finance, which Kirby co-founded, added: ‘We are deeply saddened to have lost one of our own Octane family members, our original co-founder Dan Kirby.
‘The industry we love has lost a shining star, Dan was admired and inspired by so many of us. He excelled in anything he put his hand to, whether that be business, motorsport or just being a great guy!
‘Dan was always available to anyone and was first to volunteer his expertise, help and guidance.
‘Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this sad, sad time. Rest in peace Dan.’
Kirby appeared on Car Dealer Live in 2020 and also led Trade Price Cars’ racing team in the 2019 and 2020 BTCC seasons.
Adam Weller, a motorsports journalist, formerly of Car Dealer, said: ‘I had nothing but positive interactions with Dan, both at the track and in my old job at Car Dealer.
‘I was merely an industry colleague, but he made time to make conversation several times. That I’ll never get to shake his hand and catch up again is very sobering.’
A spokesman for the BTCC said on social media: ‘We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former BTCC driver and team owner Dan Kirby.
‘A hugely popular figure in the paddock, Dan will be sorely missed.
‘The BTCC community sends condolences to Dan’s wife Beth, his two daughters, wider family, friends and colleagues.’
According to documents published via Companies House, Trade Price Cars appointed a voluntary liquidator on September 13.
The firm previously won our Used Car Dealership of the Year: Over 100 Cars prize in 2021.
However, more recent times proved difficult and, despite the best efforts of Kirby and his team, the firm appointed liquidators earlier this month.
Friends have also told Car Dealer that the much-loved family-man had been struggling with his mental health over recent times.
Anyone in the motor trade who is suffering with their mental health can contact the industry charity Ben for help.
The organisation runs a specialist hotline that can be contacted on 08081 311333, as well as an online chat service.
Car Dealer sends its condolences to Dan’s friends and family at this very difficult time.
