THE chairman of family-owned Trowbridge-based company Wilts, Mark Kingsbury, died on May 8, aged 45.

He had worked his way up in the electrical wholesalers business, having joined it in 1980 and learned the trade at its Bath branch.

Mark was then appointed manager of the Trowbridge branch, at a time when Wilts was beginning to expand its branch network.

Mark was appointed deputy chairman in 1996 and succeeded his father as chairman in 2006.

As deputy chairman and chairman Mark guided the company through a sustained period of expansion and created a strong profitable independent business, which now has more than 70 branches and sales in excess of £114 million and is planning further expansion in the future.

Mr Kingsbury was well respected by the suppliers he dealt with, being regarded as a firm but fair negotiator.

He had a deep love of rugby and had been a lifelong Bath season ticket holder. He was delighted when his company was abled to sign its current sponsorship of Bath Rugby Club, and felt a real pride to see the players wearing the Wilts logo.

Managing director David Purdon said: "I had the pleasure of working with Mark for nearly 20 years, the last 12 as managing director.

"He was respected throughout the electrical wholesaling industry and will be sadly missed by everyone at Wilts and all those who had dealings with him, both suppliers and customers alike.

"Wilts has always been a family business and this strong family spirit will remain."

Mr Kingsbury will also be remembered fondly as a prominent figure in the industry, and a big contributor to charities.

He leaves his wife Sue and son Sean, 20. Donations in his memory can be made to the Liver Trust, UHB Charities, Prospect Hall, 12 College Walk, Selly Oak, Birmingham B29 6LE or to the John Warin Ward Trust Fund, the Churchill Hospital, Old Road, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7LJ.

1:51pm Thursday 15th May 2008

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