Images_Digital_Edition_April_2019

www.images-magazine.com APRIL 2019 images 31 IS OBITUARY with them aboard a rather dubious old Russian helicopter to help out. “Paul, who had loads of experience with his own production in the UK dating back to the 1970s, had offered us his support and advice, this was typical of Paul‘s willingness to support his fellow business mates. “In the 1980s the three of us collaborated a lot – buying caps together in China, which Paul later developed into Beechfield, and jackets which I developed into Result, and we’ve continued to work closely together ever since as brand and distributor.” Roger McHugh, managing director of Beechfield Brands, started working for Paul in 1992. “Paul‘s immense stature was clear way back then: he was a visionary leader with true entrepreneurial spirit and determination, and to boot he was always courteous and a true gentleman; you didn‘t need to be in business to appreciate his warmth and charisma, he made everyone feel special and appreciated. “Paul was co-founder of Beechfield, with myself, back in 1994. I have been MD since the very beginning, but Paul funded the business until 2006, when I bought him out. The influence that Paul had on my life cannot be overstated and I will be forever grateful for his mentoring and the opportunities that he gave me.“ Prama Bhardwaj, CEO and founder of Mantis World, said the news of Paul‘s death felt “like a watershed moment for the industry“. Like David, her memories of Paul were of the advice and time willingly given. “One of my first memories of meeting Paul was back in summer 1999 just before we launched Mantis. At that time he agreed to a meeting with me – someone he didn’t really know about a brand that didn’t exist. One of the most memorable bits of advice he gave me when I lamented that I hadn’t yet come up with a name for this new brand was that he found having a glass of wine in the bath often helped. I certainly tried it! Paul was a positive person, ready to give some kindly advice or wisdom – never for personal gain, but because he genuinely wanted to help others succeed. “I don’t think Paul necessarily realised how he touched people’s lives – he had so much experience and knowledge but was always very humble and approachable and above all honest and honourable. Paul was a true gentleman. He did so much to shape this industry into what it is and he will be sorely missed.” Huge influence Katie Stewart, managing director of Henbury, who knew Paul for more than 20 years, pointed to his “huge influence on so many people‘s lives,” and comments: “Paul was one of the true gentlemen of the industry. His humbleness and understated way of doing business will always be admired. He was quick to advise and slow to chide and had a great sense of levelness. He always treated his staff with a wonderful sense of respect and responsibility. Paul will be hugely missed in our industry. He has left behind some wonderful memories and a legacy that will be continued by the next generation. Paul was a very fine man.” Anthony Haber, managing director of Regatta Professional, met Paul in 2007 and immediately sensed that he was “the perfect gentleman“. He comments: “Softly spoken, considerate, generous, humble, kind, courteous, honest, self- effacing – I could go on. When I first visited the PenCarrie head office he insisted that he would personally collect us from the airport, and did his utmost to make us feel welcome and comfortable, offering hospitality – the perfect host. In meetings he never forced his opinion, even though he had the knowledge and experience to do so. He simply made suggestions in his unique way – and they were loaded with wisdom and foresight.“ Kevin Farmer, executive director of Charterhouse Holdings, knew Paul for more than 25 years and reports that he was highly respected and admired for shaping and developing the industry. “Paul worked very closely with his key suppliers developing new opportunities, but also became a very good friend over the years. I attended many of PenCarrie’s social events, which were carried out with meticulous detail, ensuring that all his customers and suppliers had the most wonderful of memories.“ Stephen Ross, CEO of Falk & Ross, remembers Paul as “a true pioneer, with great foresight and understanding of an industry being born“. Paul was, says Stephen, “an English gentleman in every sense of the word, who understood that service and care are of the greatest value”. Stephen Pope, managing director of BTC Activewear, adds: “Paul Persey was a pioneer, a founding father of our industry and respected competitor. He leaves a strong legacy for others to follow.“ Artie Pallari, managing director of Fanela, says over the decades they knew each other, Paul always treated him with total respect and integrity. “A true gentleman and pillar of our industry, Paul‘s drive and vision for the business set the benchmarks which made PenCarrie the ones to follow.“ In PenCarrie‘s statement (which can be read in full at https://imagesmag.uk/ paulpersey), the company says: “Paul’s family legacy is continued with his loving wife Caroline, three daughters, Nicci, Sarah and Clare, of whom he was extremely proud, and his four beautiful grandchildren. A true giant in our industry, he will be sorely missed, dearly remembered and most of all leave a legacy to the industry that will live on for years to come.” If you would like to leave a tribute to Paul, or send a message to his family, please email: tributes@pencarrie.com . Paul and his wife Caroline at the PenCarrie 20th anniversary celebrations in 2011 Paul with his daughters Sarah, Clare a nd Nicci [L-R] at the PenCarrie Christmas party last year