Following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, who ruled the country for over 70 years with poise and dignity, businesses and local leaders have been paying tribute and offering messages of condolence.
Peter Swallow, Managing Director of Bolsterstone Group Plc and chair of Destination Chesterfield, said: “I was very saddened to hear the news about Her Majesty the Queen’s passing. Although she was 96 years of age, her death has still come as a complete shock. She has led the nation for 70 years, ever present for the whole of my lifetime, and a steadfast presence throughout the country’s highs and lows.
“She was a memorable individual with her visit to Chesterfield in 1977 still remaining strong in the memory of many residents in the town. Whether a supporter of the royal family or not, few can disagree that she was dedicated to her role, and the country as a whole, throughout her reign. She will be sadly missed, and may she rest in peace.”
Greg Simpson, founder of Press for Attention PR, said: “Say what you like about the monarchy (and plenty will) but there is one thing that is very clear, the Queen was a pioneer and an inspiration to millions. The Queen was also an unrivalled communicator. Listening to the reports this morning and last night, I was struck by how often the phrase ‘made people feel comfortable’ came up. There was criticism when, back in the late ’60’s, the Queen allowed cameras into the lives of the royals for ‘letting daylight in on the royal magic’ – possibly some of the most misguided criticism I have ever heard. The magic was in letting people in, everyone.”
Fiona Duncan-Steer, founder of RSViP Networking Agency, said: “Your Majesty you have served your country as you promised you would & exceeded expectations in many ways, a constant, loyal guide to many – a Grandma to the nation, thank you for your dedication & hard work.
“You will be greatly missed.”
Sarah Newton, director of Penguin PR, which has offices in Derby and Chesterfield, said: “We have all covered royal visits during our days as journalists and when you‘re part of the arrangements on the day you realise what a big deal they are and how important the Queen and the Royal Family is to the country and local communities. On one visit I ended up standing close to the Queen and watched her moving from person to person talking easily and effortlessly to each and every one, making them feel special.
“So much has happened to the Queen and her family through the years that we can only marvel at the way in which she has conducted herself with the utmost dignity at times when her heart must have been breaking. The only time she put a foot wrong was around the time of Diana’s funeral. I was sent to London to report on the mood among the crowd and it soon became clear quite how upset people were that the Queen had uncharacteristically misjudged the feeling across the country by being slow to respond with the warmth and graciousness that people expected.
“The Royal Family changed after that and I think that ability to adapt was what helped make the Queen so enduring, that and the fact that she never made being Queen of an entire Commonwealth about herself.”
Tom Moore, founding director, WestBridge Group, said: “The directors and staff would like to express their deep sadness on the news of the passing of Her Majesty, The Queen.”
East Midlands Chamber Chief Executive Scott Knowles said: “We are deeply saddened to learn of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s passing.
“The Queen has been the epitome of stability and patriotism throughout her seven decades of unwavering public service, an icon who has symbolised British patriotism across the world.
“As patron of the British Chambers of Commerce, she was a true friend to the business community and as the figurehead of the Commonwealth, she was the tie between nations that have become important trading partners.
“It is with great sorrow that we must now come to terms with a Great Britain without our Queen, but she has already demonstrated to us on so many occasions the strength we will need to move forward.”
Anna Hutton, who owns and runs Derbyshire marketing agency MacMartin with her sister Claire MacDonald, said: “In acknowledgement of this sad day for Britain, many of our clients have chosen not to promote their businesses with ‘sales’ messages whilst the country is in mourning.
“We would like to thank our Queen for her strength, stability and lifetime of service to this country. Dignified, wise and humble, she has been a role model to us all. As women running a business, the way she maintained such a calm and steady presence through seven decades of this country’s history has been a true inspiration.”
Matt Wheatcroft, Managing Director, Purpose Media, said: “On behalf of everyone at Purpose Media, we are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. We send our condolences to the Royal Family at this difficult time.”
Rob Coles, Managing Director, Mather Jamie, said: “We express our deepest sadness on the passing of HM Queen Elizabeth II. Everyone at Mather Jamie offers their sincere condolences to the Royal family at this difficult time.”
G F Tomlinson said: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
“On behalf of G F Tomlinson, we send our thoughts and heartfelt condolences to The King and the Royal Family for their immeasurable loss.
“As the longest ever reigning monarch, for 70 years Her Majesty devoted her life to the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth, and her dedication and unwavering service to her duty is an example to us all.”
The Lord Mayor of Nottingham, Cllr Wendy Smith, and the leader of Nottingham City Council, Cllr David Mellen, said: “Along with the rest of the country, we are deeply saddened to hear of the death of Her Majesty The Queen. She has dutifully and gracefully served for 70 years – longer than any other British monarch – and was held in great affection and respect by her country.
“We were proud and honoured to host many visits by The Queen as a city, including memorably in her Diamond Jubilee year 10 years ago and it’s particularly sad that her death comes during her Platinum Jubilee year when the country has been celebrating her long reign.
“As a mark of respect and sorrow, we will fly flags on our buildings at half mast and open a Book of Condolence at the Council House and at locations around the city. If people wish to lay flowers they can do so on the Council House steps.”
Mark Fryers, Managing Director, Link ICT, said: “Everyone is deeply saddened to hear that Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has died. Sincere condolences to the Royal Family as we celebrate the life of such a great leader.”
President and vice-chancellor of the University of Leicester, professor Nishan Canagarajah, said: “Our deepest sympathies go to members of the Royal Family and we join the nation in mourning this enormous loss.
“Her Majesty The Queen was monarch for the entire history of the University, since we were granted our Royal Charter in 1957, and her era also spanned the earlier period when we were a University College.
“She was an abiding influence and visited the University on two occasions – we are indebted to her for her support and for her influence.
“Her memory lives on, not simply in the buildings that she opened, but in the very purpose of our existence as a University established under her authority. In the year that we celebrated the centenary of our foundation, we give thanks for her unparalleled role as a defining figure of our time.
“The University will mark her passing in a number of ways out of respect. On behalf of the University community, including staff, students, alumni and supporters, we offer our deepest condolences.”
Penguin PR account manager Kerry Ganly, a former sports journalist, was a guest at Pride Park Stadium when HRH Queen Elizabeth II officially opened the stadium. Along with hundreds of school children, Kerry witnessed Her Majesty take a tour of the Rams’ new ground.
She said: “The Queen has been a constant in my life and I was privileged to be at Pride Park Stadium – along with many others – when she opened the new home of Derby County in 1997. It was the first-ever football stadium she had opened. Wearing a stunning yellow suit, she greeted the crowd with a smile and looked so happy. I have precious photographs of the day and that memory will stick with me forever.”
Leicester City mayor Sir Peter Soulsby said: “I am profoundly saddened by the news of Her Majesty’s passing and, on behalf of the city, extend my sympathies to our new monarch and all of the Royal Family.
“Queen Elizabeth was on the throne for more than 70 years – the longest reign of any British monarch – and in that time was a tireless ambassador in the service of the country and the wider Commonwealth.
“During her lengthy reign, The Queen oversaw vast changes politically and domestically, both at home and internationally.
“She always acted with remarkable grace and composure, which inspired genuine affection from across the world. Her passing truly marks the end of an era.”
Kul Mahay, who spent more than 30 years working for Derbyshire Constabulary before setting up his own leadership and emotional intelligence business, said: “We will likely never see a leader so consistently dedicated to their duty for so long. Almost everyone in the UK and, indeed, around the world, will have known her as Queen throughout their lives. May she rest in peace.”
Adam Pye, Managing Director at John Pye Auctions, said: “Queen Elizabeth II reigned with dignity, elegance, and grace. She was constant in all of our lives. She devoted her life to this country and we have lost a truly great Monarch. An extremely sad day for us all.”
The vice-chancellor and president of the University of Nottingham, professor Shearer West, said: “The University community joins the Royal Family and the nation in mourning the loss of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
“As sovereign to the UK and Commonwealth for more than 70 years, and as the longest-reigning British Monarch, she leaves behind an extraordinary legacy of service and dedication.
“From a young girl who did not expect to be Queen, to an iconic and celebrated figure who became Britain’s longest reigning monarch. For every generation, she provided an example and continuity that unites us today in offering our heartfelt condolences.”
Lee Jepson, director of Derby-based L.E.A.D. IT Services, which specialises in IT support for schools and multi-academy trusts, said: “It is incredibly sad. Our thoughts at L.E.A.D. IT Services are with the Royal Family and the wider Commonwealth following the passing of HRH Queen Elizabeth II.”
Adam Holland runs sports coaching company Progressive Sports in the East Midlands. He said: “It’s well-known that Her Majesty was a sports fan and everyone here at Progressive Sports in the East Midlands sends their deepest condolences to her family, the UK and Commonwealth during this incredibly sad time.”
Ben Dorks, CEO of Ideagen, said: “We were truly saddened to hear of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and send our deepest sympathies to the British Royal Family at this time.”
Kyla Bellingall, partner and head of BDO in the Midlands, said: “Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II personified the very meaning of dignity, devotion and courage and was an example of true leadership. On behalf of the firm, we want to express our sadness at her passing. During her long reign and dedicated service she was a constant in all our lives. Our thoughts are with the Royal Family at this time.”
Beverley Wakefield, owner of Vibrant Accountancy, added: “The Queen has been an inspiration to me and so many people; we are so very sad to hear of her passing at Vibrant Accountancy.”
