Tributes paid to Sue Brownson OBE

TRIBUTES have been paid to Cheshire businesswoman Sue Brownson OBE, who died last week after a long illness.

Mrs Brownson spent nearly 40 years with the Blue Bell Group, the BMW dealership based in Wilmslow, having joined as finance director in 1975.

During her career she rose to become one the most respected figures in the UK motor industry. She was awarded the OBE in 1997 for services to the retail motor industry.

She died on Friday May 3 following a long battle with cancer.

BMW (UK) managing director Tim Abbott led the tributes, saying her death marks “the end of an era”.

Mr Abbot described her as an “extraordinary, inspiring, generous woman, with unburstable energy and enthusiasm”, who would be greatly missed.

He added: “She devoted her working life to the motor industry and the encouragement of small businesses – and of course to Blue Bell, where she dedicated almost 40 years of service, mostly as group managing director.”

Blue Bell finance director Andrew Crowe added: “Sue was an inspiring leader in every sense.Her values permeate throughout the organisation and have created a successful family business where ethics and customer service remain as important as financial success.

“Those who had the pleasure of knowing and working with her were always in awe of her unerring determination and natural ability to lead by example.
“Her door was always open to anyone who needed advice or support. Sue was truly inspirational and will be very sadly missed at Blue Bell and beyond.”

Her commitment to the motor retail sector saw her take on a number of positions.

In 1992, she became chairman of the National Dealer Council. She was a fellow of the Institute of the Motor Industry and in 1996 was named President of the Retail Motor Industry Federation, where she remained on the board until 2005.

In 1999 she was appointed to the board of the Motor Industry Training Council, elected President of the National Franchised Dealer Association and became President of the motor industry charity BEN.

In 2011, she was honoured with the title ‘Modern Muse’ by everywoman – the UK’s leading provider of training, resources and support services for women in business.

She leaves her husband Chris and three children. Funeral details will be announced in due course.