‘Her legacy will live forever’ – East Midlands business leaders pay tribute to late Queen
The business community from across the East Midlands has been paying tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, who passed away on Thursday afternoon (September 8).
John Forkin MBE DL, managing director of Marketing Derby, said the late Queen was always quick to support the city.
He added: “Her Majesty was always supportive of Derby and Derbyshire, including awarding city status in her Silver Jubilee and opening Pride Park Stadium. She understood the importance of our tech-based advanced manufacturing economy and was a regular visitor to both city and county.
“As a company, winning the coveted Queen’s Award for Enterprise in 2020 and on a personal level, my recognition as an MBE last year are both highlights of which we are proud.”
Glynis Wright MBE, a partner at law firm Nelsons, told us: “I had the enormous privilege of meeting the Queen and Prince Philip during one of the Queen’s visits to Leicester. I will always remember how the Queen impressed me with her natural dignity and grace. It was such a joy to meet her.
“As we all struggle and strive in our businesses, in our professions and our day to day lives, it is so easy to forget that no matter what paths we choose to follow, we retain always a duty to our families, to each other and to our community – to give back, to serve, to be of use.
“Our wonderful late Queen was the embodiment of selfless dedication to public service and her love and empathy for her country and her people was felt by us all. To honour and remember her, we should all look inward and ask the questions – what can I do to give back, what can I do for my community, how can I now serve? And let that be our Queen’s legacy.”
Meanwhile, Eileen Richards MBE DL, owner of Leicester-based ER Recruitment, told TheBusinessDesk.com that this was particularly sad time for her.
She said: “The entire world will be feeling the great loss of our remarkable monarch. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will be remembered for her many decades of loyal service to the United Kingdom, her passion to make a positive difference and heartfelt smile. It is a privilege to have been honoured and serve the Queen as Deputy Lord Lieutenant – her legacy will live on forever.”
East Midlands Chamber chief executive Scott Knowles said he was “deeply saddened” to learn of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s passing.
He added: “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.”
