Tributes paid to corporate financier Tim Edwards

TRIBUTES have been paid to corporate financier Tim Edwards who passed away suddenly on Saturday aged 46, after suffering a heart attack.

Tim was a keen cyclist and was training with friends ahead of a planned cycling trip to Italy this week when he was taken ill.

A devoted family man, Tim is survived by his wife Gale and daughters Carla (15) and Ellie (11).

Tim’s career in business started in 1986 when he qualified as a Chartered Accountant with Spicer & Pegler in Manchester (which later became part of Touche Ross) after studying Economics and Accountancy at Leeds University where he captained the 1st XI football team. 

Between 1990 and 1992 Tim studied at Manchester Business School, gaining an MBA before moving to corporate finance specialists The McInnes Partnership for whom he opened the firm’s second office in Leeds.

In 1994, Tim and his friend and business partner Steve Roberts bought The McInnes Partnership from its founders and renamed the firm McInnes Corporate Finance. 

Dave Irwin joined Tim and Steve in 1999, together they grew the firm to become one of the UK’s leading corporate finance boutiques, delivering hundreds of mid-market transactions and winning numerous accolades.

In 2005 Tim and his partners sold McInnes Corporate Finance to AIM listed Begbies Traynor Group plc but Tim remained with the practice as partner, continuing to grow the business and opened several new offices across the UK.

Tim left the firm in October 2010 to pursue a variety of business opportunities.  Since then, he has advised a number of businesses on both sides of the Pennines in a consultancy and non executive capacity.

An adviser turned entrepreneur, Tim was renowned within the professional services and business community across the North of England for his expertise and ability in corporate finance and wider business, but also for his tenacity and determination.

  These qualities coupled with a down to earth and dry sense of humour and a rare lack of ego won him many friends and enormous respect in and out of his working life.

Tim’s drive in business was matched by a passion for sport and keeping fit, his weekly routine involving running and cycling, and he was also proud to be a lifelong fan of Bolton Wanderers.

Steve Roberts said: “Whilst being all very different Tim, Dave and myself have been very close and above all have had implicit trust in each other.  Many people have seen the blunt, dry Tim but I know the very caring man he was. 

“Over 17 years he has helped me in many work and non-work related matters and was a loyal friend as well as a business partner.  He was always there when I needed him and I will miss him dearly and my thoughts are with his wonderful family.”

Dave Irwin commented: “Joining Tim and Steve in business was one of the best decisions I’ve ever taken in life.  We’ve enjoyed so many good times over the years and shared a unique environment which Tim was undoubtedly the driver for. 

“As well as bringing a sense of fun to work, his straight forward and refreshingly honest attitude touched everyone around him in a positive way.  We should all learn something from the way he lived his life.  I’m going to miss my friend and colleague and my thoughts are also with Gale, Carla, Ellie and his wider family.”

Tim had been working with TheBusinessDesk.com for the last year and he will be enormously missed by all of us. North West editor Chris Barry said: “In a short time Tim became a valued adviser and great friend. He had become a hugely important part of our business.”

Gale wants as many of Tim’s friends as possible to attend the funeral service to be held at 9.15am on Thursday 13 October at St Winifred’s Church, Mauldeth Road, Stockport, SK4 3NB and/or a celebration of his life at 10.45am at The Stanneylands Hotel, Stanneylands Road, Wilmslow, SK9 4EY.

Gale has requested that flowers are limited to the family but anyone wishing to make a donation to Gale’s chosen charity, the Charity diocese of Salford (children and family services) can do so via www.justgiving.com/TimothyFrancisEdwards