Dawson & Sanderson founder and chairman Tom Dawson has died aged 92.
He started Dawson & Sanderson in 1962 in Ashington, Northumberland, and grew the business to comprise of 20 agency branches, interests in business travel and foreign exchange as well as a golf club.
David Chambers, business development director for the Newcastle-based agency group, said: “We are all deeply saddened by Tom’s passing. He was a truly charismatic leader and leaves a great legacy.
“Although Tom was not actively seen in the company in recent years, he was very much at heart of the business, attending board meetings and weekly catch-ups, and always coming up with new ideas to improve our business and guiding us with his vast knowledge of the industry.
“Tom lived for Dawson & Sanderson, and his ethos always remained the same.
“He started the business as a small family business, and this never changed throughout the years, as every member of the team was classed as family. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.”
In his later years, Tom spent most of his time at Longhirst Golf Club in Morpeth, creating a place that was accessible to all ages and demographics.
Funeral arrangements have yet to be confirmed.