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Mark Kingsbury

Mark Kingsbury, 45, was chairman of family owned electrical wholesalers, Wilts.

Mr Kingsbury joined Wilts in 1980 and learnt the trade at its Bath branch.

He was then appointed manager of Trowbridge branch.

At this time Wilts was beginning to expand its branch network.

With the acquisition of the North Devon branches in 1989, the number of branches had grown to ten and sales had passed the £10 million barrier.

The nucleus of what was to become the Central Distribution Centre was beginning to form, with vehicles going out from Trowbridge branch during the day (overnight deliveries were still a few years off) to replenish each branchs stock.

Mr Kingsburymanaged this function as well as Trowbridge branch itself.

He was appointed Deputy Chairman in 1996 and succeeded his father as Chairman in 2006. During his period as deputy chairman and chairman, Mark guided the company through a sustained period of expansion and has left the legacy of a strong profitable independent business with over 70 branches and sales in excess of £114 million, well placed to face the future and the further planned expansion.

As well as his role within Wilts, Mr Kingsbury worked tirelessly for ANEW (and its predecessor NEDA) over many years serving on Commodity negotiating committees and the Committee of the Board.

He was well respected by the suppliers he dealt with being regarded as a firm but fair negotiator. He became Deputy Chairman of ANEW this year. Mr Kingsbury was also member of the EDAs Board of Management which he joined in 2007.

Mr Kingsbury had a deep love of rugby and had been a lifelong Bath season ticket holder.

He was delighted when his love of rugby was able to be formalised by his companys current sponsorship of Bath Rugby Club, and felt a real pride to see the players wearing the Wilts logo.

Managing Director David Purdon: "I had the pleasure of working with Mark for nearly 20 years, the last 12 as managing director.

"He was respected throughout the electrical wholesaling industry and will be sadly missed by everyone at Wilts and all those who had dealings with him, both suppliers and customers alike. Wilts has always been a family business and this strong family spirit will remain."

He will be remembered fondly as a prominent figure in the industry, and a big contributor to charities. Mr Kingsbury is survived by his wife Sue and son Sean, 20.

If anyone wishes to send a donation in memory of Mark, the family has requested that they be sent to The Liver Trust, UHB Charities, Prospect Hall, 12 College Walk, Selly Oak, Birmingham B29 6LE. Or to the John Warin Ward Trust Fund, The Churchill Hospital, Old Road, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7LJ.

10:35am Wednesday 14th May 2008

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