B&B Attachments has paid tribute to George Bell, who passed away on 5 October, surrounded by his loving family.

“George was loved by his family and friends, and it cannot be put into words the loss that is felt by his passing. In addition to his family, those of us who had the opportunity to work with George feel a tremendous loss,” the company says in a statement.

George and wife Irene Bell founded B&B Attachments in 1980. Trading first from their home in Headley, near Newbury, then expanding the business to Inkpen, Berkshire, they later opened an office in the Northeast of England, where George was born.

George had a great love for his hometown of Newcastle upon Tyne, with its bustling atmosphere, cultural heritage and, of course, its football team. George was black and white through and through and enjoyed many a match day at St James Park.

George had a smile for everyone he met. No-one was a stranger for long. Everyone wanted to be around George. Customers gravitated to his kind and authentic nature and orders came easily to him, mainly due to George’s personality and charisma.

George worked with passion, integrity and an unwavering determination. Under George and Irene’s leadership, the business went from strength to strength.

B&B remembers George as an amazing person who played a unique and special role in the lives of all who knew him. Even after retirement, he generously gave his knowledge, his expertise and his time to anyone who needed it.

“Every one of us who knew George and worked alongside him will remember him with great affection. As George would often say, when all is said and done, however much you like your work, it’s the people that really make the difference, and George made the difference,” colleagues say.