Edward Binks

Mr Binks, who has died aged 97, was born in Leeds and remained based in Yorkshire throughout his life.

After leaving school, he joined Cawoods, a Leeds coal merchant

business. He went to night school to learn basic accounting skills, and with his forthright character, agile mind and capacity for hard work, quickly made his mark, becoming a director by the time he was 30.

Cawoods grew rapidly in the 1930s and 40s, and was floated as a public company by Cazenove in 1947 with Eric Towler, Arthur Holmes and Mr Binks, the directors at the time, all retaining significant shareholdings.

The solicitors acting for Cawoods advised that the flotation had no chance of success because of the economic climate, and refused to meet Cazenove.

It was typical of Mr Binks's tenacity and determination that he carried on regardless. He travelled to London with Eric Towler and the terms of the flotation were settled in a day. Mr Binks was later to become chief executive and chairman.

Cawoods continued to flourish after the flotation, developing interests in coal and oil distribution, quarrying, building and road materials and shipping.

It became one of the largest customers of the National Coal Board and of sufficient importance in the coal industry to warrant Margaret Thatcher arranging a private meeting with Mr Binks at his offices in Harrogate to obtain his views on the difficult issues she was facing with the industry.

Mr Binks's ability to identify and exploit opportunities led to an investment in oil exploration licences in the North Sea which paid off with a significant stake in the Ninian Field.

This in turn led to Cawoods taking a valuable holding in Lasmo, the quoted oil company. Mr Binks was to play an important role in the development of that company. In 1980, the Sunday Express reported: "Eddie Binks provided much of the cement of practical industrial experience that held the infant oil company so successfully together."

In 1982, Cawoods merged with Redland (which was later taken over by LaFarge) with Mr Binks joining the Redland board and also continuing as chief executive and chairman of Cawoods until his retirement in 1985 at the age of 73.

Over the years, he gave generous support to both local and national charities. However, his main interest was medicine.

He was actively involved with the West Riding Medical Research Trust from its inauguration in 1968, becoming vice-chairman to Sir George Martin, whom he succeeded after five years. He was also responsible for procuring the donation which financed the Chair in Molecular Medicine at Leeds and the appointment of Alex Markham as professor.

Mr Binks had a keen interest in golf and football, being a member of Alwoodley, Ganton and Moortown Golf Clubs.

His top priority was his family. He was dedicated to his wife Bessie whom he married in 1937. He was also a committed father and grandfather, offering unstinting support and encouragement.

He was a larger than life character with enormous zest for life. Congenial company, he combined humour with absolute integrity, good judgement and a passion for fellowship. At the time of the Cawoods/Redland merger, the Financial Times commented: "When Eddie Binks was created, they broke the mould."

Predeceased by his wife and their son John, he is survived by their son Nigel, three grandchildren and a great granddaughter.