Tony Lofthouse, businessman

Tony Lofthouse, who has died at 74, was a key figure in the marketing of the Fisherman's Friend, the cough lozenge that made Fleetwood famous.

By The Newsroom

Published 17th Feb 2018, 09:17 BST

Tony Lofthouse, of the Lofthouse of Fleetwood Ltd company

With his wife Doreen, he helped to turn Lofthouses, a small local concern, into a £180m empire with sales worldwide.

As managing director, he was the driving force of the company, with Doreen its public face.

Born in the West Riding town of Methley, his family moved to Fleetwood, on the Fylde coast, when he was young. He attended the local grammar and forged a lifelong interest in trawlers and fishing.

Away from the office, he helped to restore the heritage trawler Jacinta and amassed an impressive collection of memorabilia.

He also contributed to a number of maritime books and was still working at the factory on Copse Road until shortly before his death.

Fleetwood Fylde