Trevor Storer

TREVOR Storer founded and was chairman of one of the fastest-growing and most successful businesses in the paper disposables and hygiene sector, the Meltham-based Disposables UK Group, and was responsible for introducing a number of ground-breaking products into the UK – most notably the Bay West range of washroom dispensers.
By The Newsroom
Published 31st Dec 2010, 20:52 BST
Updated 31st Dec 2010, 20:56 BST

A salesman by nature and inclination, he was widely acknowledged to be an effective and enthusiastic communicator who was passionate about his company and the need to build long-term relationships with customers, both in the UK and more recently in Europe. Independent-minded with considerable commercial nous, he was admired and respected by everyone around him.

Trevor William Storer was born in Oldham, Lancashire, in 1953. After an early career as a painter and decorator, he joined the wipers division of I & J Hyman plc as a salesman in 1977. Promotion quickly followed and in 1985, then as sales director, he was part of a management buy out which saw the creation of DTK Limited.

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In 1987, along with his wife Diane, he decided to go it alone and founded Disposables UK working from a small office in Milnsbridge, Huddersfield.

The business has since grown into an award-winning group of companies handling some of the best known brands in the away from home market, including Bay West, Optimum Professional, Prodene Hygiene Products and Ettore. It is one of the biggest employers in the Huddersfield area.

Under his leadership the Disposables UK Group was also the first company in the UK away from home market to hold the coveted EU Eco-label.

A committed Mason, Trevor Storer had two other passions. He was a life-long supporter of Oldham Athletic Football Club and, through Disposables UK, a loyal sponsor of Super League team Huddersfield Giants.

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Away from the office – and never one to say no to a good cause – he spent much of his time raising money for worthwhile organisations, particularly charities connected with children. He was much in demand as a master of ceremonies at charity events and over the years helped raise thousands of pounds for the West Yorkshire Forget Me Not Trust, the Hollybank Trust and Kirkwood Hospice.

At his funeral, attended by more than 600 mourners, Holme Silver Band – a local band sponsored by the Disposables UK Group – played Hail Smiling Morn. Those who knew Trevor Storer, himself an accomplished euphonium player, will think this a fitting tribute to a man who consistently brought a smile to everyone's face through his engaging and charismatic personality – and, of course, his infectious and irrepressible sense of humour.

He is survived by his wife, Diane, who now becomes company chairman, and his daughter Emma and son Paul.