Tributes paid to leading industrialist

TRIBUTES have been paid to a South Yorkshire industrialist who spent his professional life championing and serving his home city both as part of his private business enterprises and in a series of public appointments.

The Hon Neil Turner OBE DL, was appointed Sheffield's Master Cutler in 2003, and had been a member of the Company of Cutlers. He died on Wednesday at the age of 69.

The title is currently held by Bill Spiers.

Last night, members of the business community from across South Yorkshire spoke warmly of Mr Turner's contribution to the life of the county and said his work had helped people across many communities.

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Richard Wright, executive director of Sheffield Chamber of Commerce, said: "Neil was a past president of the Sheffield Chamber and a past Master Cutler, but he served the city of Sheffield and the whole of South Yorkshire in so many other ways.

"He was one of our great characters who combined a very successful business career with a massive contribution to the economic development of the city.

"He worked hard in many areas of social enterprise and charity organisations and we owe a great debt to him. Our thoughts go to his family, especially his wife Gillian. They were a highly successful and loving unit and this must be a very difficult time for them.

"His son, Charles, is chairman of the Made in Sheffield brand and is obviously as committed as his father to the future success of manufacturing in this region. Neil was always very proud that Charles carried on his work."