TRIBUTES poured in for well-known businessman Bryan Lloyd, founder and CEO of Lloyd Motor Group, who passed away yesterday.
The news has been met with an outpouring of grief on social media from those who knew Mr Lloyd, 68.
Mr Lloyd passed away suddenly, but peacefully, as confirmed in a statement to the News & Star by his family.
During a career spanning six decades, Mr Lloyd was responsible for building up the Lloyd Motor Group business from a single BMW dealership in West Cumbria to one of the UK’s most successful independent Automotive Groups, employing over 1,400 colleagues.
Hundreds of tributes were posted on social media from friends, current and previous staff members of Lloyd Motor Group.
Mr Lloyd, who was described as a ‘true gentleman in life and in business’, was said to have known every member of staff’s names by sight.
David Archbold posted on the News & Star/Cumberland New’s Facebook Page: ‘Such sad news to hear today. I’ve known Bryan for nearly 50 years and he has never changed. He was one of life’s true gentlemen and will be missed by many.’
David Allen of David Allen Accountants of Dalston, said: “Bryan was a prominent businessman who was very, very popular in the community. I knew him for many years and dealt with him in both a personal and business capacity. His passion, enthusiasm, positivity and boundless energy for all things has left a lasting legacy.”
Ben Hodgson of Ben Hodgson Cars, said on social media: “You can only take your hat off to Bryan’s success in business and this is such sad news.”
Paul Dickson, CEO and Managing Partner of Armstrong Watson said in a tribute to the News & Star: ” It is with profound sadness that we at Armstrong Watson acknowledge the passing of Bryan Lloyd, a towering figure in the motor trade industry in Cumbria and the North of England. Bryan’s remarkable journey from a single BMW dealership in West Cumbria to establishing one of the UK’s most successful independent automotive groups is a testament to his vision, dedication, and entrepreneurial spirit.
“Bryan was not only a brilliant businessman but also a mentor and inspiration to many. Despite running such a large and successful business, he always made time for his clients and customers, ensuring they felt valued and appreciated. His commitment to excellence and his unwavering support for his colleagues and community have left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing him. His legacy will continue to inspire us and guide us in our endeavours.
“On behalf of Armstrong Watson, I extend our deepest condolences to Bryan’s family, friends, and colleagues at Lloyd Motor Group. We share in your grief and honour Bryan’s memory by striving to uphold the values and standards he exemplified throughout his illustrious career.
“Rest in peace, Bryan.
In a statement Mr Lloyd’s family said: “It is with profound sadness that we share the news of Bryan Lloyd’s sudden and peaceful passing on 9th January 2025. Bryan, the founder and CEO of Lloyd Motor Group, will be deeply missed.”
“During a career spanning six decades, Bryan was responsible for building up the Lloyd Motor Group business from a single BMW dealership in West Cumbria to one of the UK’s most successful independent Automotive Groups, employing over 1,400 colleagues.
“His legacy, which will continue to inspire us, is a testament to his enormous contribution to his family, those who worked with him and people in the local community.
Lloyd Motor Group is recognised as one of the UK’s leading independent automotive groups and represents some of the world’s ‘most prestigious’ automotive manufacturers.
Starting its journey with a BMW retailer in Cumbria in 1976, the family-owned company has grown throughout northern England and southern Scotland, gaining ‘valuable experience’ that allows them to offer ‘industry-leading’ customer service standards.
Lloyd Motor Group took over Stratstone Tyneside BMW & MINI, located just outside Newcastle on Silverlink Shopping Park, last October.The business has been renamed Lloyd North Tyneside BMW & MINI.The merger sees 57 new colleagues join Lloyd Motor Group, with 18 new jobs to be created across accounts, aftersales, sales, and operations.This acquisition comes just six months after Lloyd Motor Group acquired Walkingshaw Volkswagen and Kia in West Cumbria.