Tributes have been paid to the co-founder of an auction business which grew into an "industry leading company".<\/p>\n
John Pye Auctions said on Tuesday it was with "great sadness" it announced the death of co-founder John Pye at the age of 95.<\/p>\n
The company was founded by John and Ann Pye in 1968 as a partnership named 'Furniture & General Auctions' at Nottingham's old Cattle Market site.<\/p>\n
A statement issued by the firm said "John lived a fantastic life full of laughter and hard work", adding he had a legacy "which will live on forever".<\/p>\n
"He was immensely proud of what John Pye & Sons has become, which is thanks to his determination, vision and every single one of the extended John Pye family – his colleagues over all the years," the statement added.<\/p>\n
"He founded John Pye & Sons in 1968 with just a horse and cart, and lived to see a small business grow into a British industry leading company.<\/p>\n
"Those of you who knew him or met him will know of his larger than life character, and the positive and playful impact he had on those around him.<\/p>\n
For the first two decades, the firm specialised in managing probate house clearances, cessation of business asset disposals and private chattels.<\/p>\n
In 1990, the company was incorporated as 'John Pye & Sons Limited' and relocated to larger premises at Banton House in Meadow Lane, near Notts County's stadium, to expand its client base in the East Midlands.<\/p>\n
It later acquired the former Shipstone's 'Star' Brewery site in New Basford in 1995 as the business grew in the 1990s, the company said.<\/p>\n
The company added it first moved from live traditional auctions to 24-hour timed auctions in 2007.<\/p>\n
In addition to the company's head office in Nottingham, it now has auction hubs across the country, including in Derby, Birmingham, Bo'ness and Margam, with a further site in Zaragoza, Spain.<\/p>\n
"On behalf of the Pye family, we would like to thank everyone for their kind words and support at this incredibly sad time.<\/p>\n
"He will be greatly missed by all of us," the statement from the firm added.<\/p>\n
Auctioneers see surge in Covid-19 bankruptcy sales<\/p>\n