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Express and Star
Fred Shaylor, aged 69, died at his home in Little Aston. Colleagues at the Aldridge firm paid tribute today, saying his sense of humour and down-to-earth nature would be sorely missed.
A ‘local lad done good’, Mr Shaylor came from modest means, starting life in Handsworth, Birmingham with his three siblings. After graduating from his local comprehensive school, he started work in the construction industry with builders T Elvins and Sons.
He quickly honed his trade skills and his keen eye for business led him to set up his own company, FJ Shaylor (Builders and Plumbers) Limited, aged just 25.
Fuelled by the quality of workmanship and professional approach to client relationships, FJ Shaylor’s went from strength to strength, becoming one of the region’s best known businesses.
Mr Shaylor stepped back from the operations’ helm in 1998 and took on the role of chairman of the board.
Paying tribute to Shaylor Group’s founder, company secretary and finance director Gary Turley said: “Fred remained active in his role as chairman, with his wise council helping to guide the company through recessions and economic instability.
“A champion of opportunities for youth, Fred ensured the company provided apprenticeship schemes, work placements and mentoring sessions for local teenagers.
“A generous man by nature, Fred actively supported a number of local charities both personally and through the charitable efforts of the company.
“Fred also enjoyed a love of sport, particularly tennis and golf, and was an active member of Little Aston Golf Club for many years.
“Family and friends will remember Fred for his great sense of humour and down to earth nature.”
Mr Shaylor leaves wife Jan and children Paul, Stephen, Richie and Lana.
Today, Shaylor Group remains a family-led business and employs more than 150 people, with an annual turnover in excess of £50 million.
The company now has four offices throughout the country.
Underlining the company’s growing reputation, it completed its first project for one of the biggest names in motoring last year, helping prepare a former production area at the Jaguar, Land Rover Solihull factory for re-modelling as a quality inspection hall for the new Range Rover.
Earlier this year Mr Shaylor’s daughter Lana became the latest member of the family to join the business, taking up the role of business development executive at its London office.
Her brothers Stephen and Richie are chief executive and operations director respectively.
The company’s stature in the region’s construction industry was further cemented when it received a visit from Bank of England Governor Sir Mervyn King in March.
As one of the West Midlands contacts of the Bank of England, Shaylor Group was selected to sit down with the Governor to provide him with feedback regarding the construction industry climate from a locally based company with a national presence.
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