Heartfelt tributes have been paid to a respected and much-loved former Eastwood businessman after he died suddenly while on holiday.

Martin Gibbons was a well-known figure in Southend as the driving force behind the long-standing business JEGS Electrical, a wholesale distributor of high quality electrical and DIY accessories, which he founded on April 20, 1970 with just £400 and a beaten up old van.

His simple philosophy to "always pay your money on time to your suppliers", along with his business integrity, earned him the respect of his peers. He also passionately advocated for the interests of small business.

The company was based at Ely Road in Southend before moving to Progress Road in Eastwood, where it has stayed since.

Sadly, in 2007, the multi-million-pound business faced a devastating setback when a fire razed their operations to the ground with a whopping £3million worth of stock destroyed.

Echo: Martin Gibbons (centre) at his former businessMartin Gibbons (centre) at his former business (Image: Family handout / BIRA)

Martin rebuilt the company from the ground up and, in just five weeks,  JEGS was back in operation, a testament to his determination and the close-knit relationships he had fostered with his suppliers and staff who helped him get back on his feet.

In 2017, Martin and his daughter Eloise made the difficult decision to sell JEGS. Despite the sale, the legacy of JEGS and his enduring commitment to the industry continued.

Eloise, says her father was a sociable and fair man, but one who wouldn’t "suffer fools gladly".

“He was a great role model to myself and my sister Helga. He always pushed us to do our best. He had been involved in retail since the age of 10, working at his aunt and uncle’s off licence,” she commented.

“He was naturally gifted salesman, but also knew how to buy. Despite being dyslexic, which wasn’t something recognised when he was at school, he could work out prices and costs for things,  how to sell them very quickly and knew just what his customers wanted. It was a pleasure to work alongside him and learn all he knew.”

JEGS was named supplier of the year four times by the British Independent Retailer Association (Bira) and once by the British Hardware Federation.

Martin was also a driving force behind Bira and Bira Direct, serving as a main sponsor and working in close collaboration to further the interests of independent retailers.

The businessman was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease in 2019, which he kept very quiet initially.

He died from a heart attack while on holiday with his wife Lyn and some friends in Marbella in June. His funeral was held at the beginning of August. 

Jeff Moody, managing director for Bira Direct, said: "Martin was an industry stalwart who passionately advocated for the cause of independent retailers.

"His legacy will forever remain a beacon of inspiration, and his contributions will continue to shape the industry's landscape."