Tributes paid following death of Chamber board member

Business leaders have paid tribute to a long-serving Chamber board member who has passed away after a short battle with cancer.

Simon Purkess (pictured), who was also a partner at KPMG, passed away on Thursday 22 July.

Simon joined KPMG in 1988 after completing a degree in Mathematics at Warwick University, and he worked within the firm 's audit practice.

After spending many years as an auditor, Simon became a partner in 2003 and most recently, he headed up the firm 's retail and consumer markets practice in the Midlands.

Outside of KPMG, the father of four was also a decorated clarinettist who played for Birmingham Symphonic Winds.

Henrietta Brealey, chief executive of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, said: “Simon was a highly valued member of the Chamber board and audit committee.

“He was incredibly supportive of the work of the Chamber and personally to me as I took up this role earlier this year.

“His generosity, positivity and genuine interest in developing others will be truly missed and we are grateful to him for all that he contributed.

“My, the GBCC 's board 's and wider team 's thoughts are with all who knew him who will be feeling his loss at this time - most of all his family. ”

Karl Edge, Midlands regional chair and Birmingham office senior partner at KPMG, said: “We 're deeply saddened by the death of our partner, colleague and dear friend Simon.

“Simon was a constant friend and much-loved by those who knew him and had the opportunity to work with him.

“His warmth, support and optimism would light up any room he walked into and he genuinely cared about people beyond the boundaries of the office.

“Simon was a highly respected member of the business community and made a significant contribution wherever he went. He will be sorely missed.

“Simon 's wife, Danielle, and his four children are very much in our thoughts. ”