Billingham, Cleveland, UK: Bill Beadnell, chairman of truck dealer North East Truck & Van has died aged 78.
Beadnell was one of the founders of North East Truck & Van in 1969 as an independent service workshop. During the company’s growth he has been its sales director, managing director and latterly chairman. Although he was no longer involved in the day-to-day operation of the dealership Beadnell maintained an enthusiastic interest in company strategy. He was also actively involved in the National Truck Committee of the Retail Motor Industry.
In 2001 Beadnell was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Business Administration from the University of Sunderland and was chairman of the University Development Trust. He was also a vice president of Sunderland AFC.
Today the company he co-founded is one of the largest privately owned commercial vehicle dealers in the country with outlets in Billingham, Blaydon, Carlisle, Hull, Immingham, Lincoln and York.
Sandy McDonald, managing director of North East Truck & Van said: “Many of the things that are best in NETV today are because of what Bill and his fellow co-founders instilled into the culture of our company.
“This is a heritage and culture that I have been proud to be a part of. Together with my colleagues, we’ll work hard to continue building on these solid foundations.” he said.
Bill Beadnell is survived by his wife, Marina, and son Kevin.
