Tim Smith, chief executive of The AFE Group of companies, of which Falcon is a part, said: “Colin was known by us all for his immaculate dress code, his honest values, and a professional and no-nonsense approach.
“He had a command and presence about him that marked him out in our industry. Most importantly however, for Falcon and its customers alike, he was the man who we could always rely on to get the job done.
“He was a hardworking and hugely respected colleague, and passionate about Falcon’s success. We had celebrated Colin’s recent retirement with many industry friends and were also delighted that he was able to join us for Falcon’s 200-year anniversary.
“It is such a tragedy that his retirement, and time to spend with his family, has been so short.”
Peter McAllister, Falcon’s managing director, added: “Colin has left a fantastic legacy at Falcon through his hard work, professionalism and personality. We look forward to building upon the foundations he built in the months and years to come.”
Lawrence Hughes, sales director at Falcon Foodservice, said: “On my appointment as sales director in 2011 Colin became something of a mentor for me, a relationship that grew.
“ He is an industry legend for certain, but much more a friend to those who knew him best, always there with a wise word and thoughtful direction. A true gentleman who will be so missed so much by myself, Falcon and all who had the pleasure of knowing him.”
His career at Falcon spanned more than 30 years and several owners, including Glynwed, Aga and, most recently, the Ali Group.
He entered the foodservice industry in the mid-1980s, when he joined Gardiner Wilkinson, which was then a prominent distributor in the market.
His sales talents soon showed themselves and he was immediately successful as an area manager, working with dealers and end users.
He joined Falcon July 1985. Working under sales director John Unwin, he joined the Falcon team as the areas sales manager for London and the south east.
He quickly made an impression, and was soon promoted to the newly-created position of national accounts manager. The first contract he won was with Bass (now Mitchells and Butlers), an account Falcon still holds to this day. He was also equally successful in engaging with contract caterers and foodservice consultants, bringing Falcon new market opportunities and sales growth.
His sales abilities were valued by Falcon and saw him promoted again in 1991 to become the company’s national sales manager, then stepping into the role of Falcon sales director when John Unwin retired in 1996.
He then successfully led Falcon’s sales and business development team for almost 20, remaining the Falcon figurehead for the launch of many new products, as well as being Falcon’s ambassador at many of the industry exhibitions, and representing the company through the trade and professional associations.
Most recently his extensive industry knowledge and expertise had been focused on further expanding Falcon’s mainstay public sector business. His continued hard work, acumen and ‘sleeves rolled up’ approach once again brought Falcon success through its wholesale partners, as well as public sector organisations such as the MoD and HMP.
He was pivotal in developing Falcon’s long-term commercial contract solution for the prison service catering equipment and maintenance. This contract was secured by Colin 12 twelve years ago, and is still held by Falcon today.