Marshall Leasing has paid tribute to its founder, Sir Michael Marshall CBE DL, who passed away at the weekend.

Sir Michael was honoured by Marshall Leasing at a lunch in his honour held at Cambridge Airport on 17 May

Described as the “kindest of employers and a true gentleman”, Sir Michael founded the company 28 years ago as an independent contract hire and fleet management company within the family managed and privately owned Marshall of Cambridge group and grew the company into one of the largest privately owned businesses in the UK. Today, the Bank of Ireland UK-owned business operates a fleet of over 8,000 vehicles.

Sir Michael is credited with having encouraged, supported and guided the Marshall Leasing management team throughout, and had been recently honoured for his work by Marshall Leasing at a lunch in his honour held at Cambridge Airport on 17 May.

Celebrating passing the ‘50,000 vehicles leased’ milestone, Marshall Leasing hosted Sir Michael and other VIP dignitaries including Dr John C Taylor OBE to celebrate his life’s business achievements and love of flying, which he continued for over 70 years.

Jonathan Ross, director Marshall Leasing, said: “There can be no way of expressing our sense of pride in having been students of the great man. Sir Michael was a true leader and entrepreneur. He led by example, always dedicated to the day job. He was forever challenging us to provide the customer with our best possible service and he put reputation ahead of all things.

“Despite being one of Cambridge’s biggest employers across Marshall Motor Group, Marshall Aerospace and Land systems, he somehow always managed to know every member of staff on a first-name basis. Above everything else, I will always regard him as the kindest of employers, and a true gentleman. I, along with my colleagues, many of whom have worked for Marshall over decades, will work hard to maintain and deliver on his legacy.”