Tributes have been pouring in following the death of Brian Woods-Scawen, one of the Midlands’ best-known business figures.
Mr Woods-Scawen, 65, died on the afternoon of Friday June 8 following a long battle against a brain tumour.
The businessman had held a string of prestige appointments during an illustrious career, rising to become a Global Board member and partner with business advisers PwC and chairman of the West Bromwich Building Society.
He also served as a board member with Advantage West Midlands, and was involved with Birmingham Forward, Birmingham Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the West Midlands CBI. He held a series of Government appointments, including board member of the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills, the Pensions, Disability and Carers Agency and the Office of Legal Complaints.
He was Midlands Business Leader of the Year in 2008, was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in 2004, was made a CBE for services to business and the community and was chairman of the Peugeot Task Force set up to help workers made redundant following the closure of the Ryton plant.
Away from his business career, he was a lifelong supporter and season ticket holder of Sheffield United and a member, Worship Leader and Treasurer of Abbey Hill United Reformed Church in Kenilworth.
Born in Madras, India in November 1946, he attended a convent school in Sussex and Silesian College in Farnborough before obtaining a First in Politics and Philosophy at Sheffield University and an MA at Warwick University.
In a special message on behalf of wife Jane, daughter Zanna, son Tristan and his four grandchildren, the family said: “As well as being so proud of all his professional achievements, first and foremost for us Brian was a family man, a wonderful husband, father and grandfather.
“He was a remarkable man who touched so many lives and we have been overwhelmed with the many messages and tributes we have received. The family would like all who knew him, and who would like to attend the funeral, to know that they will be very welcome.”
Mark Smith, current regional chairman at PwC in the Midlands, said: “With a career spanning 30 years, Brian was an individual who made a huge contribution to the success of PwC at global and local levels. On a more personal level, Brian and his wife Jane met on their first day at Coopers and Lybrand, with both of them becoming partners in the firm.
“Since retiring from PwC, Brian has continued to support and advocate for the Midlands region in a wide variety of roles. His tireless commitment was honoured in 2008 when he was awarded the CBE for his services to business and the community in the West Midlands. Our thoughts are with Brian’s wife Jane, his children and grandchildren at this sad time.”
Jonathan Westhoff, chief executive of the West Brom building society, said: “We are very sorry to learn of the death of the society’s former chairman.
“Brian was a strong supporter of mutuality and the role of building societies in the modern era and he gave his wholehearted commitment to the society during his time with us.”
Andrew Whitehead, senior partner from law firm SGH Martineau LLP, added: “We’ve known Brian for many years, at the outset as our relationship partner at PwC, but in recent years as a non-executive member of our strategic management board.
“He will be sorely missed, not only for his unique insight and knowledge of the professional services sector, and of the West Midlands region generally, but also for his warmth and genuine interest and enthusiasm for our business and its people. Our thoughts go out to Jane and the family.”
The funeral service will be held at the Collegiate Church of St Mary, Old Square, Warwick, on Monday June 25 at 11.30am.
