13th August 2010 - Region mourns the loss of a small business hero

The region’s small business community is mourning the loss of one of its most proactive champions, John McNally.

John was managing director and a presenter at Northumberland broadcaster Lionheart Radio and was also a regular contributor to Radio Newcastle.

However, his real passion was supporting the needs of the region’s small businesses.

As well as his roles as a director at both car finance company gcf.com and Consett-based Fotospin, he mentored many small businesses and start-ups and was a long-standing member of the Entrepreneurs’ Forum for many years.

Gerard, a colleague of John at GCF.com, said: “John’s passion for helping businesses was unrivalled and he was never happier than when mentoring small or start up businesses.

“His extensive networking knowledge helped many businesses in the region to grow. He would nurture new businesses and young minds and made sure that they were thrown in at the deep end so that they could learn the ways of the business world as fast as possible.

“That said, he was always there to help out when needed. John would always champion the North East and he was an outstanding ambassador for the region. John may have died, but the seeds he left in the region are very much alive in the small business community and will keep growing as a lasting tribute to a great man.”

John’s funeral service was held yesterday at St Pauls Church in Alnwick.

Text courtesy of www.bdaily.info