Hire industry loses a true champion

26 August 2021

I was very sorry indeed to hear the news that David Wilson, a joint founder of Charles Wilson Engineers, had passed away. I did not know David myself, but someone who did is Robert Aplin, former EHN Publisher, who writes: 

I was initially thrilled to hear from Charles Wilson Engineers Ltd's MD David Gallagher on Monday, only to be instantly saddened when he broke the news that David Wilson, the company's co-founder, had passed away over the weekend. 

Throughout my 40-year hire industry publishing and exhibition experience, David Wilson ranks as one of my Top Ten leading industry influencers, alongside the likes of John Brown at Speedy, Sir Matthew Goodwin at Hewden Stuart and Lister Fielding at HSS. 

When, as a rookie reporter for PMJ, I first interviewed David in 1982 at his Harpenden Head Office, he was welcoming, courteous, informative and patient with me as I strove to get to grips with the growing Charles Wilson enterprise. 

As CW's business continued to develop throughout the 1980s and 1990s, David always invited me to the company's depot openings and was always supportive and encouraging as, by then with two business partners, I had launched PHE Plant Hire Executive magazine to compete with the established industry titles. 

David's support and advice continued throughout my career. When we launched Executive Hire Show in 2007, David and the CW team were one of the first hirers through the doors at the Ricoh Arena.

The hire industry has lost a true champion, an outstanding ambassador. 

My condolences to all his family, especially son Mark, and all the team at Charles Wilson. 

• If you have memories of David Wilson that you would like to share with the industry, please email me.