David Murray: A lasting legacy …

With great sadness we report the passing this week (March 23) of David Murray, founder and chairman of The Business Magazine.

In 1993, David set up the company that was to become the region's leading B2B events and publishing house. Over those 28 years, he became respected and admired for his knowledge of the vibrant sectors throughout the Thames Valley and Solent, and not least for his fair and gentlemanly approach to all those he met.

‘Born-and-bred’ in the Thames Valley, David is survived by his wife Abbie, herself a successful media entrepreneur. They both worked for the Evening Post newspaper in Reading where he became editor during the early 1990s.

During the covid lockdown, David completed the sale of The Business Magazine publication together with the trademarks and rights to The Business Magazine’s Awards, happy in the knowledge that under new ownership the magazine would continue to be the independent voice of businesses in the region.

As David states in his LinkedIn CV: “After 20 years working in a corporate environment, I jumped ship in 1993 to run my own company. As founder of The Business Magazine, I planned to fill a gap for a quality B2B publication that reflected the emerging tech-driven business environment in the Thames Valley – soon to be called the UK's Silicon Valley.”

“From there, I launched a Solent edition of The Business Magazine on the South Coast, majoring on the cities of Southampton and Portsmouth, and built the title to become the leading B2B events and publishing house in the region.”

David Murray achieved his ambitions.

Here are just a few of the comments received from work colleagues both past …

“We met as young journalists, often in legal courts or council meetings, myself working for The Reading Chronicle, David for the Evening Post. When I too chose to leave the corporate working world and became a self-employed freelance, David gave me my first feature article commission. He liked my writing; I liked his leadership; we both liked the dynamic Thames Valley and Solent business environment. The rest is history, as they say …..  and a working friendship that I’ll never forget.” John Burbedge, senior journalist, The Business Magazine, 2000-2020.

"I worked with David on The Business Magazine for 11 years, and it was an honour. Alongside his great vision and determination, he was always courteous, professional and mild-mannered, a true gentleman.” Carry de la Harpe, editor, The Business Magazine, 2006-2017.

 … and present:

"This is a great loss, not only on a personal level but also for the entire South-East business community – the Thames Valley and Solent regions in particular. David’s excellent sense of humour and effortless dignity are just two of the qualities that made him both so well-liked and highly respected. He was an inspirational leader and a credit to the industry. He will be hugely missed."

“David was the kindest employer I have ever had the joy of working with. His guidance, support and trust helped me grow as a professional and his way with people will always stay with me. He was loved and respected by anyone who knew him.”

“David was a great man”

“A kind man … we all had a huge amount of respect for him.”

“A gentleman.”

“Best boss I ever had.”

“One of life’s special people.”

“Dave was a legend; his kindness touched many hearts, and he will be sorely missed.”

“The Business Magazine will stand as a lasting legacy to a very special leader and very good friend.”

Black Ox sends its condolences to David’s wife, family and friends.