A WELL-KNOWN construction boss has died after a short illness.

Brian Manning passed away this morning (Friday, April 28) following a battle with cancer.

Mr Manning was known across the North-East business community as chief executive of Esh Group, which has its head office in Bowburn, near Durham City.

He led the steady growth of the business since the early 1990s, which took on companies to expand, and also spent time as vice-president of the North East England Chamber of Commerce council.

Staff have paid tribute to Mr Manning.

Speaking on their behalf, Michael Hogan, Esh Group chairman, said: “All of our thoughts are with Brian’s family at this very sad time.

“The success of Esh Group is a massive testament to Brian as a person and a businessman, and all staff are united in continuing his remarkable legacy, in his memory.”

Mr Manning, a former apprentice, was a keen supporter of the local skills agenda and oversaw the creation of the Esh Academy to help youngsters go from apprenticeships into full-time roles.

Esh, which employs more than 1,000 people across the north and Scotland, previously bought Border Construction, under the guidance of Mr Manning, to expand into Cumbria and Scotland.

Its divisions also include Lumsden & Carroll Civil Engineering and Deerness Fencing & Landscaping.