Steve Knowles RIP

It was with great sadness that I learned just recently about the death of Steve Knowles, managing director of Bodyshop Solutions. He passed away at the age of just 57 after an eight month bravely borne battle with cancer.

Steve was a lovely man, a great character, who enjoyed a good laugh. He was a well known and highly respected figure here in Ireland too, bringing the Bodyshop Solutions brand to the Auto Trade EXPO in Dublin on several occasions.

In addition to trips to Ireland and the at the Auto Trade EXPO, you would meet Steve and Mark Swaby at trade shows in the UK, Germany and Italy. He would always have a smile on his face and a friendly word for all.

Steve had a long and successful career in the bodyshop industry, covering more than 35 years. Starting as a panel beater, he moved through bodyshop management and then in 1988 into equipment sales and sales management with Blackhawk.

In 2004 he purchased out of administration the Celette brand of Jig Benches for the UK and formed Bodyshop Solutions, which he successfully grew and progressively expanded with his team, to include major brands such as Wielander + Schill, IRT, TEXA, Rotary, Telwin, Minden and many others.

Steve passed away peacefully on 27th May, surrounded by his family. Our thoughts go out to his immediate family, Cath, Ryan and Nicola. And also to Mark Swaby and all the team at Bodyshop solutions.

May he rest in peace.

Padraic Deane,

Publisher.