Following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, who ruled the country for over 70 years with poise and dignity, businesses and local leaders have been paying tribute and offering messages of condolence.
Barrington Billings and Lee Bloomfield, chair and Chief Executive of Manningham Housing Association, said: “It was with deep sorrow that we learnt of the death of Her Majesty The Queen.
“Her Majesty’s record of service to the nation will never be surpassed and her passing will come as a great shock to everyone in the Manningham Housing Association community.
“She visited Bradford district several times during her long reign, occasions that will be forever remembered by all who had the privilege to see her.
“We offer our sincere sympathies to the Royal Family at this most difficult of moments.”
Sophie Allanby of Ripon Farm Services, said: “Like the rest of the nation, we are deeply saddened to hear that Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has passed away. She had a true love for the countryside and many from the farming community will have had the honour of meeting her at various shows and events over the years. She leaves behind a huge legacy. Our thoughts are with the Royal Family at this difficult time.”
South Yorkshire’s mayor, Oliver Coppard, said: “Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was the best of us.
“Not simply because of the length of her service, but because of the dignity and unparalleled commitment with which she carried out her role on our behalf: as an ambassador, a servant, a monarch and a leader.
“She leaves behind a country unrecognisable to the one she inherited. Throughout decades of war and peace, of prosperity and privation, she offered a constant reassurance; that we remain a United Kingdom, governed by something greater than all of us but for which we are all responsible.
“Even in her passing she will bring together our country and our communities, not just to mourn her death but to celebrate her life. Few will match her service – but because of her service, I have no doubt many will be inspired to try.
“The thoughts and prayers of South Yorkshire are with the Royal Family.
“Thank you, Your Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
“May she rest in peace.”
Tony Danker, CBI director-general, said: “The CBI and the UK business community join the nation in mourning the passing of Her Majesty The Queen.
“Throughout her unprecedented 70 years on the throne, HRH Queen Elizabeth II served the nation with distinction as a stalwart example of British values of honour, dignity and resilience. She dedicated her life to the people of the UK and the Commonwealth, providing compassionate and inspirational leadership during the many challenging times of her long reign.
“Times are hard right now – made more so by the loss of our much-loved Queen – and our tribute should be to work tirelessly to build a better future for the people of this country in memory of Her Majesty.”
Phil Newstead, the co-owner of Leeds-based cosmetic vehicle repair company Smart Repairs, said: “We’re devastated to hear about the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. Sincere condolences to the Royal Family from everyone at Smart Repairs across the UK.”
West Lindsey District Council chairman, Cllr Angela Lawrence, said: “It is with much sadness that we have learned of the passing of our Sovereign Lady, Queen Elizabeth the Second.
“My sadness at this time is shared with Members and Officers of the Council and, I am sure, all residents across the whole of West Lindsey District, as we remember with affection and gratitude the lifetime of service given by our longest-reigning Monarch of 70 years.
“As a mark of respect the Union Flag will be flown at half-mast on the Council flagstaff until the morning following the funeral.”
IoD director general, Jonathan Geldart, said: “It is with great sadness that we mourn the loss of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth.
“In her 70 years on the throne, the Queen showed a selfless commitment and dedication to the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth. She was loved and held in the highest esteem by the people of her country and around the world.
“The thoughts of the IoD and all our members are with Her Majesty and the Royal Family at this very sad time.”
Professor Peter Slee, vice chancellor of Leeds Beckett University, said: “On behalf of the staff, students and Governing Body of Leeds Beckett University, I share our sincere sympathies with the Royal Family.
“Throughout her life, the Queen demonstrated a keen interest in and support for education and research both in the UK and around the world and valued the contribution of those working to support the development of others.
“Our thoughts are with her family, friends and supporters at this very sad time.”
Cllr Steve Beasant, mayor of North East Lincolnshire, said: “It is with profound sadness that North East Lincolnshire Council learnt of the death of Her Majesty The Queen today.
“Queen Elizabeth II had served her country, Commonwealth and people loyally for more than 70 years and she is the longest serving Monarch to have overseen the United Kingdom and Countries of the Commonwealth.
“Flags across the Borough have been lowered to half-mast as a sign of respect for Her Majesty’s passing.”
Cedric Boston, the Chief Executive of Unity Homes and Enterprise, said: “The Queen dedicated her life to the service of people, both in the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth.
“She witnessed considerable societal changes over more than seven decades on the Throne but moved with the times and was held in the warmest respect by people from all communities and ethnic backgrounds.
“We are living through a particularly challenging period but Her Majesty’s presence as our nation’s figurehead was reassuring for so many and her loss will be sincerely felt.
“On behalf of Unity, I extend my deepest sympathies and condolences to the Royal Family.”
The Lord Mayor of Sheffield Sioned-Mair Richards said: “On behalf of the City Council and the people of Sheffield I want to express our great sadness at the news of the death of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth.
“Our sincere condolences go to members of the Royal Family at this time of sadness and personal loss.
“Her reign will be acknowledged in history as one of the greatest of all monarchs and, through years of major challenges and difficulties for the country, she retained a true sense of dignity throughout.
“I recall the enthusiastic welcome given by the people of Sheffield when the late Queen visited the city in April 2015. It will be an event that many will remember for the rest of their lives and will always be a significant day in Sheffield’s history.”
Adam Pye, Managing Director at John Pye Auctions, said: “Queen Elizabeth II reigned with dignity, elegance, and grace. She was constant in all of our lives. She devoted her life to this country and we have lost a truly great Monarch. An extremely sad day for us all.”
Councillor Keith Aspden, leader of City of York Council, said: “Her Majesty The Queen has inspired millions of people, charities and leaders through her sense of duty and constant service. Her legacy is one of uniting people and communities through finding common ground over many decades, and it is one we must all strive to continue.
“Many residents in York will remember The Queen’s visits and connections to our city, including reopening York Minster following the 1984 fire and more recently in 2012 for the Royal Maundy service. As Head of State for over 70 years, The Queen has been a part of most, if not all of our lives including, importantly, a connection to our wartime generations. As Princess Elizabeth, she served in the Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS) during the Second World War.”
Cllr Denise Jeffery, leader of Wakefield Council, said: “This is very sad news and our condolences go to the Royal family.
“During her long reign, Queen Elizabeth has been a consistent presence in national life, known and recognised across the world for her devoted public service.
“Many people will, over the coming days and weeks, pay tribute to her and reflect on her long life, and how it has touched their own lives.
“Many residents will have fond memories of Queen Elizabeth – from her visits to the district on a number of occasions, including in 2005, when large crowds welcomed her to Wakefield Cathedral for the Maundy Thursday service.
“Others will have met her through receiving recognition for their public service, and will no doubt be recalling those memories at this time. Queen Elizabeth was an inspiration to many and lived her life with unwavering dedication to this country over her long reign. Her work and her remarkable commitment to national life will leave a lasting legacy for generations to come.”
Leader of Leeds City Council, Councillor James Lewis, said: “We were deeply saddened to hear the announcement from Buckingham Palace that Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has died. I know many of our residents will be feeling a sense of deep shock, sorrow and grief.
“Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II dedicated her life in service to this country. She is the longest reigning monarch in our history, and the only monarch many of us will have ever known; having celebrated her Platinum Jubilee marking 70 years on the throne this year.
“Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II had a strong association and connection with Leeds and left a lasting legacy on the city and its communities during her memorable visits and occasions, which crossed different decades and generations. As well as her own family ties with the estate of Harewood, she undertook tours for her Coronation in 1952 and Silver and Diamond Jubilees in 1977 and 2012 respectively; when she also honoured the city by officially launching our Child Friendly Leeds commitment.
“A number of iconic Leeds institutions were included in her royal visits across seven decades on the throne including Roundhay Park, the Burton’s Factory, Leeds Art Gallery, the Emmerdale set, Elland Road and the Royal Armouries. She also opened the Seacroft Civic Centre where she took the time to speak with residents and council housing tenants.
“I’m sure that people across the city will join us at this time in paying their respects and remembering her many years of service to the city and the country. Our thoughts are with them, and with His Majesty the King and the other members of the Royal Family.”
