Dan Kemp 1922-2009

Dan Kemp, the managing director of Timbmet for 40 years, has died aged 87.

Under Mr Kemp's leadership, Timbmet evolved into an internationally renowned, multi-million pound timber importing and merchanting business and, after handing over as managing director to Simon Fineman in 2000, he continued to come into the office on a daily basis until this year.

He arrived in the UK from Czechoslovakia in his teens and was later followed by his parents and brother. The family narrowly escaped Nazi persecution, but many of their relatives were not so fortunate.

At the end of the war, in May 1945, Mr Kemp joined his father’s small timber firm, taking over the helm soon after. He steadily grew the business, organically at first and then through shrewd acquisitions, transforming Timbmet into the largest hardwood merchant and importer in the UK, with a name that became known and respected worldwide.

Universally respected within the trade, Mr Kemp had an encyclopaedic knowledge of the market. He was also open to progress and innovation. He recognised, for instance, the immense market potential of engineered timber products and was a staunch supporter of TRADA.

His receipt of a Timber Trade Federation Lifetime Achievement Award was testament to his standing within the industry.

He will, says Timbmet, be greatly missed.