Simpson was born on 20 June 1946 in Newbury, Berkshire. He was the fourth generation of his family involved in printing and newspapers. His great grandfather had founded a number of printing companies and newspapers in the 19th century, including the Finchley Press.
He was educated at St Bartholomew’s School, Newbury and later accepted a place at London College of Printing, where he achieved a Diploma in Printing Management.
Simpson joined Thomson Regional Newspapers as the first Thomson graduate trainee specifically in newspaper production. During that time he worked at Reading Evening Post, Chester Chronicle, The Scotsman, Edinburgh Evening News and Tottenham Weekly Herald and had spells at Thomson Regional Newspapers’ head office, in both production and financial roles.
After 10 years he joined Lincolnshire Standard Group in a financial role before becoming responsible for the company’s newspaper production and IT, during which time he oversaw the installation of a Creusot-Loire Super Gazette web offset press.
In 1985 Simpson moved to Cumbrian Newspapers as production director. When the company bought the North West Evening Mail in 1989 he moved to Barrow as managing director of Furness Newspapers.
After spending three years there he was appointed technical director of Cumbrian News Group. The group became the first in the UK to order a completely shaftless press.
Simpson had retired in 2006 but continued to serve on the board of directors for the University of Cumbria in an auditing capacity.
“Dad was probably the most hard working, gentle, organised, kind, generous and selfless man we have ever known. As a family man he was our rock. As children we strived to make him proud and he inspired us hugely,” said Simpson’s daughter Emily Simpson.
“In business he was renowned for being honest, thorough and extremely hard working. He pulled no punches, but made a huge impression on all his colleagues, making important friendships with peers and employees alike, lasting all through his retirement.
“He was most proud of his ability to find and nurture talent among his employees. Even when individuals didn’t believe in themselves, he could always spot potential and mentor people to believe in themselves at any level. It is this trait in particular that has meant that Peter’s death has hit his former colleagues incredibly hard.”
Simpson is survived by his wife Dasa, his three children, Emily, Robbie and Martin, and his grandchildren, Charlotte and David.
The funeral will be held at 1pm on 17 October at Thorncliffe Crematorium, Barrow-in-Furness. Simpson’s family said all friends and colleagues are welcome to attend.
