Bond, a popular figure in the industry, started his career as a printer's engineer with Oxford University Press but quickly moved across to the supplier side of the industry.

He worked with Soag Machinery, Oscar Friedheim, Spectral, Eltromat, Eltosch, Adphos and Technotrans, and most recently AMS – an American dryer provider.

Peter Benton, managing director of Technotrans, said: "He will probably be best remembered for his enthusiastic promotion of UV accelerating drying systems. His passion for drying was only exceeded by his love of motorcycles and his wife Gunilla.

"Phil was one of the true characters within our industry both nationally and internationally, and was respected as well as liked for his friendliness and sense of fun. He will be missed by all who knew him."

His funeral will take place at Oxford Crematorium on Monday 17 November at 1.30pm. To commemorate Bond's fun character bright ties are encouraged.

Flowers will be family only, with others invited to make a donation to Sobell House Hospice, Oxford.