Hawley started typesetting and artwork company Gask & Hawley alongside business partner Tony Gask in 1969.

The business subsequently moved into repro using the cutting edge technology of the day, and then made a number of acquisitions as it expanded into sheetfed and web offset printing, and direct mail production. In its heyday sales were £23m.

Gask & Hawley became G&H Print Services, but sadly the company went into administration in August after suffering a six-figure bad debt.

Hawley died unexpectedly on 26 August. He is survived by two daughters and a son. His wife Geraldine died in 2018.

Dave Edwards, sales director at Browns CTP in Manchester, paid tribute: “I was lucky to work with Earl for 26 years. I knew him as a friend as well as a fellow director. He very much enhanced my career and I have him to thank for many things.

“Earl was a true entrepreneur and leader, and was well respected by other print companies and competitors. He knew the industry inside out and was always looking for the next area to get into.”

Hawley’s funeral has taken place with around 20 former G&H staff in attendance.

“We all agreed that Earl was a lovely man, and will be missed by many,” Edwards added.