Royle, 70, was the fifth generation of the family to head the business, which he joined in 1958. He worked closely with his father for 20 years before taking the reins himself first as managing director and then as chairman and chief executive.

Under him the group moved into the report and accounts market, a sector it continues to serve today as Royle Corporate Print, which has been part of Fulmar since 1997. Peter's nephew Tim Royle is still involved in the business.

Fulmar chief executive Mike Taylor said Royle was a "gentlemen". "While we were negotiating the acquisition of Royle he was very straightforward in his dealings with us and a pleasure to work with, the survival of the Royle name being uppermost in his mind... He held that legacy very dear," Taylor said.

In a statement the family said Royle was a "natural marketer". "He worked hard and was highly successful in building the Royle brand in new markets not least in the City where he was in his element meeting chairmen and finance directors before introducing them to the Royle sales team," it said.

Royle leaves a widow, Margaret, four children and 10 grandchildren.

The funeral service takes place on 29 April at St Peter's Church, South Chailey, East Sussex at 11am. Family flowers only but donations can be made to St Peter and St James Hospice, c/o RA Brooks, 35 Wivelsfield Road, Haywards Heath, Sussex, RH16  4EN.

Story by Lauretta Roberts