Singer had worked at Heidelberg for more than 24 years, and had forged deep connections with colleagues and customers during his time at the manufacturer. He originally started off in post-press, before quickly moving into frontline sales with responsibility for Heidelberg’s whole product range.

Heidelberg UK managing director Ryan Miles expressed the firm’s profound shock and sadness at his unexpected passing, and paid tribute to Singer’s many qualities.

He said: “We are deeply saddened by the sudden and unexpected death of Mark. He passed away after suffering a heart attack whilst on holiday in Portugal, sadly way too young being only 57.

“Mark has been part of our Heidelberg family for more than 24 years and enjoyed a highly successful career. His passion for our brand and our industry remained as strong as ever, and as a result he truly inspired and energized all of us, every single day.

“His kind, warm and authentic nature meant that he made friends and connections everywhere, and his sudden death leaves a massive empty space in all our hearts. We are grateful and thankful to have been inspired by Mark and his legacy will live on at Heidelberg. On behalf of the entire Heidelberg family, we extend our deepest condolences to the Singer family.”

Singer is survived by his wife Kerry, children Josh and Emily, two grandchildren, and with a third grandchild on the way.

Former Heidelberg UK sales director Jim Todd also paid tribute, and said: “Mark was a truly exceptional salesman skilfully finding the critical balance between representing the interests of his employer and those of his customers. I had the pleasure to work with Mark for 19 years and on a one-to-one with him on certain key accounts which was always fun and exciting; occasionally nerve-wracking!

“For many customers he was a virtual non-exec, identifying how they could be more efficient via a new investment and presenting a financial case that was normally impossible to challenge. With his massive enthusiasm and super-fast numeracy I’d often have to get him to slow down and run through the logic of a proposal twice to understand it!

“He invariably beat his budget being Heidelberg UK Salesman of the Year multiple times and I suspect he sold more Heidelberg equipment in his career than many (if not all) of his colleagues both in the UK and around the world. Mark was always upbeat and left positive energy with all customers and colleagues alike treating us all as equals. He was a special person and will be greatly missed.”

Customers also shared warm memories of their association.

Stephens & George chairman and group managing director Andrew Jones said he had many fond memories involving Singer.

“I was extremely shocked to hear the news early Sunday morning and have been numb ever since,” Jones said.

“I knew Mark for over 25 years and in that time our relationship developed immensely, to the point he was a good friend to myself and my family. He was incredibly proud of what he had achieved during his time working his way through the ranks at Heidelberg and he had the ability to represent Heidelberg to the client, but when he left, he would fight tooth and nail for the client with Heidelberg.

“This set him apart from others, notwithstanding his infectious personality, his unusual ‘boy band’ dress sense and his loyalty, I for one will miss him so much, as will many others, but my heartfelt condolences go to his wife, Kerry, Josh and the rest of his family, who will all be devastated with his passing so suddenly.”

Jonathan Lewis, managing director at Gomer Press, also spoke of his shock at the news. He said: “Mark has been a great friend as well as a work colleague for over 20 years. He was a unique character and always ready to help his customers. His advice whilst investing in new equipment was always accurate and you could trust his judgement.

“I spent a lot of time in his company socially as well and he always had many funny stories about his experiences whilst working for Heidelberg. Always great company. He loved working for Heidelberg and was very proud to represent them. He will be sorely missed.”

Venn Holdings managing director Anthony Thirlby, who worked with Singer as a colleague during his time at Heidelberg, and then became a customer at Venn, posted a moving tribute on LinkedIn and said he was absolutely devastated at the loss of his “brother”.

He told Printweek: “We have lost a truly great one, a rare person like Mark is one in a million.”

Updated: Funeral details have been confirmed.

Singer's funeral will take place at Yeovil Crematorium on Friday 27 October at 3:20pm. The crematorium is located on Bunford Lane, Yeovil BA20 2EJ.

His family has asked that everyone attending should “dress to impress! Mark would have wanted it! No black!”

A wake will be held on the same day at Yeovil Rugby Club, from 3:20pm-7pm. The address is Dorchester Road, Yeovil BA22 9TR.

Tributes to Mark can be made via Stuart Foster Funeral Services, where donations can also be made in his memory.