It is with a great deal of sadness that Business Micros has announced the passing of its founder Des Sharratt in late December 2009.

Des was the man whose vision established Business Micros in 1979 when software in manufacturing was in its infancy, and who was instrumental in the company’s growth first in the aluminium window and door sector and later in timber and PVC-U.

He worked closely alongside current managing director Graeme Bailey from 1990 onwards, and Graeme said of Des: “I have very fond memories of our time working together. He worked incredibly hard through both good and bad times and did much to help create the software market in this industry as it is today.

“Des spoke to me recently of the immense pride he had in the company which he originally created and the high standards which it continues to set itself more than 30 years on. We are all very conscious of the huge contribution which he made to the business and are grateful to him for that.”

Before founding Business Micros, Des Sharratt held senior positions with Norsk Hydro in Norway and with Century Aluminium in Sanquhar. A natural high achiever, he was passionate about poetry and philosophy and was exceptionally well read.

Aged just 66, Des had retired from Business Micros in 2001 and had enjoyed an active and fulfilling retirement travelling extensively until he was diagnosed with bowel and later pancreatic cancer.

He leaves behind a loving wife Linda and a close circle of family and friends.