Dozens of people have paid tribute to a father and son who died in a car accident at the weekend.
Simon and Harry Hill were part of the senior team at the family-owned fleet management business Total Motion, which is based in Leicester.
Simon Hill was group managing director of the business, which he founded in his front room in 1999, and which was named 2018 Company of the Year at the Leicester Mercury Business Awards. His son, a former Loughborough College student, was head of fleet at the business. Both were well known members of the local business scene.
News of the tragedy, which happened last weekend, was announced on the Linked In business website.
The family wrote: “This is a very shocking and painful moment for everyone that had the privilege of knowing them. There are no words that can describe how much they mean to us, please keep them in your hearts.
“We will let you know of any arrangements in the coming weeks.”
Leicester business consultant Ian Guyler had worked with the pair over the years and counted them among his friends.
He said: "It was always great fun – and challenging – working with Simon and Harry. Both were larger than life characters and Simon was always very supportive of charity and generous in supporting events such as the L Factor and The Gauntlet, which brought the city business community together.
"My condolences go to their family."
Hundreds more friends and colleagues reacted to the news on the Linked In website.
Leicester lawyer Greg Hollingsworth said: “I am so sorry. I had the absolute pleasure of knowing both Simon and Harry. My sincerest condolences to Caroline & the Hill family.”
Richard Parker, deputy area director at HSBC bank, wrote: “Devastating news, two fantastic entrepreneurs taken far too soon. Condolences to the family and all at Total Motion.”
Scott Gallacher, a financial planner at Rowley Turton – which is based on Meridian Business Park where Total Motion has its headquarters – wrote: “I was deeply saddened to hear this terrible news. My condolences go out to the family during this difficult time.”
Harj Hir, head of partnerships at Leicester City FC, wrote: “Devastating news. Simon became a personal friend after becoming a club partner – he will be badly missed.
“Simon was a big LCFC fan who saw it all, I will never forget our European trips."
Total Motion has grown substantially over the years, providing advice to clients around the world and employing dozens of people. It has been included in De Montfort University’s list of the Top 500 companies in the East Midlands for the last few years.