Tributes paid to Christoper Seddon

Tributes have been paid to Seddon chief Christopher Seddon who passed away on Saturday at the age of 73 following a brave battle with illness.

Christopher, who last year was awarded an MBE for his services to apprenticeships and local charities, was a director at the family-owned Seddon company where he had worked for 56 years.

The business, which now has its head office on Plodder Lane in Bolton, was founded by Christopher’s grandfather John Seddon and his brother George in Little Hulton, Salford, in 1897.

Christopher joined the company as an apprentice bricklayer in 1959, and went on to take over the running of the business, which now has a turnover of almost £200m and employs around 700 staff, in 1982.

A firm believer in providing training and work opportunities for the next generation, Christopher made Seddon’s commitment to delivering first-class apprenticeships part of the company’s DNA. His mission was to train ‘for the industry, not just ourselves.’ 

Christopher remained active at the business until the final days of his life, and is survived by his wife Patricia, his three children, Nicola, Jamie and Jonathan who are all now directors at the company, and eight grandchildren.  

Christopher’s grandchild Josh joined the company as an apprentice plumber last year – the fifth generation of the family to work for the business.

Jonathan, who took over from his father as managing director at Seddon in 2007, said: “Dad’s commitment to both the company and the sector as a whole has been unwavering throughout his life.

“He loved what he did for a living and was proud of the way we did business. He took great joy in ensuring that next generation were given the opportunity to train and develop their skills and this will be his lasting legacy.

“It makes us extremely proud to think that the example he has set will be passed down through the company for generations to come.

“He remained true to his roots, and was well loved and respected in the local community.”