Len Jackson, former director general of the FWD and "a huge influence in wholesale and retail in the 1970s", died this week.

Jackson, a former managing director of symbol group operator Harvey, Bradfield and Toyer, was awarded an OBE for his services to wholesaling.

Jackson was remembered affectionately by Alan Toft, who worked with him when Toft was ­director general of the FWD from 1989 to 2005.

"Len was an efficient communicator and naturally attracted loyalty," said Toft. "Without him the FWD would not be the force it is today."

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