Around one hundred people gathered to celebrate the life of the late Geoffrey Pointon at The Falcon Hotel in Uppingham, earlier this month.

The September 3 event, arranged by his family, drew people from across the East Midlands to celebrate Geoffrey's remarkable life.

The popular financier was born in Leicester but sadly died in Kettering General Hospital, aged 82, on April 2 last year, after contracting Covid-19.

The father of four sons and a daughter was known most recently for being a director at Uppingham First and the president of Rutland Biz Club. he was also a patron of the Traver's Foundation, a regional charity that aims to help young people achieve their potential.

In an article on the Uppingham Fist website, the group recalled his long and illustrious career in the pension and insurance industry and as the founder of the Biz Club. The club met monthly, pre-covid, in The Falcon Hotel and St George's Day at The George Hotel, Stamford.

Uppingham First reported: "Tributes at the meeting this month were made to Geoffrey as guests raised a glass of champagne and shared anecdotes, not only about his astute business acumen but also about his warmth, generosity and the kindness he showed to all his friends, colleagues and local community.

"Guests also heard that the Biz Club, which meant so much to Geoffrey, will continue to meet and carry on his passion and support of small businesses, which he believed are the backbone of the UK's economy."

Their report also said Shane James, who has taken on Geoffrey's mantle as Biz Club President telling the gathering: "He will be missed by all who knew him, his charisma and good humour never failed to make people smile. A great man, and a wonderful father who meant the world to all of us. We will continue to keep the spirit of the Biz Club alive as Geoffrey would have wanted".

For more information on the Biz Club visit www.thebizclub.co.uk