Ex-Graydon MD Martin Williams passes away

MARTIN WILLIAMS, former UK managing director of Graydon, has passed away.

He died yesterday aged 56, following a short battle with cancer.

Williams, who started blogging for Accountancy Age in 2007, spent more than 30 years in the credit information industry, working for companies such as Dun and Bradstreet and most recently credit agency Graydon. He took on the role of Graydon's UK MD in 2001 and earlier this year became its public spokesman.

Gordon Skaljak, marketing director Graydon UK, said: "Martin was an inspirational and well-known figure in the UK credit industry. He was also a passionate champion of the interests of the UK's small businesses in terms of managing their credit profiles and accessing finance.

"Martin was much loved and respected by everyone who worked with him. Everyone at Graydon UK is shocked and devastated by his passing and our thoughts are with his family at this very difficult time."

Williams taught credit analysis to risk professionals as well as educated SMEs on the importance of a good credit rating.

He was a fellow of the Institute of Credit Management and has been included in the Credit Today 100 people to have had the greatest impact on the industry during 2008, 2009, and 2010.

Nitin Joshi, founder of ChannelMoney, also worked with Williams for many years.

"I knew Martin for over 20 years. It's a real tragedy given his considerable contribution to credit information. We had jointly developed a number of projects in many sectors. He will be greatly missed," he said.

The Accountancy Age team is shocked and saddened by the news and would like to extend our sympathies to Williams' family, friends and colleagues.