Sue Brownson OBE died earlier today.

She had been suffering from cancer for some time, but had been active in the business she was managing director of, Blue Bell Group, until her death.

Brownson spent more than 30 years in and contributing to the standing of the retail motor industry. She was awarded the OBE in 1997 for services to the retail motor industry.

Positions she held included chair of the Retail Motor Industry franchised dealer division, vice chairman of the Royal Automobile Club, chairing the Pall Mall Committee,she was a fellow of the Institute of the Motor Industry, a president and longstanding board member of the RMI, was admitted to the Freedom of the City of London, and was made a Master of the Worshipful Company of Coachmakers and Coach Harnesmakers in September 2011.

And she had just finished five years as a judge for Enterprise in the UK and was a judge for Women in Retail.

Brownson joined Blue Bell Group in 1975 and became finance director initially. She also held the posts of BMW regional dealer council chairman and was BMW's national chairman for three years.

In 2007 she was inducted into the AM Hall of Fame in recognition of her outstanding dedication to our industry.

On receiving the award she said: "I have no intention of doing anything else. I love the motor trade - I love it." She said among her motivations was her staff, which she described as a "huge family".

Details of her funeral arrangements to follow.