Described as a widely respected industry “stalwart” by friends and colleagues, she had been involved with the Association’s employment committees since November 2004 and proved a hugely valuable contributor to improving industrial relations and employment practices over the subsequent 17 years. 

Colleagues on the BESA Employment Policy Committee (EPC) have paid tribute to her commitment to better relations between employers, trade unions and workers. She provided vital support to the Association’s negotiators, helping to secure improved pay and conditions for both operative and staff employees throughout the building engineering sector. ? 

Current chair and former BESA President Tim Hopkinson said he was “shocked and saddened by this devastating news”. 

“Angela’s commitment and contribution provided invaluable support for employers, and her incredible knowledge of the industry and employment were crucial to our efforts to build industrial relations right across our sector,” he said. 

“Her family has lost a remarkable lady and I’m sure that colleagues will join me in extending our sincere condolences to them. Likewise, we have lost a true friend and there’s no doubting that Gratte Brothers and the industry will miss her considerably. A very sad day for us all.” 

BESA chief executive officer David Frise said Angela was a fine example of the generosity of spirit that underpins the Association’s ‘community’. 

“We are hugely indebted to Angela who gave so generously of her experience and expertise for the greater good of members and the industry,” he said. “Without stalwarts like her, we could not continue to deliver the employer support and progressive industrial relations that underpin so much of our sector’s work. 

“She will be sorely missed.”