Worcester Bosch pays tribute after the death of its founder

Worcester Bosch has paid tribute to its founder, Cecil Duckworth, who has passed away. Recalling the origins of the manufacturer, the company says Cecil had the spark of an idea in 1962 and borrowed £200 from his wife to set up Worcester Engineering.

He pioneered the combi boiler in the UK, growing the company to be the country’s top boiler manufacturer. He then found a good cultural fit with Bosch and handed over the reins in 1996, retiring at the age of 59.

Cecil then started his second career, building the Worcester Warriors into the established Premiership Rugby Club it is today. He worked tirelessly in the Worcestershire community, helping many charities and working hard on environmental topics by setting up the Duckworth Worcestershire Trust.

In 2013, he was appointed a CBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list for his charitable contributions to the Worcestershire community.

The company says: “Cecil was a unique person, an extremely talented businessman and entrepreneur, a pioneer, a visionary, an innovator and, at the same time, a dedicated family man, a caring, fun person to be around, and of course a keen supporter of the Worcestershire area.

“He was simply one of life’s good guys and he will be sorely missed by all.”