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In memorandum of Solus Chairman and Founder Peter Bentley

In the final quarter of 2007, the world economy entered a recession. Financial markets, banking, and real estate took a hammering; unemployment soared, and many companies were sadly forced to close.

It was at this moment that founder of Solus, Peter Bentley, saw an opportunity. As his counterparts faltered, he expanded, investing in a move to new premises and snapping up employees let go by the competition.

It was a bold move and speaks of Peter's unique character. A self-made man from a working-class Birmingham background, Peter created his own success - and the success that Solus and its team continue to enjoy today - through hard work and dogged determination.

His pioneering nature is clearly a family trait, reflected in the commitment shown by his son Marcus, who took on the role of Managing Director of Solus in 2012, and daughter Nicki, both of whom have been instrumental in building on their father’s legacy.

A keen judge of character, Peter surrounded himself with a talented team that shared his work ethic. He was direct in his dealings, but his candour and transparency were appreciated by most, while his approach fostered a loyalty in employees and clients alike.

He was passionate about Solus and knew everyone who worked for him. His generosity of spirit extended to his contractors and clients, earning the outstanding reputation that Solus is renowned for.

Peter was a natural entrepreneur with a phenomenal memory who simply loved the business; he was also an empathetic person who cared about the wellbeing of his team and customers: this proved to be a winning combination of qualities. 

He was a people person and a "go with your gut" businessman. He wanted to meet and speak to people and was as happy discussing creative ideas with architects as he was bantering with contractors. An abiding passion of Peter’s was football. He played semiprofessionally in his youth and was a coach at Solihull. This ability to lead, manage, and play the game transferred over into his professional life. 

Peter was a dapper gent, and his sartorial flair expressed his personal and professional commitment to excellence, precision, and style. Professional reputation and recognition were important to him, and he achieved excellence in each, as the outpouring of sympathy from clients and colleagues around the world has demonstrated.

However, Peter's life was not without challenges. He struggled with health issues for many years without complaint. Such problems would have debilitated many others but seemed to merely strengthen Peter's resolve to succeed.

Diabetes, numerous transplants, and latterly skin cancer were routinely shrugged off - it is no wonder his colleagues called him “The Bionic Man.” The death of his wife Jane, however, diminished him and his customary fortitude waned with her passing. His eyes would still sparkle when talking about Solus, but Jane's loss was hard to bear.

Peter has left a significant legacy, both emotionally and financially. Solus has grown from a front room business into a market leader.

Consequently, mortgages have been paid, children fed and educated, retirements funded, and friendships formed. There are now even some Solus babies, born to couples who met through the company. He will be sadly missed as the father of Marcus and Nicki, the grandfather of Lily, Oliver, and Daisy, and as the founding father of Solus.

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