A CHAMPION of York business and a well-known city lawyer has died.

Tributes have been paid tonight to the former president and current vice president of York and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, Andrew Digwood who has died aged just 46.

City of York Council councillor Ashley Mason said on Twitter: “So sad to report the death of Andrew Digwood, a significant personality in York, former President of York and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, one of City of York Council’s climate commissioners, and my Under-Sheriff last year. 

“His kind nature, counsel, humour and dedication to York will be a huge loss.”

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Until recently Mr Digwood worked at Rollits and was currently an Associate Director based in SJP Law’s York office, specialising in commercial dispute resolution.

He began his legal training in 1999 with an international law firm, working in their offices in Birmingham and Leeds, where he qualified and remained until 2004, working primarily in intellectual property disputes.

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In 2004 he moved to York to join a regional law firm where as well as the experience in intellectual property disputes that he brought with him, he broadened his dispute resolution practice to advise on a range of other matters including property, contract, shareholder, partnership and inheritance disputes.

Former Chamber of Commerce head, Susie Cawood said on Twitter: "I am so sorry to hear this desperately sad news, Andrew was definitely one of the best and deepest sympathy to his wife and children."

Carolyn Frank from the Federation of Small Business said: "I can’t believe this very clever cheerful man is no longer with us, always a voice of common sense and a pleasure to work with, he gave so much to all he did.

"Condolences to his family from us all at the FSB, we will remember his huge contribution to city life, and him,with affection."

York Press: Carolyn Frank from the Federation of Small BusinessCarolyn Frank from the Federation of Small Business

City of York councillor Andrew Waller said: "Such sad news for such a supportive figure in the city to be taken from us so soon.

"He was a source of wise advice and always willing to listen.

"Condolences to his family."

York Press: Cllr Andrew WallerCllr Andrew Waller

York businesswoman, Sophie Jewitt, said: "Andrew was a lovely man who was so very kind and generous with his knowledge and connections, having met him via Twitter he became a great supporter for the last decade. A real loss for the city."

The former business editor at The Press, Nadia Jefferson-Brown, said: "I am so incredibly sorry to read this and my thoughts are with his loved ones.

"Andrew was one of the greatest champions for business in York and spoke so passionately and eloquently whenever I interviewed him for The Press.

"He was also a true gentleman and will be sorely missed."