It is with great sadness that Highways reports on the death of FM Conway's chairman, Michael Conway MBE.
Mr Conway passed away peacefully at home after a six-year battle with cancer.
A giant in the Highways sector, Mr Conway was CEO of FM Conway for over 40 years after taking over the company from his father, Frank Conway, who founded it in 1961.
He was a pioneer in sustainable construction and pushed to recycle materials even in the 1980s at which time he came up against steep resistance.
However, he stood by his principles and built the business model that is now the bedrock of FM Conway.
For the past two years, he moved into the role of chairman while Adam Green CEO and the senior leadership team controlled the development and growth of the business operations.
Mr Conway was also the founder of the London Construction Academy, formed to provide opportunities for people not in employment, education or training.
Joanne Conway, the firm's managing director, said: 'There are no words which can adequately express my family’s sadness. Both watching and being a part of the growth and success of FM Conway under my Dad’s vision has been inspiring. It is truly a family business that means so much to so many people.
'As a family, we will honour my Dad’s memory by dedicating ourselves to ensuring that FM Conway, continues to thrive and support the people and businesses who have always been at our side.'
Mr Green said: 'Today we have lost an inspiring mentor and a visionary leader both for FM Conway and the construction industry. Michael has touched the lives of many and leaves behind him a business built upon and guided by strong family values.'
A statement released by the company described Mr Conway as passionate about the sector 'and the important role the business played in employing and empowering its great people as well as in delivering critical infrastructure to help improve the communities we live and work within'.
When Highways magazine interviewed Mr Conway, he was true to his reputation as someone who was not afraid to speak up and stand up for what he believed in as well someone who took great pleasure in engaging with people.
He was well-known for his visits to sites and depots where he would speak to frontline workers to ensure that he was hearing feedback first-hand.
