4:32 pm, July 15, 2020
Tributes have been paid to Lawgistics founder and managing director David Combes who has died at the age of 72.
David was a qualified trading standards officer, and for many years ran an investigations unit looking at commercial fraud within the motor trade.
In 1984, he put all his experience and knowledge to good use and founded Lawdata – his first automotive law firm. Lawdata provided independent motor dealers with access to legal assistance on trading standards and consumer legislation. David was chairman and managing director from 1984 to January 2001.
In 2001, he established the legal consultancy Lawgistics to provide a more comprehensive legal package to a wider spectrum of retail motor industry businesses, offering specialist motor trade law advice and support, and last year he was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Car Dealer Magazine Used Car Awards.
David’s knowledge and experience of motor trade law proved invaluable and helped Lawgistics become recognised as the legal firm for the motor trade.
After receiving his award, he said: ‘I’m very pleased with it. It’s a wonderful award to have had – thank you very much.
‘We have got lots and lots of clients who we look after every day. We do like to say that once people join us, they will be with us for life.
‘This is wonderful, thank you.’
At the event, host Mike Brewer called him ‘a legend of the motor trade’, adding: ‘David Combes has done an enormous amount for the motor trade over an amazingly long period of time and this trophy is just reward for his efforts. Many congratulations!’
In a post announcing David’s death on the Lawgistics website, legal adviser Philip Strickland said that everyone there was bereft.
‘David will be sorely missed but he leaves a legacy in his knowledge, wisdom, client-focused service and commitment to all who relied upon him and his team.’
Car Dealer Magazine editor James Baggott said: ‘We were all extremely shocked and saddened to hear of David’s passing.
‘He was not only a truly remarkable man who did so much for the automotive industry but he was also a sheer delight to be with, so it was a genuine pleasure to present him with our Lifetime Achievement Award last year.
‘He will be greatly missed indeed. Our sincerest condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.’
David, who was married to Susanna, died on July 13 after having been ill for some time.
David Combes with his Lifetime Achievement Award at the Car Dealer Magazine Used Car Awards 2019
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