R&B Star announce the death of much-loved founder, Bill Robertson

Electrical wholesaler, R&B Star – which has branches in Maidstone, Greenwich and Crayford – is mourning the loss of the company’s joint founder, Bill Robertson, who has died in his 90^th year, following a fall.

Grandson, Andrew Robertson – the company’s Managing Director – told EW: “Even though Bill was in his 90^th year he was very alert and mobile for his age and I’m sure had he not had the fall at home – sorting out his CD collection – he would have still been coming into the office for several years.

“Bill retired some 25 years ago but was never far from the business and would regularly pop in to any of the three branches for a cup of tea and a catch up.

“Eighteen months ago, when his wife sadly passed away, we brought Bill back into the office a few days a week as chief paper shredder. He was also involved in direct mail campaigns and helped with admin and typing.”

Bill founded the company with Ray Trull. Ray put in £250 and Bill borrowed £250 from the bank and supplied the small van, which he bought for £250 at 10 shillings a week.

As ex-contractors themselves, Ray and Bill always treated the customers the way they would like to be treated, ensuring that trading was honest and above board. They had the reputation of being the most honest and reliable electrical wholesalers – which still holds good today.

When Bill came to retire, he sold the company to his sons, Bob and Brian. Bob is now the company Chairman and sadly Brian passed away in October 2003. However, Brian’s eldest son Glenn and Bob’s eldest son Andrew joined the board of Directors.

When once asked what made the company successful, Bill said: “Because I was an ex-electrician, I knew what I was talking about and gave free advice and guidance to our customers. We didn’t need sales reps as my knowledge and service meant that we had a lot of referrals.”

Bill penned an autobiography, which can be found on the R&B Star website. In it, he wrote: “I achieved almost everything I set out to do. I firmly believe work and gaining experience is the only way to success. I have been told I was lucky, to which I reply: ‘try working 25 hours a day, 8 days a week and you will be surprised the luck you get’.”

At the age or six or seven, Bill found an electric light in his home and said at the time that he wanted to put electric lights in people’s houses. He continued: “When I heard Henry Hall’s music, I wanted to play music. I did both. In the army, they sent me to Northampton College of Technology where I was taught.”

Asked about R&B Star’s success, Bill said: “I am very proud of the company as it is today. At the beginning, if you had of told me that it would have ended up like this then I would never have believed it.”

Bill Robertson, left, with grandson Andrew Robertson (centre) and son, Bob.