In May, Paul Ashmore helped lead the MBO of Liverpool fit-out firm Aztec but now colleagues of the married father of two are mourning his loss at the age of just 37. Tony McDonough reports

One of the directors of well-known Liverpool fit-out firm Aztec has died aged just 37.

Paul Ashmore passed away due to complications relating to his cancer treatment just months after helping to lead a management buyout of the business. He leaves behind his wife Justine and two daughters Claudia and Naomi.

Everyone at Aztec, which was founded by Neal Maxwell in 1988, say they are “devastated” by the unexpected loss of Paul describing him as a “colleague and a much-loved friend”.

Managing director Iain Peacock said: “We miss Paul and his dynamism, enthusiasm as well as a genuine passion for everything he did. Paul was so enthusiastic during our recent MBO at Aztec, the driving force to a future he could mould.

“Paul was strong, resilient and resourceful. He was also very well thought of by his colleagues, clients and anyone who has the pleasure to meet him. It will take a long time for us to come to terms with the loss of Paul, he will be remembered with huge fondness.”

Paul joined Aztec in 2010 as a young pre-contracts manager. It was a role he excelled in due to his “commitment, enthusiasm and passion”. His “tireless work ethic” and bid for continuous improvement led him to achieve an MSc in quantity surveying and commercial management and gaining his degree in marketing.

He supported the continued growth of Aztec, becoming a director of the business as part of the MBO in May. He has been instrumental in the company’s growth during the past decade and was part of the new leadership team, along with Iain Peacock and Tony Pyper, that delivered the deal.

The MBO saw the departure of founder and chairman Neal Maxwell. He has established Changing Streams, a not-for-profit venture which aims to reduce the use of plastic in the construction sector.