Family pays tribute to inspiring entrepreneur

POPULAR . . . Stewart Yip

PROUD family members have paid tribute to an "inspirational" local businessman who died following a brave battle with cancer.

Stewart Yip (60), from Oldham, a self-made founder of various businesses, died after losing his six-month fight with cancer in the early hours of Tuesday morning in Hong Kong.

The entrepreneur created The Chi Yip Group based at Middleton Junction, Ocean Treasure, Red Chilli, K2 and Sakana Pan Asian.

His hard work ethic is seen as an example to many young businessmen and women in Greater Manchester and beyond.

With The Chi Yip Group, Mr Yip managed to create two-way trade links with China and came joint runner-up in the Greater China Recognition Awards for the North West in 2009.

Mr Yip's eldest son Andy said: "Our father was a great man, full of character and integrity.

"Not only was he a leader, he was an inspiration for many people.

"To his family he was our dad, devoted husband, kind and loving, our hero.

"His work within the Manchester community and with many charities will be remembered for generations to come and his legacy will live on.

"We are so unbelievably proud to be his children.

"Heaven has gained another truly great person, may he rest in peace."