Sir Digby's stand was a proud one.
SIR Digby Jones demonstrated exactly why he has been so highly regarded in his six-and-a-half year reign as director-general of the Confederation of British Industry yesterday.
At ease on stage opening the new Riverside Terminal for DFDS in Immingham, the charismatic, confident ambassador for business pulled no punches as he gave his views.
And he was quick to underline the importance of the Port of Immingham to UK plc - with its status as the number one port when it comes to tonnage handled.
Quick with a joke, and strong with a point, he has decided to bow out while "at the top of his game". A point he claims to have made well to Tony Blair at a meeting last week when he apparently told the PM "he didn't want to overstay his welcome".
He stepped down at the end of June, and was - I imagine - flattered to hear that Bo Lerenius, group chief executive of ABP, was an admirer.
He praised his passionate fighting spirit by presenting him with a silver bulldog statue, stating Sir Digby had emulated the canine that has become a figurehead for Britain - being determined, stubborn and dogged.
For the future of manufacturing I hope the new incumbent, Richard Lambert, gets his teeth into the job with the gusto of Sir Digby, who is not far away from sporting a Union Jack waistcoat when it comes to patriotism.
He will no doubt be missed by many, and have relieved several others, by making the decision to stand down.
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