Tribute paid to former chairman of Sports and Play Construction Association and founder of Conica Limited Charles Lawrence who lived in Newark

Tributes have been paid to a pioneering and much-loved figure in the sport and play construction industry, following his death.

Charles Lawrence, who lived in Newark, was renowned as a visionary entrepreneur whose influence shaped the sector over nearly 50 years.

He was born on February 1, 1939 and died on April 25 this year.

Described by friends and colleagues as “truly extraordinary,” he leaves behind a lasting legacy through the businesses he built, the innovations he introduced, and the people he mentored.

Despite leaving school without qualifications, Mr Lawrence began his working life cutting grass before going on to establish a number of successful companies in the sports and play surfacing industry.

His business, the Charles Lawrence Group, grew to become the UK’s largest provider of artificial surfacing and in 1977, he introduced playground safety surfacing to the UK, an innovation that transformed public play areas across the country.

He invented a novel use for old vehicle tyres by converting them into granules for use in his famous Playtop surfaces, an environmentally friendly process and producing a safer surface for people.

In 1997, Mr Lawrence became the first chairman of the newly formed Sports and Play Construction Association (SAPCA), following the merger of two trade bodies.

He played a crucial role in setting up the association and guiding it through its formative years, and remained a key figure on the board after his term ended.

A tribute from SAPCA described him as “a man of natural charisma, limitless determination, and deep commitment to raising industry standards”.

The association’s former chief executive, Chris Trickey, said: “He had the gift of the gab and loved an audience.

“Sometimes people need a pat on the back,” Charles once told him with a glint in his eye, “and sometimes a kick in the backside — it’s knowing which one, and when.”

Mr Lawrence’s leadership helped establish SAPCA as a respected voice in the industry.

He was known for his direct manner, sharp business acumen, and unwavering belief in collaboration.

He often said that all SAPCA members are equal, and that when you support the association, you take off your company hat and speak for the good of the whole industry.

Even after retiring, Mr Lawrence remained closely connected to the sector, continuing to support former colleagues and attending industry events.

His final public appearance for SAPCA was in 2022, where he made a presentation at the association’s annual dinner.

Conica Limited, one of the companies he founded, also paid tribute on social media, calling him “a pioneering and visionary entrepreneur” whose “passion, desire to improve standards and natural charisma ensured he was widely respected.”

They wrote: “His passion for the industry, desire to improve standards and natural charisma ensured he was widely respected.

“Even today, many years after his retirement, his impact and legacy continue to shape the sport and play surfacing industries, which he tirelessly served for nearly 50 years.”

In 2021, Mr Lawrence published his autobiography — Somebody said that it couldn’t be done… The Life and Times of Charles Lawrence — where he documented his remarkable journey from humble beginnings to business success.

Mr Trickey added: “After knowing Charles for the last 35 years, he had become a great friend, to whom I am hugely indebted, and like everyone who knew him, I will miss him enormously.”

Geoffrey Bond, from The Geoffrey Bond Consultancy, who knew Mr Lawrence since childhood and was his solicitor and business colleague said: “With Charles death I have lost my best friend of my lifetime, I worked with him as his legal advisor and a member the boards of his companies, he was an extraordinary man.

“He will be greatly missed by many.

“Charles had a great sense of humour and was a good speaker.

“His great interest was ‘tractors’, which he collected, and one of his favourite pleasures was mowing his grass meadows.

“I shall miss Charles very much and his pragmatic approach to life .”