Having decided to build himself a 23ft motor cruiser he engaged the assistance of Frank Fish and two others to help complete the boat - when it was finished they realised that it was of a high enough standard to form the basis of commencing a business.

So Murrant borrowed £500 from his life assurance policy, recruited his wife Jane as secretary and set up Fibrasonic Marine at a South Staffordshire airfield.

In 1998 Murrant and his fellow directors sold the company to a team of venture capitalists headed by industrialist Gerard Wainwright.

On selling the company Murrant was able to spend more time on his hobbies - he was a passionate and accomplished golfer, he also enjoyed constructing model aircraft. He loved sport and was a keen supporter of the Kidderminster Harriers football club and Worcester Warriors rugby club.

Murrant was 65 and leaves behind his wife Jane, son Jeremy and daughter Vanessa. He was a much-admired figure, both inside and outside the industry he loved - he will be sadly missed.