Robert Harley spent his youth in Barbourne, Worcester and went to St Stephen's CE Primary School, later going to The King's School, Worcester on a scholarship.
Harley became joined the new company Insight Surveys in 1977, and rose through it to become joint owner. When South Staffordshire plc took over the company in 1997, Harley was kept on to become the Managing director of the Onsite division, and took a seat at the main board in 2002.
He owned an enviable collection of vintage cars and enjoyed racing his Bentley, for example in the 2003 Emerald Isle Classic rally (pictured).
This Bentley, made in 1929, was created before the Great Depression forced Bentley to give up its independence and sell to Rolls Royce. W O Bentley, founder of the company and an inventor of aero-engines during WWI, was innovative, using lightweight aluminium rather than iron to make car engine pistons.
Robert Harley was a fan of Worcester Warriors and Worcestershire Cricket Club, as well as a patron member of Worcester Rugby Club. He was also once President of King's School's old boys cricket club, the Old Vigornians CC.
He died at his home in Kempsey after a long illness.
He is remembered as a kind, enthusiastic and witty man, and well-respected businessman by his wife Trina, as well as many friends and colleagues.
