Laurie Dobson, the former owner and chief executive of skills testing specialists ISV Software, has died after a hard-fought battle with cancer, aged 69.

Dobson, who passed away on 7 May, first became involved with ISV in the mid 1990s before purchasing a majority stake in the business in 2004. The firm was eventually acquired by recruitment software provider Dillistone Group in 2014. 

A statement from ISV revealed that following Dobson’s diagnosis in 2013, he was looking to wind down his involvement with ISV to enjoy a semi-retirement and following the acquisition continued to work with the team on a consultancy basis until the end of December 2015. 

The company statement also paid tribute to Dobson’s “charm, effusive energy and entrepreneurial approach” that helped establish ISV as a recognised brand and major supplier to the recruitment industry. “He easily created connections and relationships that have endured since his departure from the business. Many professional contacts of Laurie’s became firm friends,” the statement added.

A charismatic leader at ISV, building a small but loyal team to innovate skills testing technology and support the recruitment industry as a whole, ISV also praised, Dobson’s no-nonsense approach that ensured he made a lasting impact on those he met. 

He is also described as a networker, creator of opportunities, colleague and friend that leaves a legacy behind in the recruitment industry as well as being a sports lover especially of golf and football and his beloved Blackpool FC. 

He is survived by his wife, Vanessa, and children Oliver, Charlotte and Tom.

At the end of his life he was cared for by the team at the Countess Mountbatten Hospice in Southampton. The family request that, instead of flowers, please send donations to the hospice.

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