To our co-founder and Chairman, Ron Stewart Jnr 1958 – 2025.
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It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of our co-founder and Chairman, Ron Stewart Jnr, on Friday, 22nd of August 2025, aged 67, following a long and courageous battle with prostate cancer.
Ron was born in Aberdeen in 1958, the son of the late Ron Stewart Snr, with whom he later co-founded Andron. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather, and is survived by his wife, children and grandchildren, who were his greatest pride and joy.
In 1980, after both Ron and his father were made redundant, they set out with little more than a single carpet cleaning machine and the determination to do things differently. Ron was in his early twenties, ambitious to be his own boss, and willing to sacrifice much of his young life to the venture. With no savings and no industry experience, Ron and his dad did everything themselves at first — cleaning, chasing work, and handling the paperwork — working long hours and making personal sacrifices to give the business a chance to succeed. A qualified quantity surveyor by trade and a gifted entrepreneur by nature, Ron brought a practical, detail-driven approach and took responsibility for costing cleaning contracts, while his father, with his natural gift for people, helped open doors to new work. Together they made a strong pairing that set the tone for everything that followed.
Their creativity and determination showed even in the name they chose. Combining their shared name, Ron and Ron, they created Andron, deliberately placing the new company in the “A” list at the front of the Yellow Pages to give themselves visibility from the very start. The early years were demanding, with long hours, constant travel and little financial reward, but Ron often said they were also the most rewarding, because they were about building something he believed in and creating something that would last.
For the next 45 years, Ron poured his energy into growing Andron. From humble beginnings, the company became one of the UK’s leading family-owned facilities management providers, employing more than 2,600 people and trusted by clients across the country. What made this success remarkable was that Ron never strayed from the values he and his father began with. At a time when others in the industry cut wages to underbid contracts, he refused, believing people deserved fair pay and respect.
Andron’s growth reflected Ron’s way of doing business. It was steady, built on trust and reputation rather than sales or acquisitions. Clients who knew him often brought the company with them to new roles, sites and contracts, and many of those earliest relationships lasted for decades. That slower, organic growth gave Andron resilience, and Ron was proud that the company endured while competitors who chased quick wins often disappeared.
Ron was also willing to be bold. He embraced new technology and took calculated risks to stay ahead, while always keeping the business strong through challenging times. Just as importantly, he believed in giving back. Even in the early years, he and his father supported local clubs, and later made that a formal commitment with a pledge of 1% of profits to charity. As the company grew, so too did that commitment, reflecting Ron’s belief that success and responsibility always went hand in hand.
Ron was immensely proud that Andron has remained a family-owned business. In 2024, his daughter Cheryl became Chief Executive, with Ron moving to the role of Chairman. This handover to the third generation of the Stewart family was a moment of great pride, reflecting his wish to see Andron remain true to its values. Today, five members of the Stewart family are part of the business, carrying forward the legacy he and his father began.
What stood out most about Ron was not just what he achieved, but who he was. He was humble and approachable, never seeking praise and always giving credit to others. He had a natural warmth and sense of humour, and always found time for a chat or a joke to brighten the day. His positivity was infectious, and even in difficult times he found a way to see the good. Many who worked with him, whether colleagues or clients, stayed connected for decades because of the integrity and kindness they saw in Ron.
Ron’s character also shone through in how he faced his illness. Only last month, he held a fundraiser for Prostate Scotland which, with the generosity of many and a contribution from Andron, raised more than £47,000 to support men across Scotland living with prostate cancer. It was typical of Ron to turn a personal challenge into something that could help others and to unite those closest to him around a cause that mattered deeply to him.
Beyond work, Ron lived life to the full. He travelled widely, visiting more than 90 countries, and he loved meeting people and embracing new experiences. He proudly followed Scotland all around the world with the Tartan Army, was a lifelong Aberdeen supporter, and also a passionate Liverpool fan. Above all, he was devoted to his family, who meant everything to him.
Ron will be remembered as the driving force behind Andron, but above all as a kind and genuine man who touched the lives of so many. His legacy lives on in his family, in the company he built, and in the many people who had the privilege of knowing him.
Ron shaped Andron in his image and embodied everything it stands for. He will always have a special place in the heart of this company, and we will honour him by living by his values, upholding his legacy and celebrating his lifetime of achievement.