As the nation mourns the passing of The Queen, North East businesses have added their respects to the outpouring of grief and condolences from a nation that may never be quite the same again.
Among so many statements and tributes, Sara Davies MBE, Founder of Crafter's Companion: "We have lost the greatest monarch in history, someone who selflessly and graciously dedicated her entire life to her country. She leaves a legacy which will never be forgotten. Thank you ma’am, may you rest in peace."
Read more: Updates as Britain enters period of mourning
bp and Google turned their famous logos black and bp said: "We are deeply saddened by the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and profoundly grateful for her extraordinary record of service. We offer our sincere condolences to the Royal Family and those mourning her loss around the world."
Cummins expressed its "sadness and deepest condolences" to the Royal Family. Communications Manager Samantha Gravells said: "Great grandmother, grandmother, mother, sister, wife, leader, sovereign, our constant, for 70 years. A life dedicated to serving us all. Loved and never to be forgotten."
believe housing said "Our thoughts and sincere condolences are with the Royal Family during this difficult time."
At Durham County Council, Chair Cllr Beaty Bainbridge said: "As Britain's longest-serving monarch, The Queen demonstrated extraordinary devotion to her duties and to the people she served. She was an important figurehead for the UK during a reign of more than 70 years, which saw unprecedented changes to our country and way of life.
"The Queen travelled more widely than any other monarch and this included many visits to County Durham. I am sure that all those who met her, whether in the early years of her time on the throne or more recently, will have fond memories of her visit."
Graham Robb, Founder and Senior Partner at Recognition PR said: "The worst news. The loss of the greatest stateswoman in the world, the head of our church and somebody dedicated to the service of our country. God bless Elizabeth II. Long live the King."
Up at Blyth, Britishvolt said that "Throughout her long and illustrious reign, Her Majesty embodied all that is noble in the British character."
Her Majesty was a patron of the British Chambers of Commerce, and the North East Chamber said they were "deeply saddened" to learn of her death. "Our thoughts are with the royal family", it said.
Law firm Womble Bond Dickinson said: "Everyone at Womble Bond Dickinson is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. Our thoughts and condolences are with the Royal Family at this very difficult time."
Karl Pemberton, Managing Director of Active Financial Planners in Thornanby: "As the longest reigning Monarch, she has touched the lives of many and will be greatly missed. Our thoughts are with the Royal family at this difficult time."
Darlington Building Society: "On behalf of Darlington Building Society and our members we send our heartfelt condolences to the Royal Family on their loss. We are truly thankful for Her Majesty’s many decades of tireless, loyal service to the United Kingdom.
Bill Scott's Wilton Engineering: "The entire Wilton team joins the country in mourning the sad loss of Her Majesty. HM Queen Elizabeth was the constant in our lives and our nation. Her commitment and dedication to being a servant of the Commonwealth will always be an inspirational story for generations to come."
Entrepreneur Mike Racz, owner of the Racz Group at Wynyard Park: "I have always been a Royalist and believe in the sanctity of the Royal Family. Queen Elizabeth, our longest reigning monarch, gave 70 years of her life to Great Britain and the Commonwealth, and I’m proud to take inspiration from her dedication and commitment to her role. She truly was the People’s Queen and she will be deeply missed."
Learning Curve Group: "Our thoughts are with Queen Elizabeth’s family at this heartbreaking time. Her reign has made, and will continue to make, history. Rest in Peace."
Nepic CEO Philip Aldridge: “We are deeply saddened by the loss of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. She will forever be remembered for her dedication and service to this country. Our thoughts are with the Royal Family at this time.”
Professor Paul Croney, OBE, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of Teesside University: "Her Majesty leaves an extraordinary legacy as the longest-serving monarch in British history. Throughout her historic reign, Queen Elizabeth demonstrated tireless dedication and steadfast leadership in the service of the nation, acting with true generosity of spirit.
‘Queen Elizabeth saw education as a force for good. She was a proud supporter of our sector and celebrated the impact of higher education on students, the economy and wider society."
Middlesbrough College: "Our thoughts are with the Royal Family on this sad day. Rest In Peace Queen Elizabeth we thank you for all you did for us."
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