Maurice Laing

Sir Maurice Laing
Born	1918-02-01 Carlisle, Cumberland, England
Died	2008-02-22
Occupation	Businessman
Known for	Inaugural president of the Confederation of British Industry; senior executive at John Laing company

Sir John Maurice Laing (1 February 1918 – 22 February 2008) was a prominent leader within the British construction sector, notably serving as a senior executive at the John Laing company. He also held the distinction of being the inaugural president of the Confederation of British Industry during 1965–66.

Early life

Born in Carlisle, Cumberland, Maurice Laing was the younger son of John Laing. The family adhered to strict Christian Brethren beliefs. Since 1910, his father had managed the family-owned construction enterprise, John Laing & Son, where Maurice gained practical experience working throughout his school vacations. In 1926, the company headquarters relocated to Mill Hill, and Maurice attended St Lawrence College, Ramsgate for his education.

At age 17 in 1935, he commenced full-time employment with the family business. His older brother, William Kirby Laing, pursued engineering studies at Cambridge University. By 1938, Maurice was overseeing projects involving airfield construction and installations for barrage balloon defenses.

World War II

Although his occupation was considered reserved, Laing enlisted in the Royal Air Force during World War II. He initially served as a Leading Aircraftman before receiving a commission as a Pilot Officer in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve in October 1943, followed by promotion to Flying Officer in April 1944. Training was postponed due to his wife's battle with tuberculosis; however, he ultimately qualified as a pilot in South Africa and participated in flying the second British glider over the Rhine.

Business career

After the war ended in 1945, Laing resumed work in construction. The family firm went public on the London Stock Exchange in 1953, and his father stepped down in 1957. Maurice became deputy chairman in 1966, supporting his brother Kirby who served as chairman.

Under their leadership, the company completed significant projects such as constructing the initial 52 miles of Britain's first motorway, the M1, linking Watford to Rugby between 1958 and 1959. Other notable works included nuclear power plants, Coventry Cathedral, and the London Central Mosque. In 1976, Maurice succeeded his brother as chairman after they exchanged positions. He then separated property development from construction by establishing Laing Properties, which was publicly listed in 1978. He retired with the title of life president in 1982. Despite his resistance, Laing Properties was acquired by P&O in 1992.

His public service included membership on the National Economic Development Council from 1962 to 1966 and serving as a director of the Bank of England between 1963 and 1980. Laing was the final president of the British Employers' Federation in 1964 before becoming the first president of its successor organization, the CBI, in 1965—the same year he received a knighthood.

His influence extended through governance roles at institutions such as the Administrative Staff College and National Institute of Social and Economic Research. Additionally, he held presidencies at the Federation of Civil Engineering Contractors and the London Bible College.

A passionate yachtsman, he occupied prominent positions including rear-commodore and trustee of the Royal Yacht Squadron, president of the Royal Yachting Association, as well as admiral roles for both the Royal Ocean Racing Club and Island Sailing Club. In 1990, he contributed funding to commission a yacht for the Ocean Youth Club aimed at providing sailing education to young people and individuals with disabilities.

Personal life

In March 1940, Laing wed Hilda Richards. He was survived by his spouse and their son, John, who oversees the Rufford Foundation, a private organization dedicated to grant distribution.

References

• Obituary—Sir Maurice Laing: Prominent figure in a renowned construction family and the inaugural president of the CBI, The Guardian, 25 February 2008
• Sir Maurice Laing: Dynamic leader of the Laing construction firm and first CBI president, The Independent, 26 February 2008
• Sir Maurice Laing: Businessman and inaugural CBI president whose family firm constructed Britain’s first motorway, The Times, 28 February 2008
• Obituary, The Daily Telegraph, 19 March 2008