Founder of Gardners Alan Little dies aged 92 

Alan Little, the founder and former chairman of wholesalers Gardners Books Limited, has died aged 92.

He passed away in the early hours of the 8th August 2023 following a long battle with dementia. A funeral service will be held in the Main Chapel at Eastbourne Crematorium on Tuesday 5th September at noon.

A statement from Gardners said: "Little was born and grew up in London and his passions included music and reading, so it was unsurprising his career would lead him into the book trade, firstly as an independent bookseller and eventually into wholesaling and distribution."

It goes on: “A pivotal moment came in 1986, when Alan, alongside Jean and their son Jonathan, seized the opportunity to acquire the ailing wholesale enterprise, Gardners of Bexhill. Alan’s vision and drive paid off as Gardners began to thrive, evolving into The Little Group, comprising multiple book and entertainment businesses with over 1,500 employees, and revenues of over half a billion pounds sterling annually.”

Little is survived by his wife Jean, children Andrew, Yvette, and Jonathan, along with eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.