Neville Blond CMG OBE (11 February 1896 - 4 August 1970) was born in Hull, Yorkshire to Bernard and Rachel Blond. He was educated at Manchester Grammar School and in Switzerland. His career started in his family’s textile business but at the start of WW1 he joined the army. He received two decorations from the French government and reached the rank of major in the Royal Horse Guards. In 1921 he resumed his work within the family business. Blond was appointed an MBE in 1945 and a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George in 1950.