Mike Strawson presenting the 'Mike Strawson Award for the Highest Mark in the Practical Global Trading module of the Level 5 Diploma in International Trade', to this year's winner Peter Wheeler, at the Institute's graduation ceremony in May.

The Institute was saddened to hear of the passing of Mike Strawson FIEx, who died on Sunday 8 October after a brave battle with cancer.

One of the Institute's most honoured members, Mike was very well-known and held in high esteem in Yorkshire where he assisted hundreds of companies with different aspects of international trade during 13 years as Chamber International’s senior export trainer and acted as host at dozens of networking events to encourage more businesses in the Leeds City Region to start exporting.

Mike, who was involved in exporting from the age of 17, received the IOE&IT Lifetime Achievement award in 2013 for his outstanding contribution to export sales and also in teaching international trade skills to others. He also received a prestigious Fellowship from the Institute, which he joined as a student in 1962.

A man of tremendous enthusiasm and energy, right up to an age when many people would prefer to take it easy, he co-authored a leading export industry guide and contributed to newsletters and magazines on international trade.

Chamber International director, Tim Bailey, says: “Mike was highly respected and regarded with affection by our whole team, not just for his considerable expertise in exporting but for his qualities as a wise, kind and considerate individual. He was not just a colleague to me but a good friend too.

“Mike trained and advised hundreds of businesses throughout the UK and beyond and I suspect that these sentiments are shared by many people within those organisations as well. Mike Strawson was a man you were glad you had met and you did not wish to let the memory fade.”

The Institute sends its warmest and sincerest regards to Mike's family and the team at Chamber International.