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2nd, June 2016
Meet Our New Trustee: Michael Shakesheff
With news of a brand new chairman and a reshuffle of the board, we appointed Michael Shakesheff as a new trustee to join others in becoming ambassadors of the Foundation to continue driving it forward.
Industry Insight, News and PR
Due to his joining, we caught up with him to ask a few questions so that you can get to know him. We’d like to give him a warm welcome and we look forward to working with him going forward!
Tell us a little about yourself
Casper Shipping is one of the leading independent port agency and marine services in the UK. Established in 1872, we have been looking after ships on the River Tees and Hartlepool for nearly 145 years.
I joined Casper Shipping in 2004 after studying law and working in London as a solicitor. On joining Casper Shipping I immediately embarked on my Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers’ examinations, followed by an Executive MBA from Teesside University. I am passionate about education and encourage and support everyone in Casper Shipping to sit their Institute exams and pursue further education.
How did you become a trustee of the High Tide Foundation?
It is fair to say that I have been involved behind the scenes since the Foundation started 3 years ago.
Our Chairman, Kevin Shakesheff, is the immediate past Chairman of High Tide and one of founding trustees. The High Tide office is also based at Casper Shipping’s offices at Tees Wharf with an incredible view of the River Tees!
What will you bring to the High Tide Foundation as Trustee?
My aim is to support the existing Trustees and continue to champion the core values on which the High Tide Foundation is based. I will also focus on the day-to-day running of the Foundation and corporate governance to make sure that we fulfil our legal obligations as a UK registered charity.
What support have you provided to High Tide through your company?
We currently assist with various High Tide programmes throughout the year, including the Summer Scheme, London Law Placement and the visit to the Port of Rotterdam.
Casper Shipping has also taken on two apprentices via the High Tide Scheme, both of whom are now in full-time employment in companies on the River Tees pursuing successful careers in shipping and port agency. We are hoping to take on another apprentice in September 2016.
Where do you see the High Tide Foundation in five years’ time?
Over the last 3 years, High Tide has been on an incredible journey. The support we have received from the business community around Teesside and further afield has been incredible. It is fair to say that High Tide is now well established and a success. The opportunities for High Tide are massive and whereas it is clear that we need to move forward and where possible scale up activity, we must also make sure that we have the right resources and do not lose focus on why the Foundation was set up in the first place – to inspire young people in the Teesside area by improving their learning and employments opportunities.
Are you a business on Teesside looking to give back to the community by offering a work experience placement or apprenticeship? Do you think you could help us provide knowledge of your industry by offering your assistance through our many programmes? If you are interested in becoming a member of the High Tide Foundation, then please do get in touch.
Contact our Membership Coordinator, Kim Upex on 07710713314 or email k.upex@hightidefoundation.co.uk.