Foul weather boss Henri Strzelecki received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Boating Business/ Marine Trade Association Awards evening.

His son Paul, currently Chairman of National Boat Shows and joint CEO of Henri Lloyd accepted this award on behalf of his father, who couldn’t attend due to being at the preparation of the 65th 2nd World War commemoration in Bologna, Italy.

Mr Strzelecki is probably one of the best known people in this industry, and was the founder of Henri Lloyd in 1963, and still holds the title of Honorary Life President.

Born in 1925 in Brodnica, Poland, he came to England as a Polish soldier after serving with the British 8th Army in Italy.  At the end of the war he elected to live in England where he studied textiles.  This naturally led to a career in clothing factory management and design.  A keen sailor he was quick to spot the potential the newly developed Bri-Nylon® fabric could have on the sailing market.  His employer rejected his idea and hence he decided to establish his own company and develop the opportunity.

His attention to detail and desire for perfection ensured that Henri Lloyd garments were of the highest quality and craftmanship.  His entrepreneurial spirit led to the development of a number of design firsts which are now accepted as industry standards:

The presentation took place at the Southampton Boat Show in front of 150 members of the British Marine Industry at the PSP Southampton Boat Show and the other awards presented were:

Website award winner – Pro-Boat
Environment Award – ASAP Supplies.
Scott Deverell Young Businessperson of the Year – Tom Reed, managing director of Scanstrut.
Young Entrepreneur of the Year – James Ward, managing director and founder of Marine Resources Recruitment.
Marine Trades Personality of the year – Peter Nash, Editor of Boating Business