Pictured above: Mike Seabrook

When Mike Seabrook became a non-executive director of Steelite International he took a big leap away from acting as the company's corporate lawyer to become much more hands on instead. Now retired after 36 years as a solicitor Mike says he finally has a chance to get involved in the day-to-day running of the UK's biggest pottery company. 

So it won't be a quiet retirement for Mike. He explained: "Steelite International was a client when I worked at Eversheds, where I'd been for almost 25 years. It would've been a clash of interests for me to represent them as their lawyer and also sit on the board. But now I've retired, I'm free to take up directorships and become directly involved instead of just being on the sidelines offering advice in a hands-off role.

"I was thrilled to be invited onto the Steelite International board. It's a very exciting company right now with all kinds of new developments and different directions. It's especially gratifying to be part of a company that actually makes thing and has a big international presence too."

Mike was involved in two Steelite International buy-outs in 2002 and 2005 acting for the management in his corporate lawyer role. Now he'll be on the other side and part of management himself.

Commenting on Mike's appointment to the board of Steelite International Chief Executive Kevin Oakes said: "We're absolutely delighted to have Mike on board. For years now he's been an invaluable source of help and advice to the company so we already know he's a great team player and has much to offer us.

"Mike's expertise will be much welcomed and he joins us at a very exciting time when we're expanding, taking on new staff and posting excellent end-of-year results which have shown a massive increase in our profits."

Mike, 59, was born and raised in Birmingham where he still lives. Married with two adult sons his interests include family life, golf, cricket, rugby and football.