After leaving Yarm in 1993, Michael pursued a degree in English and Spanish Law (LLB Hons) at the University of Kent, Canterbury, followed by legal training at The College of Law, Guildford. His early career saw him working at Clifford Chance LLP, where he was involved in high-profile global transactions. Although proud of his first career, a desire to be at the forefront of deals rather than advising on them led him to the shipping industry, joining Casper Shipping Limited.

Now Group Managing Director of Casper Shipping, Michael oversees a business with origins dating back to 1872, specialising in short-sea shipping, port agency services, chartering, and customs solutions. The company operates across eleven sites in the UK, with offices in the Netherlands and representatives in Spain and Greece.

A key career highlight came in 2024, when Casper Shipping received The King’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade, a prestigious recognition officially presented by Jo Ropner, His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant for North Yorkshire.

Beyond his role at Casper Shipping, Michael is also a Trustee for the High Tide Foundation, a charity dedicated to improving opportunities for young people on Teesside. They provide real-life work experiences and life-changing programmes with the aim to show young people that anything really is possible, regardless of their background or circumstances.

Outside of work, sport remains a major part of family life. Last summer, he had the opportunity to attend the Paris Olympics and the LIV Golf Finals at the JCB Golf & Country Club—experiences he won’t forget.

Reflecting on his time at Yarm, Michael recalls fond memories of playing 1st XV Rugby and serving as a House Prefect. As a current Yarm parent, he has witnessed the school evolve significantly since the early 90s, though he believes its core values and ethos remain the same. He jokes that one of the biggest improvements has been the removal of the navy-blue jumpers and briefcases!

For current Upper Sixth students preparing to leave Yarm, his advice is simple:
"Keep your options open. In my view it is more than acceptable to have multiple jobs and multiple careers over your working life – start by choosing something that interests you and which you are good at. The rest will just fall in to place."