A PIONEERING local business man is on the crest of a wave after being given a special lifetime achievement award by the Royal Yachting Association.

Henri Strzelecki MBE founded the Henri-Lloyd sailing clothing manufacturer back in 1963 after working in the Lancashire textile industry.

Mr Henri, as he is known to his employees at the LIttle Hulton firm, pioneered the development of specially designed sailing clothing using new fabrics and closures.

He also developed marketing methods and supported new endeavours in the world of sailing.

And his name became widely respected after supplying clothes to a range of famous personalities on epic voyages including Sir Francis Chichester, Robin Knox-Johnston, Sir Alec Rose and Dame Naomi James.

As the RYA announced the honour in the 1995 British Nautical Awards this week Henri was described as a "true elder statesman of the marine world." Henri was recognised by the RYA for his "selfless charitable generosity."

Henri-Lloyd, based on Smithfold Lane, now employ more than 300 people in factories around the Manchester area. Mr Henri is company chairman and his two sons Paul and Martin run the business as joint managing directors.

Polish-born Mr Henri escaped from a prison camp during World War Two and at the age of 38 left a safe job to start his company in partnership with Angus Lloyd.

His style of management has been widely praised. Regular meetings are held with workers and shop-floor workers do not pay income tax, the firm pays it for them.

The company was awarded a Queen's industry award in 1986.

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