Michael Lowe
Michael Lowe was born and educated in Wolverhampton. On leaving school, he became an articled clerk in Howard (Bob) Tranter’s firm of accountants in Oakengates from where he went on to secure a partnership, establishing his own office in Dawley.
A lifelong passion has been sport, especially tennis, golf, hockey and squash, these last two played at senior competitive levels. However, it is Mike Lowe’s immense contributions in the business, educational and voluntary sectors that mark him out. He combines those rare qualities of tact and affability with an energy and steely determination to see projects come to fruition.
In 1962 he founded Dawley Chamber of Commerce, which eventually became Shropshire Chamber of Industry and Commerce. He played instrumental roles in advancing the Training & Enterprise Councils, and later worked to form Shropshire Business Link. From the 1990s onwards he has been involved in the educational sphere, including work in establishing the University of Wolverhampton in Shropshire, and for the last twelve years as Chair of Governors at Telford College of Arts & Technology.
In recognition of his outstanding ‘service to education, training and business support’ Mike Lowe was awarded a CBE in 2001.
More than 30 years experience as a magistrate meant he has often dealt with the failings of some young people but he remains convinced that the vast majority are never praised enough for all the good work they do in society. Recently he stepped down as magistrate to become High Sheriff of Shropshire in 2005-2006. The scheme of Citizens Awards he introduced at Telford College of Arts & Technology has now become the High Sheriff Citizenship Awards across all schools in Shropshire, recognising the most outstanding contributions made to their communities by young people.
Mike Lowe continues his unflagging service to many organisations, including Secretary of The Anstice Club in Madeley, the oldest working men’s club in the UK, serving member for the Rotary Club of Ironbridge, President of the Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust, having served previously as Honorary Auditor, Treasurer and Chairman, Chairman of the Community Foundation in Shropshire and Telford, Chairman of the Board for Telford FM Radio, President of the Shropshire Society in London, President of Shropshire Male Voice Choir, and most recently Chairman of Dawley Regeneration Partnership working to regenerate Dawley in the widest possible sense.
