Sandra Strong MBE will retire from the business on 30th September 2026, closing an extraordinary chapter that began with the founding of Strong & Herd in 1995.

Over the past three decades, Sandra has established Strong & Herd as one of the UK’s most respected international trade, customs, import and export compliance consultancies. Through her vision, expertise, and dedication, she has supported countless businesses in navigating the complexities of international trade whilst building a reputation for excellence, integrity, and practical advice, recognised across the industry.

Throughout her career, Sandra has earned widespread recognition for her contribution to international trade and customs compliance. Her professional achievements include an MBE for her services to British Exporting, FCIEx (Grad) and CITA status, serving as an ICC Registered Incoterms® 2020 Trainer in the United Kingdom, Chair of the BExA Customs & Export Licensing Sub-Committee, and Technical Advisor to The Exporter Magazine.

Under Sandra's leadership, Strong & Herd has become synonymous with trusted, practical guidance, helping businesses of all sizes navigate customs compliance and international trade challenges. Her commitment to client service, knowledge-sharing and professional development has left a lasting impact not only on the business itself, but on the wider international trade community.

Sandra says:

"After 31 years in international trade and more than three decades building Strong & Herd, the time feels right to begin a new chapter. It has been an incredible privilege to work with so many clients, colleagues, partners and friends over the years, and I have genuinely valued the relationships I have built throughout my career.

Over recent months, I have been stepping back from the day-to-day running of the business, with Niamh O'Connor and Bernard O'Connor taking on increasing responsibility. The transition is already well underway, and I am delighted to see the business moving forward under their leadership, supported by our talented and experienced team.

One of the things I am proudest of is the people Strong & Herd has helped develop over the years. Watching colleagues grow in confidence, knowledge and expertise, and seeing the next generation of leadership emerge gives me great confidence in the future of the business.

Whilst I will undoubtedly miss the challenges, variety and constant learning that international trade has brought me every day, I know our clients will continue to be supported by the same high levels of knowledge, experience and practical guidance that have always been at the heart of Strong & Herd.

I am incredibly grateful to everyone at Strong & Herd for their support and friendship, and to our clients for the trust they have placed in us over the years. I now look forward to a new phase focused on music, art, and spending more time pursuing my passion for jazz, blues and swing singing, whilst watching the business continue to thrive."

As part of a carefully planned succession strategy, leadership of Strong & Herd LLP will transition to Managing Partner Bernard O'Connor and Niamh O'Connor (Associate Partner), who will continue to build upon the strong foundations Sandra has created and lead the business into its future.

The transition represents both continuity and stability for clients, colleagues and partners. It also marks Strong & Herd as a family-led business, with Bernard and Niamh bringing a combination of experience, continuity and a shared commitment to the values that have underpinned the company's success for more than 30 years.

Bernard and Niamh’s comment:

"Sandra's contribution to Strong & Herd and to the wider international trade profession has been exceptional. As founder, she has built a business recognised and respected throughout the industry for its expertise, integrity, and commitment to helping clients navigate an increasingly complex international trading environment. Her knowledge, professionalism and dedication have not only shaped Strong & Herd's success but have also influenced countless businesses and trade professionals throughout her career.

Beyond her professional achievements, one of Sandra's greatest strengths has been her commitment to supporting and developing the people around her. Niamh's own journey within the business is a testament to this. After joining Strong & Herd in a communications role, Sandra recognised Niamh's potential and actively encouraged her to develop her knowledge and expertise in international trade, customs and export compliance. Through Sandra's mentorship, support and belief in her abilities, Niamh was given the opportunity to move into a consultancy role and subsequently develop into a leadership position within the business.

Sandra's faith in others, her willingness to share her knowledge and her determination to invest in the next generation of trade professionals has helped create the strong and talented team that exists today. Her impact on the careers of those who have worked alongside her, including Niamh's, cannot be overstated and certainly does not go unrecognised.

Whilst Sandra's retirement marks the end of an extraordinary period in the history of Strong & Herd, it also represents the continuation of the vision, values and standards she has worked so hard to establish. As a family-led business, we are proud to continue that tradition and are honoured to build upon the foundations she has created.

Our clients can be assured that the business remains in safe hands and will continue to provide the same high standards of advice, training and support that have defined Strong & Herd for decades.

On behalf of everyone at Strong & Herd, we would like to thank Sandra for her leadership, friendship, guidance and unwavering dedication. We wish her a long, happy and well-deserved retirement and look forward to carrying her legacy forward into the future."

Strong & Herd LLP will continue to provide the specialist customs compliance and international trade consultancy and training services for which it has become known, while continuing to invest in new opportunities, services, and expertise to support clients operating in an ever-evolving global marketplace.

As the business enters this new era, the values that Sandra instilled from the very beginning - expertise, integrity, professionalism and exceptional client service - will remain at the heart of everything we do.