Director of former trade board dies at age of 87
THE former director of the British Overseas Trade Board in the region, Brian Varley, has died. Mr Varley, who was 87, succumbed to the Covid-19 virus on March 31.
The British Overseas Trade Board was set up in 1972 to help firms find new markets and Mr Varley played a prominent role as the government representative on the body.
He moved from London to the regions in 1965 and held several positions across the country, where he built up a network of companies looking to expand sales both at home and overseas. In 1981-82 he chaired a promotions board for senior executive officers back in
London.
He then moved a final time to the West Midlands where he set about supporting the region in the export market.
In 1983 his team worked with more than 2,000 firms, held 20 conferences and seminars. The Export Intelligent Service was subscribed to by 750 firms.
In 1984 the first full meeting of the British Overseas Trade Board was held at Birmingham Chamber of Commerce, the first time it met away from London.
Mr Varley retired in 1988 on medical advice. He met and married his second wife Carol in 1999 and they enjoyed several years playing bridge at events in England, Scotland and Wales. Mr Varley, who was born on September 30, 1932, is survived by his wife.
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