Finalists announced for first Maritime UK Awards
The finalists have been announced for the first ever Maritime UK Awards.
The winners will be announced in front of 400 of the industry’s finest at a glittering ceremony at Southampton’s Leonardo Royal Hotel on Thursday 19 September during the Southampton International Boat Show.
The Awards, which will be given to individuals as well as businesses, charities, colleges and universities, focus on a wide range of areas including business growth, innovation, sustainability and diversity. Themes also include education and the future; following government’s publication of its first long-term strategy for the sector, Maritime 2050, in January.
Highly respected experts from a variety of businesses and government departments were involved in the panel and judge Iain Lower, Head of Naval Staff at the Royal Navy, said: “The standard of entrants surpassed our wildest expectations both in terms of quality and numbers. More than anything it shows the UK maritime sector, which adds £37.4bn to the UK economy and supports just under 1 million jobs, is bursting with energy and innovation and is proud of its achievements.”
Harry Theochari, Chair of Maritime UK, said: “What’s important about the Maritime UK Awards is they’re very much about showcasing the entire spectrum of maritime businesses, from consumer marine and cruising to advanced manufacturing and commercial shipping. I’m delighted to report that the entries very much bear this out. Throughout this process we’ve discovered world-class British products, services and initiatives that we didn’t previously have on our radar. That’s the real prize from these awards.”
Ben Murray, director at Maritime UK, said: “With the number and quality of the entries being so high the judges had the unenviable task of arriving at the shortlists. I think they’ve done a terrific job so huge thanks to everyone. I would also like to thank all the entrants for their enterprise, commitment and enthusiasm. Their support has been invaluable.”
The finalists in each of the following categories are:
2050 Award - Sponsored by the Department for Transport
- MJC2
- Red Funnel
- Port of Tyne
Business of the Year - Sponsored by PwC
- Williams Shipping
- Ribeye Boats
- Pole Star
Coastal Powerhouse Award
- Solent LEP
- Mersey Maritime
- Port of Cromarty Firth
Diversity Award - Sponsored by Red Funnel
- Spinnaker Global
- Royal Fleet Auxiliary
- BAE Systems
Employer of the Year - Sponsored by Stellamar
- Carnival UK
- Royal Haskoning
- Hill Dickinson
Future Skills Award - Sponsored by Nautilus International
- Orka Informatics
- The Nautical Institute
- Cornwall Marine Academy
Innovation Award - Sponsored by the UK Ship Register
- Thales UK
- Lignia Yacht
- Shakespeare UK
International Trade Award - Sponsored by Portsmouth International Port
- Superyacht Tenders and Toys
- Port of Dover
- Actisense
Rising Star Award
- Glen Fraser, BAE Systems
- Eslie Vrolijk, Royal Haskoning
- Josslynne Brown, South Shields Marine School
STEM Award - Sponsored by DFDS Seaways
- Seafarers UK & Sea Cadets
- South Shields Marine School
- BAE Systems
Start-up of the Year - Sponsored by DonMac Data
- The Shipping Exchange
- ARC Marine
- Tapiit Maritime
Sustainability Award
- Port of Dover
- ABP
- Port of Cromarty Firth
The Maritime UK Awards are the first truly national maritime awards in the UK, organised by industry, for the benefit of industry. The inaugural event will take place in Southampton on 19th September, following a successful drive from Solent Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) for the first awards ceremony to be held in the Solent.
To buy tickets to the awards evening visit the official website. All attendees will receive a free ticket to the Southampton International Boat Show, powered by Borrow A Boat, on purchase of their awards evening ticket.