Solent’s world-leading maritime sector celebrated at glittering awards ceremony
The Solent’s world-leading maritime sector was celebrated at a glittering awards ceremony on Thursday night.
Hundreds of industry figures packed into the Hilton Southampton - Utilita Bowl for a night of celebration and fine dining at the Maritime UK Solent’s annual awards ceremony.
The event highlighted outstanding achievements of a world-class industry that despite post-Covid challenges is now worth an astonishing £10bn - marking an incredible growth of 28 per cent in a four-year period since the formation of Maritime UK Solent.
Shining a spotlight on the region’s maritime excellence over the past year - ranging from maritime apprentices to those championing diversity, marine innovators and global traders - the third annual awards ceremony highlighted the extraordinary achievements and successes of the Solent’s maritime industry.
Anne-Marie Mountifield, chair of Maritime UK Solent, said: "The Maritime UK Solent Awards continues to be a fantastic celebration of the very best that our regional maritime sector has to offer. This event provides a platform on which to showcase the breadth and exceptional performance of our industry, from the smallest innovators to the largest global players, and highlights the immense diversity and strength of our maritime community.
“This year has been outstanding, with the competition stronger than ever, and a clear reflection of how these awards continue to grow year on year as our industry flourishes. One of the big reflections of winners, is how their business has flourished since winning an award, in terms of new markets and new connections – and some have gone on to be recognised nationally and internationally.
“It has been a privilege for Maritime UK Solent to provide this platform for such prestigious maritime organisations, acknowledging the remarkable achievements and incredible talent within the Solent. Each year, I am inspired by the level of innovation, leadership, and commitment showcased by all our finalists and winners."
This year’s awards attracted applications from many more maritime-related organisations than ever before for the 12 categories, and saw an increase in the number of guests attending the ceremony.
One of the new categories that proved popular and attracted a high number of strong entries was the Sustainability Leadership Award, won by Lee ‘George’ Reeves, Warrant Officer, Royal Navy. Lee said: “This is fantastic recognition and demonstrates we’re doing good work. Climate change is a trickier challenge than others. We’ve got to find our own way and it’s a cultural change bringing people on board and doing the right thing.”
Maritime UK Solent is also keen to celebrate those at the start of their maritime careers, recognising the importance of attracting skilled young people to the industry. Noorhantosha Sharrai, from BAE Systems Maritime Services won the Apprentice or Cadet of the Year Award. Noorhantosha said: “I’m mind-blown for getting this award. It’s an honour to be recognised for all my achievements among the other Finalists. We should all take pride in everything we do and do it confidently. We should all continue to inspire younger and future generations in doing the best they can.”
Southampton MP Darren Paffey hailed the maritime cluster where “innovation has always thrived” and praised Portsmouth and Southampton ports for their excellence. The evening was a huge success and enjoyed by those who attended. One of those, Darren Everard, of Latitude Recruitment in Southampton, said: “It was a great night and wonderful to see so many maritime companies coming together for the good of the industry.”
The Maritime UK Solent Awards 2024 winners were:
- Apprentice/Cadet of the Year Award – Noorhantosha Sharrai, BAE Systems Maritime Services
- Clean Maritime Innovator Award – RAD Propulsion
- Diversity Champion Award – Carnival UK
- Future Skills Award – Robosys Automation
- International Partnership & Global Trade Award – Griffon Hoverwork
- Large Business of the Year – BAE Systems Maritime Services
- Maritime Legacy Award – Edward and Carolyn Philips, Portsmouth Sail Training Trust
- Net Zero Navigator Award – Wightlink
- Small Business of the Year Award – Solent Stevedores
- Start-up of the Year Award – Anchoright Ltd
- Sustainability Leadership Award – Royal Navy
- Technology Game-Changer Award – Archipelago Expedition Yachts
To find out more about Maritime UK Solent, go to https://muksolent.com/