The very best of the Solent’s world-class maritime sector were honoured at the Maritime UK Solent Awards on Friday (14th October), including Isle of Wight business Datum Electronics.
The winners of the inaugural awards were announced at a ceremony at the Leonardo Royal Southampton Grand Harbour Hotel. In attendance were 250 maritime experts and industry leaders who gathered to show their commitment to the future of the sector.
They were welcomed by the Lord Mayor of Southampton, Councillor Jacqui Rayment.
East Cowes-based Datum Electronics picked up 2 awards, namely the Innovation Award and Employer of the Year Award. Meanwhile, Nell Clare from Red Funnel scooped the Employee of the Yeae award.
James Lees, Managing Director of Datum Electronics, has said:
“We are delighted to have won two marine focussed awards that recognise our collaboration and dedication to supporting the maritime sector in CII, Carbon Reduction and Improved Vessel efficiency. Being recognised as a Top performing Company by the Solent LEP through the Maritime UK Solent Awards, is truly an honour and an accomplishment to be proud of.
“I’m thrilled that the hard work of our team and partners has been recognised by industry experts as truly cutting edge and sector leading, in the areas of both innovation, plus as an outstanding employer in the region.“
The awards success for Datum follows a flurry of recent award nominations as well as a recent award for innovation at the Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce business excellence awards.
The winners announced on the night are as follows:
- International Trade Award, sponsored by Solent Freeport – Chartwell Marine
- Diversity Champion Award, sponsored by the Royal Navy – SERCO Maritime
- Innovation Award, sponsored by Portsmouth International Port – Datum Electronics Ltd
- Clean Maritime Innovator Award, sponsored by Wightlink – Ecomar Propulsion
- Clean Maritime Business Award, sponsored by Red Funnel – Portsmouth International Port
- Employer of the Year Award, supported by Colva – Datum Electronics Ltd
- Start-up of the Year Award, sponsored by Get Set Solent – Vulcan Offshore
- Future Skills Award, sponsored by ABP – Seabot Maritime
- Business of the Year Award, sponsored by the Solent Local Enterprise Partnership – Chartwell Marine
- Apprentice of the Year Award, sponsored by City of Portsmouth College – Devorne Gibson, Royal Navy
- Employee of the Year Award – Nell Clare, Red Funnel
- Maritime Hero Award, sponsored by Solent Stevedores – Chris Sturgeon
Anne-Marie Mountifield, Chair of Maritime UK Solent, said:
“It has been an honour to provide a platform for such prestigious organisations in the Solent maritime sector, acknowledging and celebrating such incredible talent and skill in the industry. Warm congratulations go to each of our winners and runners-up. We’re already looking ahead to build on the success of these awards and announce details of next year’s event in the coming weeks.”
