Finalists have been announced for the inaugural Maritime UK Awards, recognising outstanding achievement across the maritime industry.
The Maritime UK Awards, which will be presented during the Southampton Boat Show on 19 September, will reward businesses, individuals, charities and universities for achievement in a wide range of fields, including business growth, innovation and sustainability. Harry Theochari, Chair of industry partnership body Maritime UK, which is overseeing the awards, 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.”
The overarching theme of the Maritime UK Awards is the future and education, building on the UK government’s Maritime 2050 initiative, which lays out its long term strategy for the UK maritime sector over the next 31 years. Award categories include Business of the Year, Startup of the Year and Employer of the Year; as well as categories rewarding specific achievements such as the Innovation Award, the Diversity Award and the International Trade Award.
Iain Lower, Head of Naval Staff at the Royal Navy and one of the expert panel of judges for the Maritime UK Awards, 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 [€40.43bn] to the UK economy and supports just under one million jobs, is bursting with energy and innovation and is proud of its achievements.”
Maritime UK Director Ben Murray 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.”
