Maritime awards offer ‘inspiring showcase’ of up-and-comers and industry titans across the Solent

Businesses gathered at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard last week for the Maritime UK Solent Awards 2023, shining a spotlight on the creativity and innovation the industry has to offer.

The awards saw a 20 per cent rise in applications from last year’s inaugural event across 13 different categories, with many more guests appearing for the ceremony.

Anne-Marie Mountifield

Anne-Marie Mountifield, Chair of event organisers Maritime UK Solent, said: “The awards celebrate the very best this incredible regional sector has to offer.

“It’s been a privilege for Maritime UK Solent to provide a platform for these prestigious maritime organisations, acknowledging and celebrating remarkable achievements and the incredible talent in the Solent cluster.

“Congratulations go to each of our brilliant winners and the finalists of this year’s awards.”

Guests were joined by Penny Mordaunt MP, Leader of the House of Commons, who spoke about the important work of the event’s charity partner, Portsmouth Sail Training Trust.

Cllr Tom Coles

Also present was Cllr Tom Coles, the Lord Mayor of Portsmouth, to welcome visitors to the city.

As for the finalists themselves, Rachel Kitley, Principal of Cowes Enterprise College, was among the winners of the night, earning the Maritime Legacy Award in recognition of her impact on the strength of the Solent’s maritime sector.

Rachel said: “Tonight’s awards have not only been an inspiring showcasing of the brilliant work underway, but also of the exciting future we all have in the maritime industry and in the Solent.

“Our maritime curriculum at Cowes Enterprise College that’s rolling out across many schools in the country is there to support the future of the industry.

“The maritime industry is not just a piece of our past but an important part of our future, and we’re keen to support the next generation.”

The Solent awards have quickly grown in repute and status, with many winners also seeing success on the national stage at the Maritime UK Awards.

This year’s winners are as follows:

• Global Trade Award – BAE Systems Maritime Services
• International Partner of the Year – Robosys Automation
• Diversity Champion Award – Maritime & Coastguard Agency
• Technology Game-Changer Award – Carisbrooke Shipping Ltd
• Clean Maritime Innovator Award – ABP
• Net Zero Navigator Award – Portsmouth International Port
• Employer of the Year Award – Carnival UK
• Start-up of the Year Award – Just Be Maritime Ltd
• Future Skills Award – BAE Systems
• Large Business of the Year – BAE Systems Maritime Services
• Small Business of the Year Award – NASH Maritime Ltd
• Apprentice of the Year Award – Jamie Bamforth, BAE Systems Maritime Services
• Maritime Legacy Award – Rachel Kitley

Businesses interested in sponsoring next year’s awards can get in touch at muksolent@solentlep.org.uk