In the tenth anniversary year of the event, and in the spectacular surroundings of the iconic Liverpool Cathedral, on Friday 25th October 2024, Mersey Maritime gathered to celebrate its annual Industry Awards. The awards are one of the most significant events in the national maritime calendar and saw over 450 distinguished guests from across the United Kingdom and beyond come together to recognise exceptional achievements and innovations in the maritime industry in the Liverpool City Region.
This year, a record number of outstanding companies and individuals submitted applications, leading to a highly competitive finalist stage and marking a significant achievement for the UK’s maritime sector. The submissions came from across the sector, testament to the immense spectrum of talent and expertise on offer in one of the country’s most vibrant, diverse and forward-looking industries in the region. A rigorous judging process, which included expert assessment and an industry-wide vote, saw a record-breaking 3,000 votes cast – more than ever before – showcasing the sector’s commitment to the awards and all that they represent.
This year, journalist and presenter, Lucy Meacock, took on the role of host for the evening. Lucy is well known across the area as one of the most recognisable faces on ITV regional news for over 30 years. She brought a unique and engaging touch to the proceedings on the night.
A key highlight of the evening was a keynote address delivered by the new Maritime Minister, Mike Kane MP. In his address, the Minister congratulated all the finalists and paid tribute to the dynamism and vibrancy of the maritime industry in the region, one he has had the privilege to get to know alongside the UK’s leading regional cluster organisation, Mersey Maritime. Mr Kane offered insights and a taste of the new Government’s vision for the future of the sector which will need to respond to so some of the big missions and challenges facing the country in the coming years.
The prestigious Business of the Year Award was presented to Cammell Laird Shipbuilders and Shiprepairers, one of the most illustrious names in the global maritime industry.
The awarding of the Maritime Ambassador Award was once again a highlight of the evening with the accolade going to Jim Graves BEM, a well-known and inspirational figure in the region’s maritime community. The award recognised Jim’s distinguished contribution to maritime training and the future of the industry through the work of the organisation he helped to found, Merseyside Adventure Sailing Trust (MAST). MAST has offered almost 3,000 individuals – ranging from youth centre participants to schools across the Liverpool City Region to corporate apprentices – the chance to embark on life-changing voyages aboard tall ships. MAST was named as the chosen charity of the night in recognition for Jim Graves awards, with guests raising over £5000 to support their vital work which focuses on the future of the industry and our young people.
Diamond sponsors for the event were Kays Medical, Liverpool John Moores University, and the Manufacturing Technology Centre, alongside other category sponsors. The awards celebrated the best-in-class within the maritime sector and highlighted the Liverpool City Region’s commitment to driving growth and investment.
Ruth Wood, CEO at Mersey Maritime, commented on the event, stating: “For over two decades, Mersey Maritime has championed the world-class businesses and organisations across the North West’s thriving maritime sector, and I’d like to congratulate the worthy nominees and winners for their success at this year’s awards . For the last ten years, these awards have been a testament to the exceptional standards and world-class expertise on display within the Liverpool City Region’s maritime community.
“Maritime is the foundation industry for so much else in the regional economy and makes one of the most significant financial contributions of any sector – over £5 billion in business turnover and supporting nearly 50,000 jobs. But our significance isn’t just on paper, we have a dynamic and forward-looking ecosystem with world leading business across every aspect of what maritime means – ports, shipping, engineering, leisure marine and maritime professional business services. We have every ingredient in the Liverpool City Region to continue building on our historic importance as we look to the future.
“Our commitment to that future is resolute. Boosting UK trade, decarbonisation,digitisation, DE&I and skills sit at the heart of the future of Mersey Maritime and the industry in this region. The Awards this year have once again cast a spotlight on everything we have to offer in the LCR.
“We were delighted once again to recognise so much success in our region over the last year with yet another successful Mersey Maritime Industry Awards.”
The full list of Mersey Maritime Industry Awards winners is as follows:
- Business of the Year sponsored by Kays Medical – Cammell Laird Shiprepairers & Shipbuilders.
- Diversity Champion Award sponsored by Peel Ports Group – National Oceanography Centre.
- Employer & Future Skills Award sponsored by the University of Liverpool – Atlantic Container Line/Grimaldi Liverpool Agency.
- Logistics & Trade Excellence Award sponsored by Maersk – Maritime Transport.
- Maritime Ambassador – Jim Graves, MAST.
- Maritime Campaign of the Year sponsored by Connected Places Catapult – Peel Ports Group / Global Ports Holding.
- Maritime Personality of the Year sponsored by the MTC – Ian Hughes, Hughes Subsea Services.
- Net Zero Champion Award sponsored by Liverpool John Moores University – Bibby Marine.
- Positive Impact Award sponsored by Cammell Laird – Denholm Logistics Group.
- Rising Star Award sponsored by Royal Navy – Kieren Davis, Atlantic Container Line.
- SME of the Year sponsored by SeaKing Group – Seacon (SG).
- Technology & Innovation Award sponsored by Brookes Bell – Liverpool John Moores University.
