Transformation of former Royal Navy Rum Store gets final green light, work begins

WORK on the £22million transformation of the UK Docks-owned former Royal Navy Rum Store at Victoria Quay is beginning, in the wake of Gosport Borough Council giving final planning permission for the project.

Plans for the regeneration of the Grade II listed building received planning permission from the council in September and work has now begun on he important enabling works for the rundown structure, with the walls being cleaned and the ground treated and prepared for the impending redevelopment work.

That work will involve internal and external alterations, including the reconstruction of the second storey, new floors, the installation of new stairs and a lift, as well as the provision of electricity and drainage, along with a rooftop bar area and a solar array.

An artist’s impression of how the Rum Store’s exterior will look upon successful completion of the regeneration work

The council was awarded £11m from the Government’s Local Regeneration Fund in 2023 to renovate the Rum Store building at the former Royal Clarence Yard, and that crucial funding allowed UK Docks to match-fund to turn the building into a huge asset for the local community.

Ultimately, the investment in the historic building, which once held the Royal Navy’s entire rum store at the height of the British Empire, could create nearly 7,000sqm of mixed-use employment space, mainly for maritime businesses, while other units are earmarked for retail and leisure.

The rooftop bar, with views across Portsmouth Harbour, would be a centre-piece attraction in the council’s wider plans to revitalise and reconnect the town’s historic waterfront.

The Rum Store’s new rooftop terrace will be a stunning addition to local facilities in Gosport.

The council’s approval of the plans for the redevelopment also takes care to safeguard the special architectural and historic interest of the listed structure and protect its character and appearance.

Ben Mason, business development director at UK Docks: “It’s great to have reached this landmark moment with the council giving approval after satisfying themselves that the plans meet the highest standards for the building.

“Working with Gosport Borough Council has given us access to government funding and helped unlock solutions to problems that were bigger than just our site at Victoria Quay, such as local infrastructure. 

“The council has big plans for regeneration in the borough and we're delighted to be a partner in that.

“We hope to release regular updates as the work gets underway on making this area one of the jewels in the crown of Gosport.”

Giles Pritchard, director of Pritchard Architecture, which has drawn up the plans, said: “Following extensive work by the project team and close collaboration with the planning authority, the local community, and other key stakeholders, we are delighted to have reached this significant project milestone — marking another step toward restoring this magnificent building and giving it a new lease of life.”

A cross-section of the planned Rum Store redevelopment showing the multiple uses the building will have.

Councillor Peter Chegwyn, Leader of Gosport Borough Council, said: “This vital step brings us closer to realising our vision for the site. 

“Once complete, the renovation could deliver nearly 7,000sqm of high-quality mixed-use employment space, and create up to 200 jobs.

“We look forward to welcoming more residents and visitors to enjoy a more vibrant and better-connected waterfront.”

Shields ferries to remain serviced and maintained on the Tyne by UK Docks

UK Docks Marine Services has agreed a three-year contract with the owners of the Shields Ferry to ensure its vessels are kept ship-shape on the River Tyne.

The agreement means that essential maintenance work will continue to be carried out on South Tyneside, benefiting the local economy, until at least 2028.

UK Docks director Gary Wilson said: “We are delighted to have been trusted again with ensuring the smooth operation of this iconic service.

UK Docks director Gary Wilson with Nexus's Kevin Leonard,celebrate the new three-year contract between the two companies. Pic by Tim Richadson.

“As a South Tyneside company, and with many of our staff drawn from the local workforce, we know exactly how important the Shields ferry is to its passengers - whether using it for work or simply to travel.

“It’s also an important part of the local economy, and so it's equally important that the ferries continue to function at the top of their game.

“We’re very familiar with both vessels having worked on them for many years previously and we look forward to using that expertise to ensure they’re operating to the highest standards in the wake of the new contract.”

Nexus, the public body which runs the service, operates two passenger ferries on the North Shields-South Shields route.

Both ferries - the Pride of the Tyne and the Spirit of the Tyne - underwent full services this year at UK Docks’ slipway in River Drive, South Shields, and the extended contract suits both organisations, with Nexus able to maintain its vessels without leaving Tyneside and a local company able to benefit from its neighbour.

The Pride of the Tyne ferry on South Shields slipway this summer.

The 32-year-old Pride of the Tyne underwent her annual service this summer as well as a refit overhaul on her two propulsion units, while the newer Spirit of the Tyne passed her annual service.

The works were extensive and required both vessels spending time out of the water on UK Docks’ slipway.

Gary Wilson said: “Our great working relationship with the Nexus engineering team meant that even facing challenges, we achieved both ferry services within the allotted Nexus maintenance periods."

Both vessels were assessed by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) certification and given a clean bill of health before returning to service. Maintenance of the ferries takes place annually to ensure they remain in safe and serviceable conditions at all times during passenger services.”

UK Docks director Gary Wilson with Kevin Leonard, Nexus customer services operations manager on UK Docks slipway in South Shields. Pic by Tim Richardson.

Kevin Leonard, Customer Services Operations Manager at Nexus, said: “We’re delighted to continue our partnership with UK Docks, who provide a vital role in delivering essential maintenance on the Shields Ferry. 

"This new deal ensures that essential repairs on our two vessels will continue to be carried out on the River Tyne.”

UK Docks’ founder Harry receives national Supreme Champion 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award

UK Docks founder and executive chairman, Harry Wilson MBE, who launched a national company operating globally from a single slipway in South Shields, has been honoured with a national Lifetime Achievement award.

Harry was presented with the award at a gala dinner in London hosted by Family Business United in recognition of a huge contribution to the country’s marine services industry.

UK Docks’ founder Harry Wilson, presented with his Lifetime Achievement award by Ben Fowler, MD of Western Pension Solutions (left) and Paul Andrews, CEO of Family Business United

On the evening, 11 business leaders received recognition for lifetime contributions to their sectors, but Harry took away the Supreme Champion 2025 award as his unique efforts were fully recognised.

Paul Andrews, CEO of Family Business United, noted, "Harry’s legacy is one of enduring impact, from bringing his three sons into the business to fostering a multigenerational family-led enterprise."

"He is a man who never set out to seek recognition but earned it through decades of meaningful contribution, leadership by example and unwavering service.  

“He truly epitomises what family business is all about.  

“A legend. A giant. A fantastic pioneer for the marine sector and truly deserving of a Family Business Lifetime Achievement Award."

Harry’s sons, UK Docks directors Chris, Gary and Jonathon, were among the guests cheering him on as he went up to accept the award.

“I was a bit overwhelmed, to be honest, but I was delighted,” said Harry. 

"To be recognised with a Lifetime Achievement Award is deeply humbling.  I've always believed in the potential of the British marine industry and the people who work in it, and this honour is a tribute to every shipbuilder, engineer and apprentice who keeps our country afloat, and to the family and colleagues who have helped shape UK Docks into what it is today."

Harry had been just as delighted to see the company win the Family Business of the Year Award for the North of England and Northern Ireland earlier in the year, and also the national Community Support and Involvement Family Award, while coming runners-up to the overall national winner.

Family is important to Harry, who later this year will celebrate 60 years of marriage to Audrey, and is proud to see the company now passing down through the generations.

The 83-year-old’s three sons are all heavily involved in the development of the company, while in the next generation, Harry’s grandsons Ewan and Lewis are in the early stages of their engineering careers with the company.

“It has been a pleasure and a privilege to work alongside my three sons for the past 30 years, building up UK Docks, and it couldn’t be in safer hands right now,” he said.

“The three of them have got a collective experience, wisdom and togetherness which is probably unparalleled in the marine industry.

Harry began his career as an apprentice marine engineer in shipyards across the North East, learning the fundamentals of marine engineering on the Tyne before embarking on a career at sea.  He then returned to the shipyards where he led major shipbuilding and repair projects, including the post-Falklands War rebuild of the RFA Sir Tristan.

His career flourished with senior leadership and management roles where he shaped strategic decisions across multiple UK ship repair yards, and in 1992, his entrepreneurial vision, combined with a rare breadth of experience and passion, and a desire to give something back to the North East and the marine community, led to the founding of UK Docks Marine Services.

What started from a single slipway on the Tyne has grown into a nationally and internationally recognised ship repair and marine services business dealing with major commercial and defence contracts.

Paul Andrews of Family Business United added: “UK Docks flourished under his leadership, rooted in practical experience, deep-seated regional loyalty and strategic acumen, and with his ethics and principles, sense of right and wrong underpinning the firm’s reputation for technical excellence, social purpose and sustained growth.

“He has overseen growth to include dry docks and shipyards in Teesside, Cremyll, Gosport, creating more than 250 jobs, revitalising disused industrial sites and supporting the defence of the UK through the servicing of Royal Navy vessels.

“He is an inspiration to many, and his vision and legacy are incredible, as is his mission to breathe fresh life into the British marine industry.  Congratulations, Harry.”

UK Docks' voluntary work with Arbeia Roman Fort flourishes as season comes to an end

WORKERS from UK Docks headquarters in South Shields have continued their voluntary work at the town’s Arbeia Roman Fort with a last visit of 2025 to the iconic site.

The company’s ongoing support, co-ordinated by office manager Emma Bryson, have earned UK Docks warm praise from North East Museums, (formerly Tyne and Wear Archives & Museums). which operates the historic site.

And UK Docks plans to maintain its links with the Fort into 2026 as part of its ongoing commitments to the local community.

Arbeia Roman Fort getting a final spruce up of 2025 - left to right, UK Docks’ Rachel Barrett and Emma Bryson with Louisa Gidney.and Frances the mule.

Operations Director, Stephen Lee, said: “UK Docks is proud to be based in South Shields and it is important to us to give back to the communities that sustain our growth and progress both in South Tyneside and around the country with our workers and supply chains. “

In recent years, the company which has always supported local charities, and has had a strong link with South Shields Cadets, T.S. Collingwood for many years, has looked to do even more.

A beach clean at Littlehaven Beach marked the start of more involvement but it has been work carried out at the tourist attraction of Arbeia’s Roman Fort which has become an enduring contribution.

Office manager Emma, said: “We were initially thinking of our visit to the Fort as a one-off - we’d go and help carry out a spring clean of the site - but it has become more than that and we have started to visit regularly.

UK Docks’ clean-up team, hard at work at South Shields’ Arbeia Roman Fort.

“It’s such a historic part of the town - an outpost from the Roman Empire from 2,000 years ago - and we wanted to do our part in supporting it."

“The work we do involves keeping the site cleaned and tidy, preventing it from becoming overgrown and contributing to as many small tasks as we can on the day.

On their last visit of 2025, Emma was joined by colleagues Richie Cheel, Rachel Barrett, Ross Turnbull and Stephen Boggon and this time they worked behind the scenes on the site’s compound and yard.

Alexandra Croom, Keeper of Archaeology at North East Museums, who is based on the site, has been delighted with the support offered by UK Docks’ workforce.

She said: “As we have come to expect from the team, they did sterling work on the site, and got a huge amount done in a single day.

“A large buddleia had grown in the yard near our offices and had rather taken over the compound and blocked out light from windows on all three sides.

“They cut this right back and let light back in, as well as removed saplings and tidied the yard to make the compound usable space once again.

“After that, they weeded the central courtyard of our reconstructed Roman courtyard house, improving the view for our visitors immeasurably, which we’re very grateful for.

“It is always a pleasure to have the UK Docks team at the Fort and we thank them so much for keeping on coming back!

“They always get a lot done and it has made a big difference to the site, so we look forward to seeing them again next year.”

UK Docks helps deliver new helicopter capability to HMS Trent in successful collaboration

UK Docks is celebrating the successful delivery of a new helicopter Visual Landing Aid System (HVLAS) to HMS Trent on schedule and within budget.

HMS Trent successfully testing its improved night-time operating system

The HVLAS, along with modifications and upgrades to the navigational aids to support Night Vision Devices (NVDs), was a task which involved multiple agencies.

It allowed UK Docks to confidently demonstrate its capacity and capabilities and that of their supply chain and partners, who were all major contributors to the success of the project.

The new capabilities on HMS Trent were the result of excellent collaboration between partners including UK Docks.

UK Docks’ Operations Director, Stephen Lee, said: “We’re delighted with the outcome, both for DE&S, Royal Navy and our commercial partners and collaborators.

“It is absolutely essential that projects such as these are delivered to the highest standards possible and that value for money considerations are always taken into account.

“This was an important project for UK Docks in demonstrating that we could operate at reach - much of the work was done in Malta before trials in Plymouth and Portsmouth - and in accordance with our brief from the Ministry of Defence’s Defence, Equipment and Support (DE&S) Hydrographic and Patrol Naval Ships Support team (NSS).

“DE&S, NSS approval to a live system being switched on and tested with an aircraft, took just eight months, which is a much faster timeframe than might have been expected.”

Helicopter capabilities are an important part of HMS Trent’s offering to the service.

This timeline included all project mandates, execution, delivery, close-out activities, finance, procurement, design (MoD and NATO STANAG), and Lloyd’s Register Naval Classification Society approvals.

The reinstatement, modification, and upgrade of HMS Trent’s helicopter capabilities will restore and enhance the vessel's operational capabilities.

Delivery of this work package was a late introduction during the vessel’s five Annual recertification period. 

However, UK Docks, in collaboration with our service partners, demonstrated the flexibility and agility of a commercially centred ship management organisation, enabling all work to be conducted while HMS Trent remained forward-deployed, rather than being taken out of active service.

Improvements to HMS Trent’s helicopter capabilities were tested and passed with flying colours.

UK Docks worked in collaboration with Du Pré Marine, Palumbo Shipyard Malta, Glamox, and DE&S Naval Supported Ships, responding with precision, technical depth, and a shared commitment to operational readiness. 

The successful completion of this challenging project to the satisfaction of all is a testament to the value of close industry–Defence collaboration. 

The joint team executed a complex package of engineering works that modernised and reinstated legacy systems with fully supportable, 30-year design-life solutions—enhancing platform performance, resilience, and operational flexibility. 

All systems were installed, Set-To-Work (STW), and commissioned on-site, meeting the demanding timelines of military stakeholders and entering service immediately in full compliance with DE&S and Royal Navy requirements.

So successful was the work on HMS Trent’s helicopter capabilities, it may now be unrolled across other Batch 2 vessels

At the core of the upgrade was the integration of a Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) system.

It transformed platform operation through improved usability, an intuitive interface, and enhanced interoperability for multinational operations, including embarked aircraft from the B2 River-Class OPV flight deck. 

The completed work enables ship’s staff to operate with greater flexibility, control, and mission agility.

Supporting enhancements included:

• Navigation system upgrade to LED lighting, meeting full Royal Navy navigation light survey standards and ensuring COLREGs compliance.

• Night Vision Device (NVD)-compliant lighting modifications, enabling safe operations during night flying and multinational exercises.

• Electrical system segregation to increase redundancy, power distribution, and platform survivability.

Due to the success of this project, work is now being considered for rollout across the wider B2 River-Class OPV fleet, extending the benefits to other globally deployed Royal Navy assets.

As part of the extended maintenance period in Malta, at the client's request, UK Docks also delivered additional capability enhancements to the platform, working alongside trusted partners and collaborators. 

This achievement reinforces UK Docks’ proven ability, together with its partners, to deliver technically compliant, operationally ready solutions at pace and reach, supporting the Royal Navy’s global mission.

How to go for Gold with the Armed Forces' Employer Recognition Scheme

EARLIER this month, UK Docks received a Gold Award from the Armed Forces’ Employer Recognition Scheme.

It was a proud moment for the company, one of the most important accolades UK Docks has earned since its formation in 1992 and a serious commitment to the many ex-services personnel UK Docks employs.

It marked the end of a seven-year quest for the company since signing the Armed Forces Covenant in 2018 and earning a bronze award (2022) and then a silver award (2024).

But what does it take to become a Gold Award holder and what actions do companies and organisations have to do to earn one?

The Gold Award banner that UK companies are allowed to display after successfully achieving recognition.

For those considering following us on the journey, here’s what Gold Award holders have to roll out in order to receive this prestigious recognition:

Gold award holders:

• must have signed the Armed Forces Covenant

• employers must have an existing relationship with their National Account Manager/Regional Employer Engagement Director/appropriate defence representative

• the employer must already be accredited as a holder of ERS Silver Award and held it with sufficient time to develop suitable plans and policies and evidence to support the ERS Gold application

• the employer must proactively demonstrate their forces-friendly credentials as part of their recruiting and selection processes. Where possible, they should be engaged with Career Transition Partnership (CTP) in the recruitment of service leavers and have registered for the Forces Families Jobs (FFJ) portal

• the employer must actively ensure that their workforce is aware of their positive policies towards defence people issues. For example, an employer nominated for support to the Reserves must have an internally publicised and positive HR policy on Reserves

• the employer must be an exemplar within their market sector, advocating support to defence people issues to partner organisations, suppliers and customers with tangible positive results

• within the context of Reserves the employer must have demonstrated support to mobilisations or have a framework in place. They must provide at least 10 days’ additional leave for training, fully paid, to the Reservist employee

• the employer must actively encourage a positive environment for Reservists by ensuring that positive policies in support of Reservists within the workforce are communicated to line managers

• the employer must not have been the subject of any negative public relations or media activity

• the employer should be an exemplar in demonstrating support to the Cadet movement. This could, for example, be through mentoring cadets in key employment skills, by providing guaranteed interviews for cadets.

For more information on the Bronze, Silver and Gold Award scheme, go to: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/defence-employer-recognition-scheme

GOLD! UK Docks Awarded Prestigious Gold Employer Recognition Award from Armed Forces

UK Docks has been given a prestigious Gold Employer Recognition Award from the Armed Foces for demonstrating an ongoing commitment to the Armed Forces of the highest level.

The company is honoured to have attained the Gold Award from the Ministry of Defence’s Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS), marking a major milestone in the UK’s ongoing dedication to supporting the UK’s Armed Forces community.

The top-tier accolade marks the highest recognition possible for employers who demonstrate outstanding support to the Armed Forces, including veterans, reservists, and their families. For UK Docks, this achievement represents not just a badge of honour, but a profound acknowledgement of its core values and enduring commitment to those who serve or have served our nation.

The banner UK Docks will now be able to display, recognising its Gold Award status

Stephen Lee, Operations Director at UK Docks, expressed the team's pride.

He said: “The staff and management are absolutely thrilled to have achieved the Gold Award. 

“It has been a long-standing goal of the company—pursued with single-minded determination—and we are delighted to have now earned this prestigious honour.”

UK Docks signed the Armed Forces Covenant in 2018, pledging to uphold the principles of fair treatment and support for the Armed Forces community. 

The company achieved its Bronze award in 2022, followed by Silver in 2024. 

Achieving Gold just one year later is a testament to the company’s accelerated efforts and meaningful progress.

Long-term commitment - members of the UK Docks’ management team seen collecting the previous Silver Award.

Managing Director Jonathan Wilson highlighted the wider impact of the award: “This is a company-wide achievement,” he said.

“It reflects the dedication of our entire team in strengthening our support for the Armed Forces, particularly in welcoming and empowering former service personnel within our workforce.
“UK Docks has long-standing ties with the Armed Forces, and we deeply value the expertise, discipline, and resilience that veterans bring to our operations both across the UK and internationally.”

The company continues to proudly support the Ministry of Defence through major contracts, including the global maintenance of the Royal Navy’s Batch 2 River-class vessels—HMS Tamar, Trent, Medway, Spey, and Forth—as well as the polar icebreaker HMS Protector.

“Beyond our operational responsibilities, we are deeply committed to supporting the wider Armed Forces community,” Wilson added. “From employment to community partnerships, our focus remains on honouring and uplifting those who have served.”

The Gold Award is a significant moment in UK Docks’ journey—recognising not only the company’s efforts, but also reinforcing its leadership as a champion for the Armed Forces and a trusted strategic partner within the UK’s maritime and defence sector.

A spokesperson for the military’s Defence Relationship Management team, which announced the latest Gold awards, said: “Thank you for your outstanding commitment and for going above and beyond in your support of those who serve, and their families.

“202 employers have received Gold this year — the highest number yet. It’s fantastic to see so many organisations leading the way in supporting the Armed Forces community, from Reservists and veterans to Cadet Force Adult Volunteers and military families.”

• UK Docks will be formally presented with its Gold Award at a presentation due to be held in York in November.

Ben takes reins of UK Docks' future business development

UK Docks Marine Services has promoted its Gosport-based Portfolio Manager, Ben Mason, to a newly-created role of Business Development director as it eyes and manages significant expansion.

The job has been created to allow UK Docks to take advantage of significant growth in recent years, which has, in turn, brought further opportunities to expand at what is an important juncture for the company.

Ben Mason, UK Docks’ new Business Development director

UK Docks, founded on a single slipway in South Shields in the North East in 1992 offering marine services and repair, has gone from strength to strength over the decades.

It now has bases around the country and operates globally, with growth accelerating in recent years.

In 2024, UK Docks won a £250 million contract to maintain and service five Royal Navy vessels at home and abroad. This year, the company announced the reopening of two newly leased dry docks on Teesside, where it currently operates.

Ben’s promotion is a sign that the company is ambitious to expand further and capitalise on the many business opportunities it sees for future development.

UK Docks managing director, Jonathan Wilson, confirmed: “Ben will be leading our growth strategy, forging key partnerships and identifying new opportunities to bring our services to more clients and communities within the Defence and Commercial sector.

“He brings extensive experience and industry knowledge, as well as a track record of success in his previous role with UKD as Portfolio Manager. 

“He also has a real passion for what he does, and for what UKD does, and has demonstrated his ability to spot opportunity, build meaningful relationships, and drive strategic vision, which makes him the perfect fit for the job.”

Ben finished his education at the University of Southampton before embarking on a varied career which included almost 20 years at BAE Systems, first as a project manager, then as assistant head of its small boats sector.

He joined UK Docks in 2020 and has spent the last few years successfully running and developing the company's specialist maritime services hub at Victoria Quay in Gosport.

The thriving Victoria Quay in Gosport

Ben said: “I’m really looking forward to taking up the new role.

“I’m excited about leading the business development strategy, building key business relationships and enabling the business to continue to grow through its ever-expanding client and partner base. 

“I’ve enjoyed my role as Portfolio Manager and in the last five years at UK Docks have met some great team leaders and members and have created a successful marine servicing hub at Victoria Quay, which I will continue to oversee.”

UK Docks claims North’s Family Business of the Year Award on night of national success

UK Docks Marine Services has won top national awards at the annual Family Business United awards night in London.

The Wilson family mark a night of national success for UK Docks at the Family Business United awards night in London.

The national event saw businesses from all over the United Kingdom competing for the honour of being recognised as those with families at their heart.

And UK Docks founder, Harry Wilson, travelled to the finals held in the Royal Geographical Society building in South Kensington, with his sons and company directors, Chris, Gary and John, to enjoy the awards they entered for the first time this year.

On the night, UK Docks emerged as the winners of the North of England (Northern Ireland) Family Business of the Year award.

But to their surprise, they also won the national Community Support and Involvement Family Award and came runners-up to the overall national competition.

UK Docks wins its second major award of the Family Business Awards night - the win coming completely out of the blue.

Jonathan Wilson, managing director of UK Docks, said: “It was a great event and venue with a good mix of businesses from all sectors. 

“The award meant a lot to us, not just to receive the recognition but to have achieved it as a family. 

“The second award came as a total surprise to all of us, and to get two awards and be runners up for the supreme national award was beyond expectation.”

The company has won a string of awards since being founded in South Shields on a single slipway on the River Tyne in the early 1990s.

Now, it has bases on a national scale and operates globally, serving and maintaining commercial and military vessels across the world, though it retains its headquarters in South Shields.

And across the years of progress, the Wilson family has worked hard to ensure that team spirit and togetherness have been maintained across its centres.

Paul Andrews, managing director of Family Business United, which celebrates the sector, said: “Family businesses are the engine room of the UK economy and UK Docks Marine Services is a family business entrenched with family values, a rich history and invested in the communities in which they operate, which resonated with the judges.

The UK Docks team celebrates a very big night for the company’s reputation at the London awards night.

"As a multigenerational family firm with a strong family presence throughout, three generations currently working together, they also have a long-term commitment to charity and community."

Jonathan said: “Over the years, we've developed and expanded the business and grown together as a family through many challenges and milestones. 

“What keeps us going is our commitment and passion for marine engineering and how far we can develop the business.

“Since starting the business, Harry and with the integration of his sons over the years, have built a strong family bond that extends across all our varied business activities. 

“Our passion and bond are deeply rooted in diligence, integrity, and adaptability, which have become the cornerstone of our success, fostering unity and purpose in everything we do. “Working together throughout the decades has highlighted our individual strengths, character and weaknesses, enabling us as a family to make informed decisions at every level of our company’s growth and development. 

“Our dedication to stability and progress, coupled with and supported by our deep belief in ourselves and each other, has allowed us to overcome failures, successes and everyday challenges. 

“That sees us thrive in our ever-changing industry and market environment.

“Our passion for our company and shared bond, strong work ethic, has allowed us to create not only stability for our family but also secure employment for many others. From employees to subcontractors and suppliers, our commitment to their success reflects the values that define our business.”

Paul Andrews said UK Docks deserved all the recognition they received at the national awards night, and he was not surprised to see them feature in three separate awards.

"They are a very strong business financially, committed to giving back and making a positive difference and showing strong attributes in all areas of their submission," he said.

"The passion and bond of the family, together with their strong work ethic, have allowed them to create secure employment for many others, in a sector which, without the drive of their chairman to revive ship repair and reopen yards, when so many others were closing, stood them in good stead.  

“His bold decision-making and leadership have not just built a thriving family business but also a respected legacy within the sector that is now being driven by the next generation."

"They are a great British family business that embodies all of the values that these awards were set up to recognise, strong family values, a real sense of purpose backed by grit, determination and entrepreneurial spirit and deserve all the accolades that winning this award affords them."

Both Shields Ferry’s shipshape for the summer season ahead, thanks to UK Docks

VITAL maintenance work has been successfully completed on the Shields Ferry service ahead of the busy summer season to ensure they operate at peak performance.
The UK Docks’ team in South Shields carried out the work on its River Drive slipway with the Pride of the Tyne coming in for extensive work before Spirit of the Tyne replaced her sister vessel for a much shorter stay.

The Port of Tyne ferry returns to the Tyne after maintenance work at UK Docks.

Nexus, the public body that runs the service, ordered the essential repairs on both of its vessels to ensure they are at their best for the busiest time of year for the iconic Tyne crossing.
The 32-year-old ferry, Pride of the Tyne, has undergone her annual service as well as a refit overhaul on her two propulsion units, while the newer Spirit of the Tyne has passed her annual service.

The Spirit of the Tyne ferry leaves the River Drive slipway in South Shields after work by UK Docks.

The works were extensive and required both vessels to spend time in dry dock.
For the Pride of the Tyne, it involved the removal of her propulsion unit, which needed to be sent away for specialist repair..
Gary Wilson, director at UK Docks, said: “Both Pride and Spirit had their main services carried out, which involved having a full clean down, corrosion removed, and paintwork refreshed. Valves were serviced and anodes replaced.
 “Pride unexpectedly required major work on her propulsion, which was removed with the help of a 250-ton crane and sent away for service.”

Engine removal from the Pride of Tyne for essential repair, carried with the aid of a 250-ton crane.

This extended her time out of the water substantially to 10 weeks and meant that both the service work and time on the Spirit had to be reduced to accommodate work on the Pride.
Gary said: “Fortunately, the younger Spirit didn’t require any unexpected major works, and she was able to go back in the water after two weeks when there was a good tide and the weather was calm.
“Nexus utilised the extended time Pride was out of the water to replace her engine room fans and the main fire/bilge valve.
“Her mooring bollards, external wooden doors and perry buoy holders were refurbished, and her engine room was also extensively cleaned out.
“We’re delighted that both vessels are now back to their best working condition and want to thank Nexus for their cooperation and support.
“Our great working relationship with the Nexus engineering team meant that even with the challenges, we achieved both ferry services within the allotted Nexus slip time.”

The Pride of Tyne ferry undergoes repair and maintenance work on UK Docks’ South Shields slipway.

Kevin Leonard, customer services operations manager at Nexus, said: “The Shields Ferry is an iconic local service and we carry out these works on an annual basis to ensure it can keep doing the daily Tyne crossings we operate between North and South Shields.
“It was great to work once again with the ship repair specialists at UK Docks, whose slipway just down the River Tyne from our South Shields landing is vital to these projects' success.”
Both vessels have now been assessed by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) certification and given a clean bill of health.
The ferries will resume peak duties this summer and operate as normal for the rest of the year. 

Maintenance of the ferries takes place annually to ensure they remain in safe and serviceable conditions at all times during passenger services.