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.”