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.”