UK Docks has appointed Lesley Hawke MIEx as Defence Programme and Partnerships Manager, further strengthening the company's business development capabilities and expanding its engagement across the UK defence and maritime sectors.
The appointment strengthens UK Docks' business development team and supports continued growth in defence industry partnerships and opportunities.
Based at UK Docks' headquarters in South Shields, Lesley will work across the wider group of companies, supporting the development of strategic partnerships, identifying new business opportunities and strengthening relationships with defence organisations, industry partners and the wider supply chain.
Working alongside Business Development Director, Ben Mason, and the business development team, Lesley will play an important role in expanding UK Docks' engagement with defence programmes, developing collaborative opportunities and helping to convert emerging requirements into sustainable business growth.
UK Docks Marine Services appoints Lesley Hawke MIEx as Defence Programme and Partnerships Manager. Lesley is pictured with UK Docks managing director, Jonathan Wilson.
Lesley brings extensive experience in defence industry engagement, regional economic development and supply chain collaboration.
She previously served as Project Manager for the North East Regional Defence and Security Cluster (NERDSC), facilitating engagement between defence organisations, regional businesses, government agencies and academic institutions.
Her previous experience also includes managing supply chain development programmes for Sunderland City Council and Tees Valley Combined Authority, helping businesses strengthen their capabilities, improve competitiveness and access opportunities within defence and wider industrial markets.
As an active member of NERDSC, UK Docks has established a strong working relationship with Lesley, collaborating on initiatives to promote the industrial capabilities of the North East and the contribution regional businesses can make to the UK's defence supply chain.
Managing Director of UK Docks Marine Services, Jonathan Wilson, said: "We are delighted to welcome Lesley to UK Docks.
“Having worked closely with her through the North East Regional Defence and Security Cluster, we have seen first-hand the knowledge, enthusiasm and commitment she brings to connecting businesses and creating opportunities across the defence sector.
"Over recent years, UK Docks has significantly expanded its defence activities, securing and delivering major contracts for the Royal Navy and Ministry of Defence.
“As the business continues to grow, we recognise the importance of strengthening our industry relationships, developing new partnerships and identifying opportunities to expand the services and capabilities we provide.
"Lesley brings valuable experience and an established network of relationships across industry, government and regional organisations.
“She will help us build upon our existing successes and develop new opportunities across the maritime and defence sectors.
"We are particularly keen to encourage greater collaboration across the UK defence supply chain, and I am confident Lesley will make a valuable contribution to that ambition."
Lesley Hawke MIEx, Defence Programme and Partnerships Manager, said: "I am delighted to be joining UK Docks at such an exciting stage in the company's development.
"Having worked closely with UK Docks through the North East Regional Defence and Security Cluster, I have seen first-hand the breadth of capabilities and expertise across the business and the opportunities that exist for further growth.
"I am passionate about bringing businesses and organisations together, developing meaningful partnerships and helping industry access new opportunities within the defence sector.
"I look forward to working with Ben and the wider UK Docks team to build on the company's existing relationships, strengthen industry collaboration and support the continued development of new business opportunities."
UK Docks has continued to expand its defence activities, securing an eight-year contract valued at approximately £250 million for the global in-service support of five Royal Navy River Class Offshore Patrol Vessels, alongside its established support for HMS Protector.
More recently, the company secured three contracts worth over £80 million under the Ministry of Defence's Boats In-Service Support programme, further expanding its provision of maintenance and support services to Royal Navy, Royal Fleet Auxiliary and MOD vessels.
Operating from strategically located facilities across the UK, including South Shields, Teesside, Gosport and Cremyll, UK Docks provides integrated maritime engineering, ship repair and technical ship management services, supported by an established international network of shipyards and specialist suppliers.
Lesley's appointment reflects UK Docks' continued investment in its people, growing its business development capabilities in the defence sector and in support of the company's commitment to strengthening industry partnerships, developing new opportunities and contributing to a resilient and competitive UK maritime defence supply chain.