UK Docks formally presented with Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award

UK Docks Marine Services has been formally presented with a Gold Award under the Armed Forces’ Employer Recognition scheme (ERS), which recognises the highest standards of support for former military personnel.
The Lord-Lieutenant of Tyne and Wear, Lucy Winskell OBE, presented the award to UK Docks directors Jonathan and Gary Wilson at a ceremony in York.

UK Docks directors Jonathan and Gary Wilson with the Gold Award presented by Lord Lieutenant of Tyne and Wear, Lucy Winskell.

Other awards at the presentation, held on the King's birthday and featuring a royal salute, were made by the Lord-Lieutenant of North Yorkshire, Johanna Ropner.
The award now sits in the UK Docks boardroom along with the Silver and Bronze awards previously earned.
Jonathan said: "This is an incredible honour for our entire organisation.

"The recognition belongs to the veterans, reservists, service families, and cadet-force volunteers who inspire us every day with their professionalism, resilience, and dedication.
"We are proud to support their careers, their well-being, and the unique strengths they bring to our team.
"This award motivates us to go even further."

The Gold Award marks a significant milestone in the UK’s ongoing commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community.

We are Gold! UK Docks’ directors Jonathan and Gary Wilson join other North East organisations at the prestigious presentation.

The highest accolade indicates the ultimate recognition for employers who show exceptional support to the Armed Forces, including veterans, reservists, and their families. For UK Docks, this achievement is not just a badge of honour but a sincere acknowledgement of its core values and lasting dedication to those who serve or have served our nation.

The Royal salute marking the King’s Birthday at the Gold Award presentation in York.

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.

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.

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 proud moment! Directors Jonathan and Gary Wilson accept the Armed Forces Gold Award on behalf of UK Docks.

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.”

Shields ferry relaunch sparks tribute all the way from America

A TIME-LAPSE video of a Shields Ferry relaunch has made ripples across the Atlantic and led to a personalised gift from America to a UK Docks manager!

The video, shared on social media, showed a sped-up relaunch of the Pride of the Tyne into the river from UK Docks’ South Shields slipway in the wake of repairs and maintenance.

It highlighted the role of Yard Manager, Ian Paolozzi in the foreground, as he co-ordinated the relaunch of the vessel ensuring it went back into the water as smoothly and safely as possible.

The video, and Ian’s care and attention, struck a chord with a group of ferry enthusiasts almost 5,000 miles away in Seattle, who run a BlueSky social media account with more than 14,000 followers.

And not only did they highlight the launch on their social media platform, which covers the comings and goings of Washington State Ferrys, they also created an image to celebrate Ian’s work and sent it across to UK Docks Marine Services HQ in River Drive, South Shields.

William Polly, who runs the Seattle-based account, explained: “We are marine enthusiasts who were quite taken by the sole workman at the shore end of the slipway whose body language expresses the anguish, concern, pride and joy of anyone who has ever watched a vessel relaunch, no matter how routine.  The stop-action nature of the video catches him in a variety of poses that pretty much says it all about a diligent and concerned worker.

"The screen grab was a little blurry, so we created a sketch of him in our favourite illustrative style - that of a 1950s 'Ladybird Children's' book - which we send to him with our best wishes.

"This style is not about pictorial accuracy or realism, but more about a nostalgic tone and capturing the feeling of the moment."

“Please give our regards to your worker for his good efforts and buy him a pint for us!”

This week, Ian received a framed copy of the image, presented to him at the South Shields headquarters of UK Docks by Director, Gary Wilson.

Yard manager Ian Paolozzi, (right), receives a framed copy of the Pride of the Tyne ferry relaunch from UK Docks’ director Gary Wilson.

Ian said: “I was really touched by the poster they sent because they were recognising that a relaunch like that is always a tense time, no matter how often it’s done.

“The Pride of the Tyne ferry is over 200 tonnes and it’s the biggest vessel we can slip/unslip from the water, so lowering her safely back is something of an operation.

“At the same time, she’s been out of the water for some time and it’s the moment to check that everything is working as perfectly as it should before she sails off, so yes, it’s a time when everyone is working very hard and concentrating, and it’s great to get the thumbs up when it’s done.

“It just shows the power of the media that something like this can go around the world."

Director, Gary Wilson, said: “We were delighted to see Ian’s work recognised in this way and we will hang the framed image in our offices at South Shields as a reminder of a lovely gesture which we appreciated."

Professional pride in his work, Ian Paolozzi, depicted overseeing the relaunch of the Pride of the Tyne ferry.

Meanwhile, in Seattle, William added: “The short video is a classic study in human body language.  

“Ian projects every emotion in that short video that must go along with every ship relaunch down the rails and in the end projects the pride of his and his mates’ efforts in a successful relaunch.

“Shipbuilding/repair is a tough industry to be successful in today.  

“Here in Seattle, more marine industry disappears every year, so good luck to UK Docks and continued success on the Tyne, where I'm sure there’s a shipwright tradition stretching back many, many hundreds of years.”

Kevin Leonard, Customer Services Operations Manager at Nexus, said: “This is a really lovely tribute to the Shields Ferry and the many people who work so hard to keep the vessels running on the River Tyne.

“To get such glowing praise from fellow marine enthusiasts from as far afield as the west coast of America is absolutely fantastic.

“The framed image of our Ferry, Pride of the Tyne, on the UK Docks slipway is so detailed, and it brilliantly captures the boat on its way out of dry dock.”

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.”