Winners of inaugural BMF Awards announced

Eight member companies and an inspirational individual were celebrated at the inaugural BMF Awards earlier this week, which recognise excellence within the industry and our members. Oceanair and PME Power Systems Group Ltd were named as 'Best Marine Business to Work For' while awards for 'Best Training and Development' went to Thames Clipper and Forbes Boat Care. Posthumously, Captain John Percival was honoured with the Peter Millward Memorial Award.

'Best Marine Business to Work For'

Marine Equipment supplier, Oceanair Ltd won the 'Best Marine Business to Work For Award' for over 10 employees. The judges said "the company was a clear winner. They were very impressed with 'ABC (Above and Beyond the Call of duty)' which is a peer nominated staff award scheme, their Corporate Social Responsibility work and also their community work".

In the 10 employees and under category PME Power Systems Group Ltd took the top prize, collected by Peter and Jade Chalk. The judges noted "the home grown talent, the continuous learning and development opportunities and the support for not only staff but their families." The staff testimonials were particularly strong, emphasising the great communication within the company and learning from peers and colleagues; one staff member described the company as "a breath of fresh air".

ASAP Supplies Ltd and Neyland Yacht Haven Ltd were respective runners up.

'Best Training and Development Award'

The 'Best Training and Development Award', in the over 10 employees category, went to Thames Clipper. The judges noted "a strong ethos of training and development and continual high standards, starting at the recruitment process. The company believes in internal succession planning and this has helped lower staff reduction levels year on year." The company's Boatmasters License training has filled a skills gap in the industry and their 'Clippers Classroom' work with local schools has raised awareness of industry opportunities. James Burr, Krystle Clark and Jake Lewis were there to receive their award.

Bethon Boat Company and Harken were both runners up in this category.

Forbes Boat Care deservedly scooped the 'Best Training and Development Award' for the 10 employees and under category, collected by Michael Forbes. The judges said "what a good example of a small company using training as a business advantage, not just a requirement. Everyone is trained across the business so there is no 'one job' culture and everyone understands how the whole business works." The company was praised for the development of an in-house scheme, the 'Boat Babysitter Training Course', which combines in-house training as well as external courses from BMF and RYA, mixing statutory and non statutory training. Particular reference was made to the continuation of training despite the recession and the hard work by the company to get funding.

The final award was the Peter Millward Memorial Award, presented annually to an individual who has made a significant contribution to BMF Associations. Chosen by the BMF staff, Captain John Percival of Hoylake Sailing School, who sadly passed away earlier this year, was a worthy winner and the award was collected by his daughter Anna Percival-Harris. Captain John, a BMF member since 1997, served on MLA, BMF Commercial Marine and Superyacht UK committees and was keen to ensure the BMF was truly representative, nationally. A friendly face at boat shows around the world, from Seawork to Monaco, he was fiercely passionate about the marine industry.

Howard Pridding, BMF Chief Executive said: "Our congratulations go to those recipients of the BMF Awards and Captain John Percival and his family. We all want to be the best at what we do and the eight companies rewarded can justifiably say that." The BMF awards, presented by new BMF President Fiona Pankhurst, were a proud occasion for the recipients. They were the culmination of the BMF Annual Conference which took place in Liverpool from 14-15 July 2014, as part of the International Festival of Business.