Isle of Wight based manufacturer Datum Electronics scored a double success at the inaugural Maritime UK Solent Awards, and a Red Funnel employee was honoured for her customer service.
Datum, based in East Cowes, celebrated as they were announced as winner of the innovation award as well as employer of the year at a glitzy ceremony at the Leonardo Royal Grand Harbour in Southampton.
James Lees, managing director, said: “We are delighted to have won two marine focussed awards that recognise our collaboration and dedication to supporting the maritime sector in carbon reduction and improved vessel efficiency.
"Being recognised as a top performing company by the Solent LEP through the awards, is truly an honour and an accomplishment to be proud of.
"I’m thrilled the hard work of our team and partners has been recognised by industry experts as truly cutting edge and sector leading, in the areas of both innovation, plus as an outstanding employer.“
Datum Electronics sales manager, Mike Palin, said: "It’s great to offer cutting-edge solutions such as our new EEXI SHaPoLi system to the maritime market. These solutions are not only directly supporting the regulatory needs of the industry, but are having a real, tangible impact on decarbonisation initiatives.
Nell Clare, customer services assistant at Red Funnel, was named employee of the year in recognition of her outstanding and compassionate support in assisting medically vulnerable passengers with their ferry travel arrangements.
Following the impact of the pandemic, it became necessary for Red Funnel to find a way to support medically vulnerable passengers to remain in their vehicles during their crossing.
Red Funnel worked together with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency to agree a special set of exemptions.
Nell was fundamental in being the supporting ear for over 2,000 ‘remain in vehicle’ requests, helping passengers attending cancer treatment, those travelling for major surgery, and those fleeing domestic violence.
Nell said it was a team effort, and added: "If I can make customers' travel a little easier or brighten their day with a chat, that means the world to me and makes my job incredibly fulfilling.”
The evening raised more than £1,000 for the Wetwheels Foundation charity.
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