12 July 2023
Peel Ports Group receives top accolade for armed forces support
The UK’s second largest port operator has struck gold after receiving a prestigious honour from the MOD for its support of the armed forces.
Peel Ports Group has been recognised for working with military charities, promoting the reserve service within the organisation by hosting a joint careers fair, sponsoring the Battle of the Atlantic 80th anniversary event in Liverpool and developing a reserve forces policy, which includes two weeks of paid leave for reserve forces training.
The port group has received the gold award from the MOD under the Armed Forces Covenant Employer Recognition Scheme, having held the silver award since 2016.
Gary Doyle, Group Harbour Master at Peel Ports Group, said: “It’s an incredibly proud moment to receive such a prestigious accolade for our work with the armed forces community.
“This achievement is a testament to the hard work of our teams, as well as the importance we place on supporting our reservists, veterans and their families.
“It’s fantastic to see our work in this area being recognised and this award will mean a lot to many across the business.”
Spencer Barton-Hope, Business Unit Manager of the Port of Liverpool, previously served as a Captain in the Royal Logistic Corps for eight years. He joined Peel Ports in 2020.
He said: “It’s meant a lot for me to work for a business that really appreciates the transferrable skills that armed forces personnel can bring to the logistics and maritime sector.
“There’s so many people across the business who have worked in the armed forces, which proves to me Peel Ports value veterans and the experience and expertise they bring to a company.”
Rachel Smith, Group HR Director, said: “Approximately 10 per cent of people in our business have a miliary background, which shows how much we recognise the value that veterans can bring to our teams.
“We look forward to continuing to build relationships with the armed forces community and embracing the wealth of transferrable skills that veterans and reservists possess.”
Minister for Defence People, Veterans and Service Families, Dr Andrew Murrison said: “I would like to thank all the organisations that have been recognised in this year’s awards. I’m delighted that we have seen so many organisations recognised with a gold award. Their continued support demonstrates the unique benefits and strengths that our Armed Forces community can bring to the workplace.”