Port of Liverpool owner Peel Ports wins award from the UK Ministry of Defence for its support for the armed forces. Tony McDonough reports

Ports operator Peel Ports has won a Gold Award from the UK Ministry of Defence for its work with the armed forces and support for military charities.

As well as sponsoring the Battle of the Atlantic 80th anniversary event in Liverpool, the Port of Liverpool owner has also developed 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.”

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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.

“It’s meant a lot for me to work for a business that really appreciates the transferable skills that armed forces personnel can bring to the logistics and maritime sector,” said Spencer.

“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.”