A long-established Southampton-based marine and logistics company has been recognised for its outstanding commitment to supporting employees who have left the Armed Forces, or are still involved as reservists.

Williams Shipping, which has been trading in Southampton for more than 120 years, received the Ministry of Defence's Employer Recognition Scheme Silver Award on board HMS Victory.

Williams Shipping’s workforce currently includes six ex-Armed Forces personnel, including two reservists – four of whom are vessel masters, one is the company’s technical superintendent and another is the company’s general manager. To support these members of staff Williams has introduced new, more flexible, conditions to allow time off for training exercises without impacting on annual leave.

In addition, the company supports and promotes Armed Forces Day each year and where possible has donated engines and machinery to local army training facilities.

Philip Williams, managing director, said: “Williams Shipping has always had strong links with the Armed Forces, particularly Marchwood Military Port, home of 17 Port and Maritime Regiment (part of the Royal Logistics Corp). We have employed a number of army leavers whose training and skills in their army careers have made them an excellent fit for working with us. This is due in part to their technical skills, but also includes their teamwork and leadership skills.

“Allowing our reservists to take time off for training each year, in addition to their annual leave, makes total sense to us as a business. This flexibility ensures all members of staff still have the full amount of time to rest and recuperate, as well as keep up their commitments to the Armed Forces.

Image (from left to right): Philip Williams, managing director of marine at Williams Shipping; Lord-Lieutenant of Hampshire, Nigel Atkinson