Boatyard wins best employer award

A Cornish boatyard has been named South West Employer of the Year for its outstanding dedication to developing the skills of its staff.

Mashfords of Cremyll in Torpoint was recognised for its commitment to its employees after entering an impressive 27 of its 32-strong workforce into Cornwall Marine Network’s training programme.

Jim Knight MP, Minister of State for Employment and Welfare Reform and Minister for the South West, congratulated Mashfords at the 2010 South West Social Fund (ESF) Awards ceremony on Thursday at the Thistle Hotel in Exeter.

Mashfords set itself the goal last year to bring its business up-to-date with 21st Century staffing practices and training opportunities.

Richard Porter, Mashfords’ general manager, said: “It is fantastic news for a small company of our size to be recognised for our efforts in the training of our staff. This means a lot to us and would not have been possible without the assistance of Cornwall Marine Network.”