SHEARWATER MARINE Services Ltd, based in Dunoon, has been officially recognised for its outstanding commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community, receiving the prestigious Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Silver Award.
The award was presented during a ceremony held on Wednesday 26 June at the historic Black Watch Castle and Museum in Perth, where Shearwater representatives Stefan Blincow and Robert Kitchingman were among 18 organisations to be honoured by Brigadier Andy Muddiman, Naval Regional
The ERS Silver Award highlights employers who actively support the Armed Forces Covenant – a pledge to treat those who serve or have served in the military, and theirfamilies,withfairness, respect, and opportunity.
Shearwater’s involvement with the Covenant began in 2023 and has since grown into a core pillar of the company’s values and hiring practices.
Stefan Blincow explained: “We signed the Armed Forces Covenant back in 2023, and it’s basically our commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community. Through various means we support the cadet movement and veterans and their families in getting into work. It’s been a big driver for us with the locations that we work in.”
In 2025, the company implemented a range of new measures including extra holiday entitlement, and launched initiatives to bring in cadet apprentices. This led to the hiring of one full-time cadetapprenticeandatleast a dozen veterans joining the Shearwater workforce.
“We see the ethos and work ethic of these guys as paramount to good business, as well as supporting people who sometimes find it difficult to find work when they leave the military,” Stefan added. “We are so close to an active naval base, it’s great to give that kind of opportunity to these people.”
Robert Kitchingman echoed that sentiment, highlighting the value ex- service personnel bring to the company: “A lot gets said about the lack of support for people that have served, but it’s good for us to take them in as they’re punctual and they’re grafters – particularly if they’ve been in the military. It’s good for that person too, because they typically have quite an overactive mind, anditkeepsthemticking over.”
Reflecting on the event in Perth, Stefan said: “It was really interesting to say the least. There were many high- ranking military personnel there. Being able to speak to these people and see how else we can support was great.”
He added: “It’s an amazing thing for the company, to be given that kind of recognition.”
Robert concluded: “Though it’s not directly for us, naturally we feel proud.”
