Commercial Director Clive Kemp has this year celebrated 40 years of working at Walcon Marine, making him the longest serving marine employee there. In 1976 he joined what was then a much smaller company as a design draughtsman before moving on to project manage a range of contracts in the UK and overseas. In 1993 he was appointed commercial director. Previously to joining Walcon, Clive had spent four years employed at consulting engineers EWH Gifford partners in Cadnam, Hampshire.
In 1976 Walcon had 20 employees and the company was based in Twyford near Winchester with its yard in Shawford. That year saw it begin its first major project - Brighton Marina – which led it to renting an aircraft hangar at the then Eastleigh (now Southampton International) airport. After the Brighton project Walcon moved production to North Baddesley before finally coming to its present location at Segensworth on the M27.
Clive reports that he considers himself very fortunate. His career has spanned the golden era of rapid growth in the marina industry that began in the late 1970s, and as a result he has close friendships with many of the leading players today as well as with many others in what is a close-knit and friendly sector. With its international client base, working for Walcon has also allowed him to travel to many congenial locations around the world. But even with 40 years under his belt, there is still plenty left to do. The occasion was marked by champagne and cake in the boardroom, and the presentation of gifts with a strong, golf-based theme.