RNLI honours Hoylake staff for role in launching major corporate partnership

The Coxswain of Hoylake RNLI lifeboat station has been commended as the first ever ‘Employee of the Month’ in the charity’s Wales, West & Isle of Man Region.

The accolade recognises Howard ‘Howie’ Owen’s crucial support in helping to launch a new charitable partnership between the RNLI and a nationwide water delivery and liquid waste disposal business.

In April, the RNLI officially partnered with Universal Tanker Solutions Ltd. at an event at Hoylake Lifeboat Station, where the company unveiled a brand new RNLI-branded drinking water tanker. Based in St. Helens, the company will be supporting the RNLI through donations and by raising the charity’s profile as its tanker travels along the roads.

The prestigious event saw an initial donation of £5,000 presented to Hoylake RNLI by the Chairman of Universal Tankers Simon Gunn. He was joined by the Lord Lieutenant of Merseyside, Mr. Mark Blundell, and the Mayor of St. Helens, Councillor Jeanette Banks, alongside the lifeboat station’s volunteer crew and their families, Universal Tankers staff, graduates from Tom Harrison House Military Veterans Charity, and some of the company’s customers and suppliers.

Howie was instrumental in helping to organise the event, coordinating between all the different stakeholders and leading the lifeboat station’s preparations to ensure it ran smoothly. It followed a training exercise for the crew, which allowed guests to see Hoylake RNLI’s Shannon class all-weather lifeboat during its recovery operation.

Howie’s award was presented to him at Hoylake Lifeboat Station by Jo Partner, Head of the RNLI Wales, West & Isle of Man Region.

Chris Gaskin, RNLI Area Operations Manager for Flintshire, Wirral and the Isle of Man, said:

‘This honour is well deserved after Howard stepped outside of his day job to support a partnership event at the lifeboat station. This brought together Universal Tanker Solutions and the RNLI to promote the Institution’s work. Without Howard’s dedication and hard work, the event wouldn’t have been a success.’

Following his award, Howie said:

‘The event wouldn’t have been such a success without the huge effort by all of our volunteers at Hoylake RNLI. We were all proud to have helped make the launch of the Universal Tankers partnership such a success and are grateful for their generous support.’

Corporate partnerships are critical to helping the RNLI save lives at sea, while delivering important organisational and business benefits to sponsoring partners.

Following the partnership launch, Simon Gunn for Universal Tankers said:

‘This is more than just a branded vehicle, it marks the start of a meaningful commitment to support the RNLI’s vital work. We’ve committed to making a significant donation to the RNLI during our first year of partnership.’

‘Customers can also now choose to make a donation to the RNLI every time they order drinking water from us, and we’ll continue our fundraising efforts throughout the year, including at the Royal Cheshire County Show later this summer.’

Find more information on the RNLI website.

Find all the latest Wirral news here.

Find out what’s good up North on our new platform, The Northern Guide. 

From the best hotels, beauty spots, days out, food and more up North – visit thenorthernguide.com and follow The Northern Guide on Instagram HERE.