Ipswich maritime construction boss retires after 25 years

The founder and chief executive of a highly successful Ipswich maritime company is hanging up his logbook after 25 years at the helm.

Nick Offord said it had been a "fantastic journey" as he bid farewell to staff at Red7Marine - a jack-up barge specialist based at Cliff Quay.

The barges are used as platforms for maritime construction and maintenance works for structures such as bridges, rigs and turbines.

Throughout his tenure, Nick has focused on areas such as emergency response, health and safety, training, and how to make the industry accessible for all.

He has also prioritised mental health awareness to try to create a community where everyone felt supported and valued.

“It has been a fantastic journey over the last 25 years," he said.

"The good days are easy to celebrate and speak for themselves but it’s the dark days you really appreciate who has been there and got you through the challenging times – a special thanks to all those who have helped us along the way, they know who they are."

The company will now be run by its directors under the chairmanship of John Walsh, who has been with the business since 2019.

In 2022, John led a management buyout, acquiring the company from investment partners.

Working alongside him are directors Kristen Branford - who joined in 2016 - Mark Walton, who has been with the business for nearly 16 years, and Matt O’Sullivan, who joined in 2017.

Nick - who grew up close to the River Stour - gained a degree in construction management in 1984 from the University of Brighton.

He joined Geoffrey Osborne Ltd's management training scheme and began on steel-frame buildings, progressing to site agent.

He moved to Laing Civil Engineering and furthered his passion for structural steelwork on the Sizewell B nuclear power station project.

From there he moved to Hong Kong for five years working on Black Point power station and and a new airport at Chek Lap Kok.

When he returned to the UK he decided to start his own business and launched Haven Ports - the predecessor of Red7Marine - in 1999.

The company has grown and is now involved in marine infrastructure developments nationwide.

Kristen said: “We are extremely thankful for everything Nick has done not only for Red7Marine, but for the industry as a whole.

"Although Nick’s retirement marks the end of an era for us, it also marks the beginning of a new chapter filled with promise and potential.

"The future is exciting, and we are focused on making Red7Marine the best business it can be.

"We are not merely a contracting company or plant hire firm. We have pulled together an amazing team of engineers and construction professionals and have a vast amount of plant with the capability to take on some of the most exciting projects in the UK and Northern Europe.

"We know Nick isn’t going far and we will continue to work alongside him and champion his work with IJUBOA, something extremely important for the industry. But for now, we wish him all the best in his well-deserved retirement as we embark on the next phase of our journey."

Nick said he would continue to chair the International Jack-up Barge Operators Association (IJUBOA) and would be progressing a barge master apprenticeship scheme, an online logbook, emergency response and more training.

"I’ve been lucky enough to work with some fantastic people over the years and I look forward to staying in touch with them. I’m excited to see what the future has in store for Red7Marine, and I’ll never be too far away," he said.