UCOL to honour captain of Whanganui's Q-West Boat Builders

Myles Fothergill holds an award aloft on a successful business awards night in 2010. PHOTO/ SUPPLIED

With more than 35 years' experience in the marine industry, managing director of Q-West boat builders Myles Fothergill will receive UCOL's highest honour.

Mr Fothergill will be awarded the UCOL Honorary Fellowship for his contribution to the institution and to the Whanganui community.

He will receive his award at the UCOL Graduation ceremony on March 29 at the Royal Whanganui Opera House.

Mr Fothergill said that he felt humbled.

"I do what I do outside of my business to put back into a city and community that has been very good to me over the years," he said.

"Getting young people from school into meaningful employment, that's enough reward for me, but I certainly appreciate the community recognizing that, for sure."

Under Mr Fothergill's leadership, Q-West has become a leading commercial boat builder in New Zealand and is known internationally for producing quality vessels.

Mr Fothergill is a long-time supporter of UCOL and education in the region, having given his time as a guest speaker at Graduation, industry stakeholder events, business forums, and more.

UCOL council chair Malcolm Inglis said Mr Fothergill was a great leader in the Whanganui community.

"The way he has built up Q-West Boat Builders to become an internationally recognised business is an excellent example of what our students can aspire to," Mr Inglis said.

"We appreciate Myles' contributions to UCOL, and this award is our way of acknowledging that and thanking him."