We are pleased to announce the appointment of David Grocott in the position of Non-Executive Director, David brings over 25 years of business experience to the sustainable start-up.
David began his career in the technology and telecommunication industries, working in various positions for BT and Deutsche Bank.
During the recent lockdown, David completed the Financial Times Non-Executive Director programme. He hopes to utilise the new knowledge gained in this programme as well as his rich history of experience, to support the DVS in achieving their mission.
David has a keen interest in charitable pursuits, a factor that played a key role in his uptake of this new position. David has also acted as Chair and Director of a Residents Management Company (not for profit) on a large London Docklands housing development for many years.
David’s new role as non-executive director will see him providing governance to the company overall. Moreover, David will also explore possible funding streams for the company.
The Duke Voyagers Shipyard is based at The University of East London’s Dockland Campus. It was here, that David met the Director of the DVS, Tony Duke. It was a mutual interest in sailing that connected the pair and they soon found common ground on net zero challenges for the maritime industry.
” I’ve always been interested in improving the way things are built or operated and in how we can reduce our impact on the planet and live more sustainably. It concerns me that many green technologies are not as green as they first seem! We can do better!”
The Duke Voyagers Shipyard is currently developing a carbon neutral ocean sailing yacht utilising the latest developments in hull composites, manufacturing processes and sustainable power generation.
The start-up has thoroughly considered all aspects of Environmental and Social Governance, ensuring that their execution will be transparent and rigorous. It was the genuine ecological mission of the DVS, that encouraged David to join the company.
On visions for the future David commented:
“It is our vision at the DVS that the company will provide benefits to the wider community in terms of training, apprenticeships and employment by providing pathways to increase access in to blue skills for the maritime sector.”
For more information about David Crocott (click here)