Pendennis celebrates RCPS Cornish Medal Award win
Pendennis is incredibly proud to have won the RCPS Cornish Medal Award, an honour that recognises our contribution to Cornwall’s international reputation for excellence in design, sustainability and maritime values. The RCPS Medal Awards ceremony took place at The Falmouth Hotel, delivered in partnership with the hotel and supported by the Tanner Phoenix Trust through the Cornwall Community Foundation.
Presented by Lord Lieutenant of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, Colonel Sir Edward Bolitho KCVO, on behalf of the Royal Cornwall Polytechnic Society (RCPS/The Poly) the Medal Awards celebrate outstanding achievement across science, industry and the arts. As Edward Cartwright, Director of The Poly explains; "The RCPS Medal Awards continue the 200-year legacy of celebrating innovation across Cornwall, and most importantly the bringing together of disciplines to ferment creativity and opportunity, in the true spirit of 'Polytechnic'.”
The Medal Awards carry a distinguished heritage dating back to the 1830s, when they were first established to recognise pioneers and innovators. Past recipients include Alfred Nobel in 1865, and today the awards continue that tradition by celebrating forward-looking organisations with strong connections to Cornwall.
We were recognised for our international profile as a leading global exporter of Cornish design and craftsmanship, our commitment to sustainability and maritime values, and our strong track record as a local employer, creating high-quality jobs and investing in apprentice training. Founded in Falmouth almost 40 years ago, we have grown from a specialist local shipyard into one of the world’s leading superyacht refit, repair and build businesses. Throughout our history, we have remained committed to the principles on which the company was built - exceptional craftsmanship, technical excellence and long-term investment in people, while continuing to evolve to meet the needs of an international fleet.
In recent years, we have expanded significantly beyond our home base in Falmouth, building a diverse and interconnected group of specialist businesses. Alongside our core shipyard activities, we own Cockwells, renowned for bespoke superyacht tenders, and Norfolk Interiors, whose fine joinery expertise enhances our interior projects. Through Pendennis Vilanova, our dedicated refit and service facility near Barcelona, we have strengthened our Mediterranean presence and continuity of care for our fleet. Together, these businesses reflect our ambition to combine British craftsmanship with international reach, while remaining proudly rooted in Cornwall.
Toby Allies, Pendennis Group Managing Director, said:
“Winning the RCPS Cornish Medal Award is a moment of real pride for everyone across the Pendennis Group. It recognises not only the quality of the work we deliver on a global stage, but also our long-standing commitment to Cornwall. It is very fitting to win this award as we announce our Pendennis Apprenticeship recruitment campaign for 2026, as we continue to create skilled jobs and training opportunities for future generations.”