Celebrating 40 years of service

In 1976, Mike Littledale and Kelvin McIldoon joined Silver Line Ltd, which would eventually become part of V.Group. Kelvin and Mike have both played a significant role not just in V.Group’s history but in the shipping industry too.

Mike’s career began at sea as a deck cadet following a pre-sea course at Warsash Maritime Academy in Southampton. Having risen through the ranks Mike decided to come ashore in the early 1970’s and used his seafaring knowledge to handle claims for a leading international P&I club before being asked to join the Silver Line in-house insurance department in late 1976.

Over his career with the Group Mike says that has he has dealt with innumerable marine claims of every type, but there is always something new and unexpected around the corner and the learning process is never ending.

Mike cites the past few years of his career as being the most exciting and interesting with the creation of V.Scope Risk Management in 2013, a joint venture with the independent Lloyd’s broker, Seascope Insurance Services Ltd. “ This allow us to place marine insurance risks , as an intermediary in compliancewith the UK Financial Services Authority. We are able to offer a full range of marine insurance and risk management services tailored to meet the individual needs of our diverse range of clients,” he explains.

Having led the formation of V.Scope and building the team, Mike is now taking things a little easier with a reduction in hours although he’s not quite ready to hang up his hat just yet. “I’m handing over the reins to John Sullivan who has worked very closely with me for the past 12 years. I can relax knowing that with John, and the rest of the V.Scope team in place, our ship owner clients are in safe hands,” he adds.

Like Mike, Kelvin also started his career with the Group with Silver Line. With a background in logistics and procurement, Kelvin joined the business supporting the commercial side with post fixture of the LPG fleet. Initially starting work in our London office he moved to the south coast to be based in our Southampton office in the late 80’s where he remains today and is Purchasing Manager for our V.Ships Leisure business.

As well as his talent for all things procurement, Kelvin is also a fully qualified Football Association referee. This earned him a trip to the 1998 World Cup final between France and Brazil having been entered into a draw for well-deserving football referees in the local community.

Following a lunch, with former and current colleagues, Kelvin is now going to enjoy a much deserved retirement and will be indulging in his love of travel with wife Carol.

In the year that Jimmy Carter was President of the US and Apple Computers was formed in a garage by the late Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak, Mike and Kelvin began an epic career path. They have inspired the next generation of maritime experts in their respective fields sharing their knowledge and wisdom and have left a lasting impression with colleagues and clients alike.