#whale – For the fourth year running, Whale (Munster Simms Engineering Ltd) in Northern Ireland have been included in the Sunday Times 100 Best Small Companies To Work For List and have climbed 27 places since 2010.

The company also achieved top 3 star accreditation for extraordinary achievements in the field of employee satisfaction.

The company believes it is the first local manufacturer to introduce flexible working for all, including factory staff.

Three quarters of employees work flexi-time with many choosing to start and finish early to enjoy a longer weekend to relax with their families. More than three quarters for employees fed back that they are happy with their work life balance thereby increasing motivation levels.

#mbe – Whale Managing Director, Patrick Hurst  has been awarded an MBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours List in recognition of services to the Northern Ireland business community.

Patrick is currently involved in a number of business activities, which include the role of Managing Director for Munster Simms Engineering as well as working on behalf of Invest NI, and a number of privately owned manufacturing companies as an Independent Business Advisor.

As a co-owner of Whale (Munster Simms Engineering Ltd) Patrick's innovative vision has resulted in increasing turnover by 48% between 2009 and 2011 as well as increased workforce by over 50% since 2008. Hurst's drive for innovation has inspired his design team and today 70% of products that are new or significantly re-engineered in the last 3 years.

Faith in Patrick's leadership was confirmed by the company being listed in the Sunday Times Best company to work for survey for the last 3 years running. Whale was particularly commended for looking after the wellbeing of its staff, an overall ranking of 8th reflects the faith in Patrick Hurst, Managing Director and the employees trust in the "sound capabilities" of the leadership.

A Bangor-based engineering firm has won a deal to supply pump systems to French boatbuilder BJ Technologie.

The Belfast Telegraph reports that Munster Simms, which also trades as Whale Pumps, will supply bilge and shower waste pumps to the international sail boat manufacturer in what it describes as one of its biggest ever deals.

Managing director Patrick Hurst told the Telegraph that the deal was a "tremendous achievement" giving his business a solid base for the future.

The company, which is soon to move to new premises in Balloo, has been developing plumbing systems for the leisure industry more than 60 years and employs 148 people. Last year it announced a £3 million (€3.5 million) investment in research and development to increase sales beyond Northern Ireland.