Marine South East April 2007 issue

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Foreword

Foreword...

Many companies are unaware of the support available to them through government and other agencies, including support for research and development projects. This will be the topic for the first Marenet event since Marine South East took over the mantle earlier this year. Over the coming months we will be working to engage companies previously unaware of the value of these networking events, as well as offering a new and exciting programme of events for our regular attendees.

The programme will also include discussions on the Waterfront, with ongoing projects working towards producing a waterfront strategy that will help ensure the protection of this resource for local businesses. A workshop on 27th April is inviting input from companies - go to the events section for more details.

Posted 2007-03-28 10:40:16

Business support and networking

Marine South East pledges to look at how companies can make the most of R&D tax credits...

Research and development (R&D) tax credits will rise under the 2007 Budget announced by the Chancellor late last month.

Posted 2007-03-28 10:42:53

Compelling new evidence shows the potential devastating impact of Portsmouth Naval Base closure on the south east’s economy...

An independent report has been commissioned jointly by Portsmouth City Council and the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA). It shows that the naval base and associated defence related industries and jobs are worth £680 million to the region’s economy every year.

The report was produced by the University of Portsmouth and was commissioned as a result of the Ministry of Defence’s (MoD) review of the future of Britain’s three main naval bases – Portsmouth, Devonport (Plymouth) and Clyde/Faslane.

The university report gives further proof of how Portsmouth Naval Base is at the heart of the local defence ‘supply chain’ with many small specialist industries working directly or indirectly for the base or one of the three large contracting companies based inside – VT Shipbuilding, Fleet Support Ltd. (FSL) and BAE Systems.

The base is a Centre of Excellence from design concept and shipbuilding to worldwide support, repair and disposal of ships. It has built up training excellence which it shares with related suppliers. Portsmouth and south Hampshire is also home to one of the UK’s leading high-tech super clusters spanning electronics, aerospace and defence, and IT.

The naval base is a key catalyst of this activity with research and development from internationally renowned companies providing the Royal Navy’s military advantage. The defence industry centred around Portsmouth and the wider south Hampshire economy has many of the skilled people and facilities needed to continue to deliver a world-class navy.

The new report, by the university’s Centre for Local and Regional Economic Analysis at the Portsmouth Business School, updates a previous study of 2005 and seeks to help the MoD to understand the role of the naval base in the local economy.

The University of Portsmouth recently re-ran its model based on the assumptions that were provided by the MoD’s Defence Analytical Services Agency. These assumptions, including the phasing of any job losses and clarification on the treatment of ships’ companies, has resulted in a clearer picture of any potential job losses and other indirect economic impacts.

Under current MoD assumptions, there could be up to 5,150 direct and indirect job losses - excluding ships’ crew - in Portsmouth, Fareham, Gosport and Havant alone.

For a full report on this issue go to www.marinesoutheast.co.uk/docs/journals where you can download the latest news from Portsmouth City Council and SEEDA on the Portsmouth Dockyard review.

Posted 2007-03-28 11:28:27

Catch up on Marine South East’s latest projects...

We now have a new section on the Marine South East website dedicated to updating you on our ongoing projects.

Posted 2007-03-28 11:30:25

New Marenet programme announced...

With a move from Business Link to Marine South East, the Marenet branding will continue in 2007 to offer informative and thought-provoking topics for discussion on a whole range of issues. The first event is planned for 8th May at Chichester Yacht Club.

Posted 2007-03-28 16:15:16

Commercial sector meet the buyer event planned for SeaWork 13th-14th June 2007...

Following the successful meet-the-buyer events held in Portsmouth in July 2005 and May 2006, with key partners Portsmouth City Council, UKTI and the British Marine Federation, the proposal for 2007 is to hold a buyer event at SeaWork in June, focusing on the commercial maritime and EEZ sectors.

Posted 2007-03-28 10:55:26

New project manager in Kent...

Richard Barron has been appointed as the East Kent Marine Project Manager in a joint undertaking between Marine Southeast and the East Kent Partnership.

Posted 2007-03-30 10:25:20

Marine South East at this year’s SeaWork...

Marine south East will again this year have significant presence at SeaWork, reflecting the organisation’s commitment to supporting the growth of the commercial marine sector in the South East.

Posted 2007-03-28 16:17:40

Have your say on how SEEDA can support your business...

SEEDA and its network of service partners are currently reviewing the demand and scope for specialist partnering and alliance support services to help companies better meet their future goals.

Posted 2007-03-28 16:23:51

Training and Skills

First set of marine apprentice mentors pass the grade...

The first set of marine apprentice mentors have now finished their ten week course and there has been impressive feedback from those involved. Comments included:

"Paul has benefited from developing his mentoring and management skills and is far more focused on helping others develop."

Posted 2007-03-28 12:39:09

Marine Industries Skills Centre opens its doors for first time...

The Paragon and ITE Training Group opened a new training centre for the marine industry across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight on Tuesday 20th March. The development of The Marine Industries Skills Centre in Fareham is part of the expansion of the Group’s presence in the area.

Posted 2007-03-28 11:17:38

Noise and vibration training being tested...

Marine South East has been working in partnership with the BMF to fund a 'Noise and Vibration Awareness' Course which is initially being delivered as a pilot to staff at Halyard (M&I) Ltd.

Posted 2007-03-28 11:32:23

International Development

High hopes for marine businesses following visit from international superyacht professionals...

International superyacht representatives will today end their three-day visit to UK marine companies[see full list of local companies at end of release]. The tour of excellence, organised by Superyacht UK, an association within the British Marine Federation, and supported by UK Trade and Investment (UKTI), involved introductions to 70 UK companies through site visits, networking events and a exhibition showcase.

Posted 2007-03-28 16:22:08

Formula Yacht Spars named South East exporter of the year...

Lymington based, Formula Yacht Spars, one of the largest producers of performance carbon and aluminium yacht spars, was awarded the prestigious accolade of South East Exporter of the Year at the recent UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) awards.

Posted 2007-03-28 16:20:20

NorShipping June 2007 - Exhibit your Product or Service...

The British Marine Equipment Association Pavilion at Norshipping 2007 is now completely sold out. The whole show is over-subscribed and even the additional tented exhibition areas are full. However, if you wish to have your products and services displayed at the event, we are offering a limited number of display spaces on the BMEA Information Stand. These are available at a fraction of the cost of purchasing a stand at the event.

Posted 2007-03-28 17:16:53

Events

Waterfront strategy Workshop, Friday 27th April 2007...

Venue: Southampton Football Stadium

Posted 2007-03-28 17:26:03

Events

Marenet - working together to improve profit, Tuesday 8th May 1530...

Venue: Chichester Yacht Harbour; starting 1530 with Tour of BA Peters plc, MareNet event starting 1630 ending with networking buffet 1845

Working together to improve profit will be the first theme of MareNet under the new leadership of Marine South East.

Posted 2007-03-30 11:32:36

DESO MULTI-NATION INWARD MISSION, 4th - 8th JUNE 2007...

Venue: Portsmouth

Posted 2007-01-30 17:24:57

Ports and Ferries: Partners in 21st Century European Trade, Wednesday andThursday 13 & 14 June 2007...

Venue: Old Royal Naval College, University of Greenwich

Posted 2007-03-28 17:06:04

Annual British Naval Equipment Association Reception & Buffet Luncheon, Wednesday 27 June 2007...

Venue: HQS Wellington, London

Posted 2007-03-28 16:25:23