Email News October 2008
Foreword
Welcome to the November issue of Forward Look. Read on to find out about the range of events on offer across the region over the coming months...
Posted 2008-10-01 13:27:25
MareNet event - Developing Global Marine Markets Tuesday 7th October 2008
Venue: Hythe Sailing Club
Marine South East will be starting its Autumn series of MareNet events with a look at International Trade opportunities for the marine sector including exciting developments at the Dubai Maritime City, a briefing on the January Meet the Buyer event at the London Boat Show and information on Marine South East’s new International Trade Strategy.
The event is free to attend and will be taking place on Tuesday 7th October 2008 at 4.00pm at Hythe Sailing Club, Hythe SO45 6DF. The event is being sponsored by the New Forest District Council and UK Trade & Investment. Registration for the event will begin at 3.45pm with presentations starting at 4.00pm and concluding with a networking reception at 6.30pm. There will also be a walking tour of the site.
Speakers at the event will include:
• Jeff Grainger Principal Lecturer at the University of Portsmouth Business School talking about the extensive marine opportunities of the Dubai Maritime City
• Tom Chant from the BMF giving a briefing on the Meet the Buyer event taking place in January 2009
• David Nickolls from UKTI South East talking about funding and assistance for marine companies
• Steve Sharp from Marine South East talking about their new International Trade Strategy and what it means for marine companies
There is no charge for this event - please book using the link below
Posted 2008-09-04 19:56:23
Free CAD training to South East companies
The Product Development Centre has launched a series of free CAD training workshops at its Hastings base, which will be open to innovators, entrepreneurs, startups and SMEs in the South of England.
For individual designers, engineers, groups and companies requiring an initial introduction to computer aided design for their businesses (or simply because they wish to design their own products), three-hour 'taster' sessions introduce CAD and its role in product design and the drafting of technical and engineering drawings.
These are followed by hands-on training sessions covering new product development, best design practice, 3D design for manufacture and assembly, rapid prototyping, CAD/CAM software, and a range of electrical/electronics training. And the PDC staff, who also provide consultancy services, can even demonstrate how rapid prototyping could be of benefit to you or your business by making something from your own .stl file. The Centre was opened last year and is funded by the European Union, Sea Space, SEEDA and the University of Brighton.
If you would like to find out more call 01424 858 237, email info@pdchastings.co.uk or log onto http://www.pdchastings.co.uk
Posted 2008-08-31 20:19:48
MareNet event - BVT Carrier Orders and Supply Chain Implications Tuesday 28th October 2008
Venue: Portsmouth Dockyard - this event is now fully booked
The recently announced new aircraft carrier orders for BVT and the implications for the local supply chain will be the subject of Marine South East’s next MareNet event taking place on Tuesday 28th October 2008 in Portsmouth’s Historic Dockyard.
The event, which is likely to be over-subscribed, is free to attend and will be taking place on Tuesday 28th October 2008 at 4.00pm at the Princess Royal Gallery in the Royal Naval Museum at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard PO1 3LJ. The event is being co-sponsored by Portsmouth City Council and the University of Southampton.
Registration for the event will begin at 3.45pm with presentations starting at 4.00pm; the event will conclude with a networking reception which will finish at 6.30pm.
Speakers at the event will include:
• Alan Johnston CBE, Chief Executive BVT Surface Fleet talking about the new joint venture company, the aircraft carrier orders and the opportunities for the local supply chain.
• Douglas Macbeth, Professor of Purchasing and Supply Chain Management from the University of Southampton’s School of Management will talk about development of supply chains, their management and the implications for marine companies in particular.
• Portsmouth City Council highlighting the importance of shipbuilding to the region's economy and the council's role in the successful campaign to retain the Naval Base
This is likely to be a popular event and we therefore ask that only one delegate per company attend the event; we are limited to 80 places so please book early to avoid disappointment.
Click below to reserve your place at the event.
Posted 2008-09-23 13:07:06
Marine companies urged to enter Gosport Business Award scheme
The 2008 Gosport Business Awards are now open for entries. Following the outstanding success of the 2007 Awards, local firms are being urged to get involved and take advantage of the opportunity to showcase their achievements, gain the recognition of their peers and raise the profile of their business.
Applicants have six weeks in which to apply for one or more of the seven Awards available. These include Customer Service Excellence, Innovation and Entrepreneurship and Benefit to the Local Community; as well as a new Enterprising Student Award.
The addition of this latest Award category follows on from Gosport’s success in the 2008 Enterprising Britain Awards, when the Council-led Impact project received a regional Award. With enterprise skills now firmly at the top of the Borough’s agenda, the Enterprising Student Award offers young people between the ages of 14-21 years a platform to showcase their business skills to potential future employers.
Winners of this year’s Awards will be announced at a black tie presentation evening to be held at The Alverbank Hotel on 27th November. As well as announcing the winners of the seven category Awards, the presentation evening will also see one of the winners secure the coveted title of Gosport Business of the Year 2008.
Entry forms for the Awards, which are sponsored by local businesses and supported by Gosport Borough Council, are available online at www.go-gosport.co.uk. Hard copies can be obtained from Gosport Business Centre or the Town Hall. Completed entries must be received by 5.00 pm on Friday 10th October 2008. For further information please email info@go-gosport.co.uk or telephone 023 9254 5642.
Posted 2008-09-30 20:46:07
‘Fit2Supply’ Workshops – helping companies access 1000s of tender opportunities October 08
Over the next 4 years an estimated 15,000 opportunities will be offered through CompeteFor, a web-based service that matches buyers with suppliers in London 2012 supply chains.
Over 120 South East businesses have already won London 2012 contracts and hundreds win local authority contracts every year through the South East Business Portal (SEBP), a free and simple contracts and opportunities advertising website. So if you don't want to miss out on £9.3billion being spent on London 2012 or £4.5billion spent annually by local government, make sure you are 'Fit2Supply'!
Whatever your business sector, a 'Fit2Supply' workshop put on by Business Link in partnership with the SEBP, will help you get ready to compete. They will show you how to become a potential supplier for free on CompeteFor http://www.london2012.com/business and how to register on the South East Business Portal http://www.businessportal.southeastiep.gov.uk
Benefits of attending:
- Find London 2012 and local government opportunities
- See how to sell to London 2012 and local government
- Learn what buyers look for in a 'great' supplier
- Find out what a PQQ is
- Increase your chances of winning a contractˆš
- Find further support
Speakers will include
Ian Parkes, 'Challenge of the Olympics' Speaker
Ian's career spans the private, public and not for profit sectors. Previously Chief Executive of AZTEC and Managing Director of BL London South West, he founded SOA Development, providing project management and strategic and partnership development services to the public and private sectors.
SOA have developed something of a specialism in Olympic Legacy planning. They have contributed to the development of legacy plans for South London, West Sussex, West London and Croydon. They have supported SEEDA in the promotion of the region for Pre-Games Training Camps and have delivered workshops for business showing how they can benefit from London 2012 opportunities. SOA have undertaken further research at the Beijing Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Other Speakers include a local authority procurement professional from the South East who will also be telling you about the local opportunities, how they procure and what they look for in a winning bidder.
Dates of 'Fit2Supply' Workshops:
13 October 2008 Windsor Guildhall, Windsor, Berkshire 1pm - 4.30pm
15 October 2008 Dorking Halls, Dorking, Surrey 9am - 12.30pm
16 October 2008 Civic Hall, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire 9am - 12.30pm
17 October 2008 Hailsham East Community Centre, Hailsham, East Sussex 9am - 12.30pm
24 October 2008 Explosion, Gosport, Hampshire 9am - 12.30pm
05 November 2008 St Georges Centre, Chatham Maritime, Kent 9am - 12.30pm
You can book online at http://www.southeast2012events.co.uk or call 01732 878555
Posted 2008-09-30 20:57:12
First Kent Skills Festival makes its way to Dover 17th October 2008
Students from across Kent will have a unique chance to see a spectacular showcase of hands-on activities demonstrating opportunities in the Marine Sector when they visit the first Kent Marine Festival on 17th October.
Thousands of young people from Kent schools and colleges will work with employers for a day of hands-on activity seeing the vast array of skills and training available for a successful career.
Employers and training providers are committed to providing employment solutions for the Marine, Engineering, Hospitality and Manufacturing Industries. The event will be an inspiration to all those who attend with tours of ships, practical engineering, navigational challenges and a look at the vital role HM Coastguards have for this industry. How are ships, including cruise ships, built? What skills are required? How can I train for that role? Are careers available in the Merchant Navy and ancillary industries? These are a few of the thousands of questions answered by the practical exhibits in place during the day.
The event is by invitation only from 9.00 until 3.30am and at 5.00pm until 7.30pm it will be open to the general public free of charge.
The aim is that this innovative and specialised event will spark an interest and zest for the marine sector. It will inspire a drive towards Further Education and ultimately part of a new generation of maritime specialists employed in the UK.
Anne McNulty, Executive Director EBP Kent, said ‘We are so grateful to the Marine Sector and the dedicated Dover Partnership working collaboratively to make a difference to the young people of this county. The Maritime Industry leads to such exciting diverse areas of employment for young people, it is very important they have the chance to fully understand the potential locally, regionally and in the global market.’
To find out more contact Anne McNulty on (01843) 609310
Posted 2008-09-30 21:05:24
How can you help prepare your business and your staff for the future?
The British Marine Federation Spring 2008 Industry Trends survey says that 41% of businesses are predicting lower profit forecasts. Your staff will need to be at their best for the future growth of your business. If you are an SME within the South East marine sector you get ahead of the game by taking advantage of fully funded management training.
This ESF Funded Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM) Leadership and Management Project includes qualifications designed for employees working in a Management role who wish to underpin their practice with a clearer knowledge of the principles of management and improve their overall competency as a manager.
The Level 3 award is suitable either for experienced supervisors and first line managers or those who are newly promoted to the role. The Level 5 award is specially designed to give practising or aspiring middle managers a solid foundation in their formal development within the role.
Who is eligible
High Technology Companies employing less than 250 staff, based within the South East of England and operating in the following sectors are eligible for fully funded provision through the ESF and SEEDA.
- Aerospace and Marine
- Environmental Technologies
- Bio-science and Healthcare
- Advanced Instrumentation
- ICT and Electronics
The value of training is approximately £900 for the Level 3 Award and approximately £1,500 for the Level 5 Award.
There are several delivery partners involved with the project, based throughout the South East of England:
Guildford College, Surrey
Thanet College, Kent
Southampton City College, Hampshire
North Bar Training, Oxfordshire
Hastings College, East Sussex
Bucks New University, Buckinghamshire
Newbury College, Berkshire
For more information about the project, please contact Chris Hibberd or Dan McCrory on 01483 448530 or e-mail: employerenquiries@guildford.ac.uk
Posted 2008-09-30 21:28:22
Developing the role of mentors
Eastleigh College is one of a handful of colleges across the South east offering mentor training for companies looking to develop staff. The course provided by Eastleigh College is designed for suitably qualified or experienced group leaders/supervisors/managers who are required as part of their role to mentor new or developing staff within their workplace setting.
Mentoring enables candidates to substantially add to their Continuous Professional Development as well as providing motivation, pastoral care and relevant training to those they are mentoring
The course is divided into 3 major sections :
- The role of the Mentor
- Developing Mentoring Skills
- Demonstrating skills in Mentoring and support.
Experienced assessors visit candidates on a group and individual basis over a period of several months to train and set evidence-based tasks leading to the award of the Certificate in Work Based Support and Mentoring. This approach helps those who require a flexible course without the need to attend college in a group at a set time or day. There will only be the need for one to one sessions at college to check on progress as well as workplace assessment.
Qualifications gained are dependent on the type of job you do: NVQ in Business and Administration levels 1-4, Customer Service levels 2 and 3, Team Leading level 2 and Management levels 3 - 5 are available but must be appropriate to the degree of responsibility candidates have in their job.
If you would like to find out more contact Michelle Frampton on mframpton@eastleigh.ac.uk
Posted 2008-09-30 21:33:50
Selective Finance for Investment in England (SFIE) Grant Scheme 2007-2013
SFIE grants are available to businesses which serve (or plan to serve) more than a local market, and are looking to invest in capital expenditure to increase productivity, expand the business and create skilled jobs.
The grants are discretionary; there is no automatic entitlement. The aim of the awards is to help businesses invest in capital equipment and technology to expand, modernise or diversify to obtain gains in productivity, sustainable growing businesses and skilled jobs. Amount of grant depends upon company size and location, project quality, eligible project expenditure, number of jobs created or safeguarded, job skill levels.
SFIE is available to:
- Small and Medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) throughout the South East region from 1st Sept 08;
- Large enterprises and SMEs in Tier 2 areas, which include all 23 wards of Thanet and 3 wards in Dover (Eastry, Sandwich and Whitfield).
The grant is available in three tiers, tiers 2 and 3 are available to South East companies. The Tier 3 areas in the South East, which previously covered parts of
Oxford, Kent and the South Coast, have been expanded from 1st September 2008 to include the entire South East region. SMEs located anywhere in the SEEDA region may be eligible to apply for SFIE grants.
Stronger cases for SFIE grant support may include:
- Substantial investment in equipment and technology;
- Foreign Direct Investment (FDI);
- Exporting;
- Environmental benefits;
- Diversification into new products/services or into new markets;
- Securing skilled jobs;
- Regeneration effects.
Business Link representatives across the region are being trained in the SFIE grant scheme. Should you wish to be included in any training register your interest by email to businessgrants@seeda.co.uk.
Posted 2008-09-30 21:44:15
CATIA for Yacht Design seminars in October
Dassault Systemes has developed a dedicated CATIA CAD course aimed at meeting the needs of the marine industry. Intrinsys has organised this “CATIA Seminar/workshop” to demonstrate the product and show how it works in the context of the yacht industry. This will be followed by an opportunity for attendees to use the software for themselves.
The seminar is being held on 21st October 08 in Milton Keynes and on 23rd October in Southampton. The agenda will include and introduction to CATIA V5 and CATIA for Yacht design.
This is a great opportunity to discover why so many people in the yacht industry are adopting CATIA and to see what the software can do for your business. For more information and bookings contact Angela Cairns acairns@intrinsys.co.uk or call 01908 278650/ 07718 679075
Posted 2008-10-01 10:13:15
Portchester overhaul to attract new marine businesses
New management at the former VT site, Portchester, have announced their plans to improve the site for marine industrial use. The site, to be once again named Trafalgar Wharf, is aiming to offer world class facilities accommodating marine businesses ranging from sail makers and boat brokers to boat builders, boat storage and major refit works.
Under new management, the site has re-opened its doors in a bid to attract new business with an exciting revamp under way. It is set up for a wide range of water vessels and will be able to accommodate, store, build, repair and refit powerboats and superyachts from 20ft to 180ft.
Trafalgar Wharf Ltd, which has taken over the site, will oversee the growth of the area. The 22 acre area will remain true to its industrial roots and combine light marine trade with heavier industries all enjoying spectacular views and waterfront access. The site will continue to offer a wide range of space for marine businesses in buildings ranging from the massive 400ft main shed, probably the largest building of its kind on the south coast, to small individual business units including office space overlooking Port Solent Marina.
Jonny Boys, Managing Director of Trafalgar Wharf commented, "We are aiming to create a very special marine waterfront environment on a historic site. We are keen to attract new businesses to help us achieve this and have already started talks with a number of both large and small companies who are keen to move into the site and benefit from waterfront rentals at industrial prices."
Peter Cusdin, SEEDA's Development Director said "SEEDA is delighted that Trafalgar Wharf is investing and we share the vision to create new jobs and facilities for marine businesses on the site. It will help meet some of the demand that exists for unique marine facilities like this on the south coast. We are confident that Trafalgar Wharf will create a very special waterfront environment that will be very attractive to many marine businesses."
There will be a MareNet event at Trafalgar Wharf on 13th November, look out for the next issue of Forward Look for further information.
To find out more visit http://www.trafalgarwharf.com
Posted 2008-10-01 10:42:26
Subsidised training on offer to South East marine companies, various dates in October
‘Skills for Technology’ is an ESF Funded project which is being delivered through a partnership of the Marine and Aerospace Regional Resource Centres and Aylesbury Training Group. Its purpose is to provide fully subsidised training companies in the South East in the marine and aerospace sectors.
ATG Training is providing fully subsidised short accredited courses in CAD, CNC, CAM, Metrology and Electronics Measuring and Testing to the employer. Typically these high courses are held over 2 or 3 and cost around £500 per candidate.
Courses can be delivered onsite or at locations across the South East, providing companies with a high degree of delivery flexibility to minimise disruption to their business.
In October courses are being held in the following places:
- CAD for beginners - 13th and 14th October at Farnborough College of Technology.
- Modern Manufacturing and Inspection Techniques - 13th, 14th and 15th October at ATG Training.
- CAD for beginners - 20th and 21st October at ATG Training.
- CAD Inventor Workshop - 20th and 21st October at Farnborough College of Technology.
- Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Milling - 20th, 21st and 22nd October at ATG Training.
- Computer Aided Machining (CAM) - 27th and 28th October at Farnborough College of Technology.
To be eligible for this subsidised training companies must:
Be within the SEEDA (South East) region.
- Operate (partly or fully) in the Aerospace, Space, Marine sector (directly or indirectly feeds into these sectors)
- Have less than 249 employees
- Have a balance sheet of less than £30M.
- An annual turnover of less than £34.9M.
- Not received more than 200,000 Euros of grants or state aides in the last three fiscal years.
For more information contact Kayleigh Hill at ATG Training on 01296 737808 or email k.hill@atg-training.co.uk
Posted 2008-10-01 12:23:02
The 1851 Royal Commission’s Industrial Fellowships scheme
The Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851 gives fellowships and grants for top level science and industrial research, as well as industrial design. Over 25 awards are made each year which, together with a number of Special Awards, total more than £1.6m in value.
Originally set up to stage the Great Exhibition, the Royal Commission was kept in being to invest the Exhibition's substantial profit. It first acquired the site in South Kensington on which the three great museums, the Royal Albert Hall, Imperial College and other colleges now stand, and it continues to own and manage the freehold of most of this estate. When the development of the estate was complete, in 1891, the Commission then set up the research awards programme which runs to this day. Alumni include no fewer than 12 Nobel Laureates.
As part of its science and engineering awards scheme the 1851 Royal Commission offers up to 8 Industrial Fellowships a year to the country's brightest young engineering employees wanting to engage in research. These are worth up to as much as £80,000 over a three year programme (usually leading to a PhD) in salary contributions and grants.
As well as the financial value, the benefits to a company include not only the research itself and the cachet involved with employing a Royal Commission Fellow, but also the development of links with a university. Effectively this is an opportunity for a company to gain an extra researcher who in turn will benefit from the career development associated with focused R & D in pursuit of a higher degree, enhanced by the travel that the Royal Commission funds as part of the scheme. The Royal Commission itself has no claim on Intellectual Property and is motivated simply by its altruistic aim to 'extend the influence of art and science upon productive industry'.
Full details of the Industrial Fellowships and all the Commission's awards are available on its website http://www.royalcommission1851.org.uk
