Email News February 2009
Foreword
Welcome to the March issue of email news. Public sector support for marine companies looking to improve their business in areas such as skills, infrastructure, innovation and funding is a key theme this month. To find out more read on...
Posted 2008-12-30 12:33:52
New faces at Marine South East
There are a couple of new faces at Marine South East. Howard Holt joined the MSE Board towards the end of last year and Christopher Keegan joined the Chilworth team in January working on skills and training issues alongside David Rea.
A new role has been established at Marine South East to design, develop, co-ordinate and implement a range of skills projects and associated activities focused on addressing the current and future skills needs and priorities of the local marine sector.
The contract which runs to the end of October 2009 has been funded by SEEDA in response to the recently published Solent Waterfront Strategy which provided evidence of the significant economic contribution the marine sector is making to the sub-regional economy. It is important, therefore, to understand how marine sector growth would impose demands on workforce development.
Christopher Keegan has been appointed to the new role and has spent the past seven years working for the boating industry down under in Victoria.
English by birth Christopher has lived in Australia for the past 27 years. With a business development and training background he has worked on a variety of Australian Government funded projects in Melbourne for the peak is this the right word? industry body Boating Industry Association of Victoria. These include:
- developing educational events at boat shows
- researching a marine manufacturing precinct for the Victorian Government
- conducting a Training Needs Analysis
- facilitating two business marine clusters
- writing a national guide and presenting workshops on the training system for the marine industry.
If you would like to contact Christopher email ck@marinesoutheast.co.uk
Howard Holt joined the Marine South East Board towards the end of last year. He will be bringing a Kent perspective to the Board, which meets four times a year to review and guide our activity and strategy.
Howard is Head of Corporate Affairs at the Port of Dover and will also be bringing his expertise as a professionally qualified Chartered Civil Engineer to the MSE Board. He worked for a development corporation and then the wider water industry managing multi-million pound projects in sea defence, flood alleviation, water supply and waste water reclamation.
Howard joined the Port of Dover in 1985 to carry out major port-related civil engineering works and has since held a number of senior positions at the port. In recent years he has developed the area of liaison with external stakeholders and the wider community, and heads up a team whose work this is.
Howard has a particular responsibility for matters related to informing and influencing Westminster and Brussels. He is also currently Vice President of the Federation of Regional and Local Channel Ports (French and English).
Posted 2009-01-30 20:06:58
Government financial help aimed at small companies
Last month Business Secretary Lord Mandelson unveiled a package of measures designed to address the cash flow, credit and investment needs of small and medium businesses.
The support package, which builds upon the commitments outlined in November's Pre-Budget Report, includes loan guarantees and a new Enterprise Fund aimed at helping companies struggling to access finance for working capital and investment.
The package includes:
- A £10bn Working Capital Scheme, securing up to £20bn of short term bank lending to companies with a turnover of up to £500m. Government is expected to be able to approve guarantees from the end of this month.
- An Enterprise Finance Guarantee Scheme, securing up to £1.3bn of additional bank loans to small firms with a turnover of up to £25m. Available from high street banks now.
- A £75m Capital for Enterprise Fund (£50m from Government augmented by £25m from the banks) to invest in small businesses which need equity. Availability to be confirmed.
If you want to find out more the Government has launched a new "one stop shop" easy-to-use web portal on the Business Link website, to direct you to the most appropriate form of support and help you ascertain your eligibility. Go to http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/bdotg/action/detail?type=CAMPAIGN&itemId=1081831680&atom_id=0.PR251741&site=210 to find out more.
Posted 2009-01-30 20:14:20
Access opportunities through the Technology Strategy Board
The Technology Strategy Board (TSB) was established by the Government in 2007 to invest in UK manufacturing companies to maintain and develop their international competitiveness. Its aim is to stimulate technology-enabled innovation in the areas which offer the greatest scope for boosting UK growth and productivity.
It is sponsored by the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS) and focuses on promoting, supporting and investing in technology research, development and commercialisation, spreading knowledge and bringing people together to solve problems or make new advances.
The TSB also advises Government on how to remove barriers to innovation and accelerate the exploitation of new technologies. It works in areas where there is a clear potential business benefit, helping today's emerging technologies become the growth sectors of tomorrow.
Currently, two competition calls are of potential interest to the marine sector:
1. High Value Manufacturing
- Step Change in Competitiveness
- Value Systems
In this competition, TSB will be focusing on innovation in four broad areas, known as “The Four Pillars of High Value Manufacturing”:
- Products
- Production Processes
- Service Systems
- Value Systems
Important dates for this competition are:
4th February - Briefing day (optional)
26th February - Expression of Interest deadline
You can find further details at http://www.innovateuk.org/_assets/pdf/competition-documents/highvalmanufacturing_competition_071008.pdf
2. MATERA+ Call March 2009
MATERA+ is an ERA-NET+ Action funded by the European Commission (EC) and focusing on material science and engineering.
The Technology Strategy Board has allocated an indicative budget of €1.5 million to support UK industry and associated science and technology organisations within MATERA +.
The MATERA+ call is for transnational, interdisciplinary, innovative R&D projects related to materials science and engineering in certain European countries and regions, including the UK. Topics to be addressed in the 2009 Call are:
- Multi-functional Materials
- Engineering Structural Materials
- Bio-based Materials and Bio-inspired Materials
The call is open to industry, universities and research centres. The project consortia are challenged to demonstrate the whole chain from basic research to application-oriented research.
A competition call will be launched during March 2009.
The following websites and contacts will provide further details http://www.matera.fi
or http://www.innovateuk.org/deliveringinnovation/internationalprogramme/matera.ashx
Alternatively call Graham Mobbs, European Operations Manager or Alan Hooper, Lead Technologist Advanced Materials on 01793 442700
Posted 2009-01-30 20:30:58
SEEDA publishes annual report
The South East England Development Agency (SEEDA) has recently published its annual report. It includes information on the range of projects currently on the go and those recently completed as well as a round up from the Chair and Chief Executive.
If you would like to take a look go to
http://www.seeda.co.uk/publications/annual_reports/docs/AnnualReport_2007_2008.pdf
Posted 2009-01-30 20:49:47
Prime Minister’s jobs summit looks for way forward to help SMEs tackle job crisis
The British Marine Federation attended the Prime Minister’s Jobs Summit in January to highlight the issues facing the leisure marine industry during the current economic downturn.
Prime Minister Gordon Brown convened a high-level gathering of business, union and political leaders from across the UK to look at initiatives to both protect existing jobs and create new ones for people who find themselves out of work. Rob Stevens, Chief Executive of the BMF, represented BMF members at the meeting.
At the summit, the Prime Minister announced measures aimed at giving more intensive help to those out of work and further education or training for all school leavers.
Speaking after the meeting, Rob Stevens said:
"It is important and encouraging that the leisure marine industry, through the British Marine Federation, has a seat at the top business and political tables at this difficult time.
"There was much in the Prime Minister's announcement that is positive for the leisure marine industry, particularly proposals to boost the Government's commitment to training opportunities for people who find themselves out of work. In some areas of the country the leisure marine industry is desperate for skilled workers and we need to use this opportunity to encourage the development of long-term skills which would benefit individuals and the industry.
"As well as jobs and training, one area of remaining concern is how financial initiatives can be translated into direct and urgent help for SMEs, particularly within the regions, which are vitally important to the leisure marine industry. The BMF will continue to lobby Government to ensure that SMEs can get access to credit at fair terms to ensure the survival of otherwise viable businesses."
To find out more go to http://www.britishmarine.co.uk or go to http://www.number10.gov.uk/Page17980
Posted 2009-01-30 20:53:49
South Hampshire skills festival will have career ideas for all on Wednesday 11th February 2009
Venue: Hampshire Rose Bowl, Southampton
A wide range of companies and organisations including colleges, universities, training providers, public services and armed forces will be providing an interactive experience at the 2009 South Hampshire Skills Festival on Wednesday 11th February at the Hampshire Rose Bowl (home of Hampshire County Cricket Club).
As in previous festivals, young people considering careers in the marine industry and other industries such as construction and the built environment, manufacturing and electronic and mechanical engineering and media will continue to enjoy excellent demonstrations and challenges to test their capability and satisfy their curiosity.
This is a chance for businesses to market their organisation directly to young people interested in the marine sector, showing training programmes available for on-the-job skills development.
A High Technology Engineering Zone will provide interactive demonstration of an infra Red Camera, Ship Building and the Aircraft Carrier programme, and a chance for students to design a STOP the BULLET Flak Jacket. There will also be the Mindstorm Lego Competition and an activity where students can produce a self powered vehicle. Eastleigh College will also have and interactive Computer Aided Design set.
Marine Engineering will include Berthon Boats and Engineering your Future with the Sail Boat Challenge sponsored by the British Marine Federation. Aso VT Flagship, Clyde Marine, Viking Training and Warsash Maritime Centre will be at the festival with many interesting tasks.
Outside the Royal Air Force and Royal Navy will be providing fully interactive activities in their latest demonstration vehicles, whilst the Port & Maritime Regiment will create some interesting challenges to test pupils' initiative.
This is the first time that this sort of cross-sector skills festival has been held in South Hampshire. Most of the exhibition is now fully booked, however organisers are looking for a company that would be able to bring a boat along to exhibit.
For more information on attending or exhibiting at the event contact Robin Smith on 023 80725748 or email: robin.smith@solentskillquest.co.uk
Posted 2009-01-30 20:57:10
Positive growth for UK leisure marine industry
The UK leisure and small commercial marine industry grew by an impressive 5% in 2007/08, breaking through the £3bn revenue barrier for the first time. The figure, contained in the British Marine Federation’s annual statistics released at the London International Boat Show, shows that the leisure marine industry continued to outperform the wider UK economy.
But the leisure marine industry is not immune to the increasing global economic turbulence and recent research with BMF members shows that, along with the rest of the economy, the industry is facing difficult times.
The headline findings of the annual statistics include:
- The total turnover of the UK leisure & small commercial marine industry is £3.1 billion - an increase of 5% from 2006/7
- International trade revenue is almost £1.1 billion - an uplift of 6% from 2006/7
- There are 35,200 employees across the industry in the UK, a small decrease of 1.4% from 2006/7
- There are around 4,300 businesses operating in the UK leisure & small commercial marine market
Given the strong and increasing contribution to the value of UK exports and solid expansion in turnover, the leisure and small commercial marine industry continued to demonstrate its ability to innovate and succeed in the wider economic environment.
Recent research shows that the industry is increasingly concerned about the impact of the recession. The BMF's Autumn Trends report shows:
- The rating of the value of the order book for the home market has decreased significantly compared to recent surveys: 15% rate their order book value as 'more' than six months ago and 63% rate it 'fewer'
- The value of the order book for the export market is faring slightly better than the UK market although it is decreasing when compared to recent surveys: 20% rate this order book as 'more' than six months ago and 46% rate it 'fewer'
- Turnover and meeting profit forecasts have decreased by around 10% from the last survey: turnover compared to this time a year ago is 'higher' for 30% and 'lower' for 41%; profit forecasts over the last six months have been exceeded for 9%, attained for 39% and fallen below for 52%
- Business prospects for the next six months are perceived to be less optimistic than recent surveys: future prospects are perceived to be 'excellent' for 2% of respondents, 'good' for 14% and 'OK' for 46%, 'poor' for 30% and 'very poor' for 8%
The period covered by the annual statistics is 2007 up to April 2008. The Autumn Trends survey covers the period May to November 2008. If you would like to receive copies of these two reports go to http://www.britishmarine.co.uk/
Posted 2009-01-30 21:00:11
British Marine Federation Training Awards 2009
The BMF Training Awards are designed to celebrate Marine Businesses and Individuals that demonstrate outstanding business and personal success through investment in training. By recognising this, the awards aim to raise awareness and inspire others to invest in learning and development.
The Awards have three Categories
- Small Company Training Award
- Large Company Training and Development Award
- Trainee/Apprentice of the year
Finalists in the three categories will be invited to the BMF AGM, Imperial War Museum, Duxford, Cambridgeshire on the 26 March 2008, where the winners will be announced. The winners of each category will receive a trophy and £500. In addition the BMF are committed to promoting these companies throughout the year in our monthly publication, British Marine News.
The closing date for entries is Monday 23rd February 2009. You can enter online or download an application form at http://www.britishmarine.co.uk and return the completed form to Deidre Williams at the BMF.
Posted 2009-01-30 21:02:35
Lloyd’s Register explores new technologies to help reduce marine fuel consumption
Fuel cells will be a long term sustainable energy solution for ships but, for immediate fuel savings, reduced environmental impact and reduced operational costs, many options are available now for incorporation in new designs
At SMM Istanbul, Lloyd's Register explored in detail the potential use of new technologies to help in reducing both marine fuel consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Dr. Zabi Bazari, Ship Energy Services Manager for Lloyd's Register Marine Consultancy Services, said that energy savings as high as 40% can be achieved by incorporating new systems and approaches into the design of new ships.
Looking ahead, he said that fuel cells could eventually become the main energy unit in commercial ships when low-carbon technologies and renewable sources of energy are firmly in place.
In his speech, Zabi reviewed existing and potential technologies in two main categories: hull and propulsors; and engines and auxiliary machinery.
Ralph Olingschlaeger, a member of the Marine South East Innovation Group believes that despite the current economic climate new low carbon technologies that reduce marine fuel consumption and greenhouse gases are continuing to move forward. South East companies and Universities are playing a key role in this progression.
He commented: "whilst fuel cells, either used as auxiliary power units replacing internal combustion engine generators within 10 years or main propulsion units (10yrs plus) continue to be regarded by many as the engine of the future, there are a number of stepping stone technologies that can move us towards a low carbon technology."
The South East is well placed in the development of fuel cells with some of the leading fuel cell developers and academic institutions, such as Southampton University and Isle of Wight-based Hybrid Marine Ltd, being based here.
Ralph went on to say "the obvious easy win and first step is to use less energy. This could be through improved hull design, specifying more efficient equipment or increasing the use of smart technology linked to on-board systems monitoring. This is another key strength in the South East.
"We will also find that the use of alternative fuels such as biofuels, ethanol or methanol as an energy carrier will help alongside existing wind and solar power. An early win, especially in the leisure marine sector are hybrid drive systems such as the highly innovative system developed by Hybrid Marine Ltd."
If you would like to find out more go to http://www.southampton.ac.uk or for information on Isle of Wight company Hybrid Marine go to http://www.hybrid-marine.co.uk. Alternatively visit Lloyds Register http://www.lr.org
Posted 2009-01-30 21:06:11
Date set for next CATIA course - 9 March 2009
Following on from last year’s successful CATIA course, a date has now been set for a 2009 course, which will start on the 9th March 2009 and deals with the fundamentals of the CATIA package.
Use of the Advanced Marine Modules makes up the content for the second week of the course which commences on Monday 23rd March. The course is facilitated by Marine South East in conjunction with Southampton City College and the Marine Regional Resource Centre. Subsidised rates will be available but subject to certain criteria.
This course has been developed with the assistance of marine users. The feedback from participants following the first course held last year was extremely positive, with most reporting that the course exceeded their expectations.
If you are a production boat builder, yacht designer or work in another field which involves the use of 3D software this course could be of value to you.
To find out further details please email david@marinesoutheast.co.uk or call 02380 111 597
Posted 2009-01-31 08:45:20
New sea training centre sees first potential engineers
New sea training centre sees first potential engineers
The National Sea Training Centre, in partnership with the University of Greenwich, saw success last month. Student, Manish Chandy, became its first student to complete an approved pathway to qualifying as a ship’s engineering officer.
Manish completed the BEng (Marine Engineering) with the University of Greenwich whilst at the same time working towards his Officer of the Watch licence by completing the NVQ in Marine Engineering Operations with NSTC, which is part of North West Kent College.
He was sponsored by the Ship Safe Training Group in Rochester which organised his shipboard placement with Stephenson Clark Shipping Ltd aboard the M.V. Dallington and M.V. Storrington. This enabled him to get the required sea time for his NVQ portfolio and gain the required experience required for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency oral examination for Engineering Officer of the Watch, which he has just passed.
Paul Russell, Head of School of the National Sea Training Centre, presented Mr. Chandy with his NVQ Certificate and £50.00 in book tokens to congratulate him on his achievement. He is looking forward to taking up his first appointment as an engineering officer.
For more information on courses go to http://www.nwkcollege.ac.uk/nstc/index.html
Posted 2009-01-31 08:53:45
Business Link supports companies competing for London 2012 contracts
There has never been a better time to compete for London 2012 contracts. To date around 1,400 business opportunities have been listed on the CompeteFor website, with more than430 of these still open to bidders. So far around 130 small south East companies have won contracts and many marine companies could have the skills that the 2012 programme is looking for.
To bid for contracts you need to successfully register on the CompeteFor website. This involves proving that your company is fit to supply. To help you do this Business Link will be running free workshops. These will be taking place up to the 27th of February 2009 in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Hampshire, Kent, Surrey and Sussex.
You will leave the workshop with a greater understanding of; what you have to do to become 'Fit2Supply', what public sector buyers look for, what to do once you have registered, what opportunities are available, how to sell to London 2012 via CompeteFor, and the typical mistakes to avoid.
Workshop places are limited so book now to avoid disappointment (two delegates per company). To book your place click on the appropriate Fit2Supply workshop date below:
6th February - Adams Park Conf Centre, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire
12 February - Loseley Park, Guildford, Surrey
19th February - Dummer Golf Club, Down Street, Basingstoke
24th February - The Drill Hall, Horsham, Sussex
27th February - Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, Ashford, Kent
Alternatively phone Business Link on 0845 600 9 006 or email info@businesslinksoutheast.co.uk
Posted 2009-01-31 08:57:09
Regional Resource Centre update for 2009
2009….its a new year and the Marine Regional Resource Centre (RRC) at Southampton’s City College goes from strength to strength. The RRC specialises in providing courses to fill skills gaps for individuals or company’s alike. Courses range from Composites lay-up and repair to Computer Aided Design (CAD), Project Management (PRINCE II), BIT/LEAN Manufacturing and in conjunction with Marine Southeast’s CAD Training Pool initiative, expert tuition in the latest CATIA techniques.
In conjunction with Marine South East and the Marine RRC, City College is currently establishing a school of excellence for aluminium welding. The school will not only offer apprenticeships but also many short and intermediate courses for re-training, cross-training and up-skilling of the current work force that will ensure their personal development and also that of their companies.
City College is working in close conjunction with employers to ensure that courses are tailored for the individual employers needs. Many of the courses are funded or partly funded, thus the training of your staff is provided for minimal or no outlay. (Many courses are in fact at no cost to employers, subject to minimal criteria.)
Employers committing to the RRC (it costs nothing to join) will provide progression options for their workforce that may have not been previously available to them prior to the advent of the Marine RRC. Higher levels of provision are also available with pathways of sustained continuity and coherence. This in turn will also provide an incentive to both employer and employee to achieve higher levels of expertise. This could be in further or higher education for marine composite engineering, manufacturing processes and techniques or in management courses and innovative training to assist with the progression of both staff and companies alike.
A new addition to the capability of the Marine RRC is an autoclave for curing composites and pre-impregnated materials and it carries a full vacuum system. This is a 1.5m³ oven with fully computerised control allowing complex curing programmes to be used. This equipment will not only be used for teaching but is also available for use by industry at a nominal charge. (Use of this facility can be arranged for evenings and weekends if required.)
Contact the Marine RRC via their website at http://www.marinerrc.co.uk or call us on 02380-724-722.
Posted 2009-01-31 10:40:48
Graduate Jobs South University of Winchester launch event, Thursday 12th February 2009
Venue: The Stripe, King Alfred Campus, University of Winchester
Join Graduate Jobs South (GJS)for an event celebrating the University of Winchester becoming a partner in the regional graduate retention initiative.
GJS works with employers in the region and encourages students and graduates to consider and apply for work in Hampshire, thus retaining graduate skills for the regional economy.
The initiative is also supported by Southampton Solent University and the University of Southampton.
Attend this event to find out more about how to hire students for placements within your business, and graduates for vacancies. This is a great opportunity to find out about this innovative service and to network with other
employers.
For more information on GJS please visit the website: http://www.graduatejobsouthampton.co.uk
Event details
6pm Registration & refreshments
6.30pm Presentations
7-8pm Networking
Please reply by Friday 6th February to graduate.jobs@solent.ac.uk
