Email News June 2009
Foreword
Welcome to the August issue of email news. This month's issue looks at a range of important issues for marine businesses. It includes details of the new CWEB system, an online database that can be used for free by companies wishing to recruit staff as well as people seeking new employment. We also have updates on development projects such as Hythe Marine Park and Southampton Port. Read on to find out more...
Posted 2009-04-01 08:51:18
Improved Grant for Research & Development
From 31 March, an improved R&D product from Finance South East now falls under the new simplified "Solutions for Business" banner. It includes a "Proof of Market" grant, as well as changes to the level of grant for a project.
The new 'Proof of Market' project tests the commercial potential of an innovative idea before a company undertakes costly R&D work. Such projects will last no more than 9 months. Grants of 60% of costs are available with a maximum of £20,000 available to SMEs.
There has been an increase in the rate of support for development projects to 40% for small businesses; the rate for development projects for medium sized businesses remains at 35%. Exceptional Projects in strategically important sectors such as life sciences and low carbon energy may now obtain Research grants covering 60% of costs up to £250,000 and Development Grants covering 35-40% of costs up to £500,000.
All changes plus brief SME definitions are summarised in the Quick Look Guides which, together with new application documents and guidance notes, can be accessed via the Finance South East web site at http://www.financesoutheast.com/businessgrants
Carbon Trust pre-application summary
Finance South East now collaborates with the Carbon Trust on grant proposals that might significantly reduce carbon footprint. In such cases, where the proposed technology has the potential for significant CO2 reduction and grant might exceed £50k, applicants should complete a Carbon Trust pre-app summary.
Finance South East will forward this to the Carbon Trust for review under the Carbon Trust's Applied Research scheme. If suitable, a full application will be invited. If not, the proposal will be returned to FSE for review under Grant for R&D. Full applications to the Carbon Trust's Applied Research Scheme are also to be submitted via FSE. Carbon Trust's full application and pre-application documents are downloadable from the FSE website http://www.financesoutheast.com
Posted 2009-06-01 20:52:24
Innovative marine industry gets apprenticeship boost
South East based Berthon has led a consortium of marine companies, with help from Paragon Skills and support from Marine South East and the British Marine Federation, to gain funding from the Government’s Apprenticeship Expansion Programme to improve skills across the industry. The project will support the employment of 60 apprentices over a two year period, with a total value of £880,000.
The investment will be used to pay the wages of apprentices and support their specific training needs, reducing costs for local businesses and assisting profitability. It represents a major boost for skills and employment in the Solent region, and to encourage wider participation there are currently a limited number of unallocated apprenticeship places available to local marine supplier companies. These places will ensure that apprentice support is available to companies throughout the marine supply chain.
Keith Longman at Berthon commented: "Renewed Government support for skills based careers has given impetus to a higher perception of apprenticeship schemes to both youngsters and their parents. We are committed to producing a strong local skill base and our hard work is paying off; we took on 8 apprentices last year and 9 this year, with the average age over 18 with one aged 25. Our total apprentice count currently stands at 23 and we have committed to taking on a further 8 this summer.
"We have been training apprentices since Berthon was founded more than 100 years ago. More than half of the 70 people on our shop floor have come to us through our apprenticeship scheme as well as around half of our boatyard management team. Youngsters today realise that there are real career progression opportunities."
With a market value of nearly £62bn, the UK marine industry has a 3.1% share of the global marine market worth around £2 trillion. The South East marine industry includes some of the most innovative and high-tech companies, with a reputation for excellence and contributing skilled marine workers around the globe. The industry's commitment to training is now being recognised with inclusion in this pilot Government programme.
The Apprenticeship Expansion Programme trials, which are being funded by the Learning and Skills Council (LSC), will provide extra funding to employers who are currently running high quality apprenticeships. It aims to develop and test models which will allow employers to recruit and train additional apprentices in companies that are at the forefront of their industry. This will give them the appropriate skills to secure employment in the supply chain or elsewhere in the wider sector.
Jonathan Williams, Marine South East Chief Executive commented: "Skills shortages are becoming ever more critical and forward thinking companies like Berthon are investing now to ensure that they have a highly skilled and competitive workforce ready in the future. This trial will help companies that already have a high quality apprenticeship scheme continue training young people through the difficult economic conditions we now face."
Sarah Dhanda, Director of Business Development at the British Marine Federation added:
"The British Marine Federation strongly welcomes this timely boost for skills and jobs in the Solent area and is proud to have been part of the successful bid process. Marine businesses are facing a tough environment, but this investment will help retain highly skilled manufacturing jobs and help UK firms compete with the best."
Other companies taking part in the trial include: Southampton Yacht Services, Griffon Hoverwork and Discovery Yachts*.
To find out more email david@marinesoutheast.co.uk
Posted 2009-06-01 20:57:17
Schools Marine Challenge race days – prize request
The Schools Marine Challenge is now in its 4th year in the South East and continues to introduce school children to the world of marine technology and engineering via direct contact with businesses and hands-on experience of boat building.
Fourteen schools from the South East are taking part in the competition to design, build and race model powerboats this year.
The project aims to stimulate interest in the marine industry from a young age, and present the vast number of career opportunities available in an enjoyable way. It is also an opportunity for students taking part to showcase their talents to marine companies, and enables the marine industry to see the 'future workforce' in action.
The South East race day is taking place on Tuesday 23 June 2009 at the JB Waterski Centre, Chertsey, Surrey. At the event, teams will race their boats and will be marked on their design, power system and how the young people worked together.
We would like to offer you the opportunity to donate a prize for the challenge. Prizes are awarded to teams in several categories, ranging from racing positions to teamwork. The winning schools will be awarded their prizes at a presentation at the end of the race day. Examples of previous prizes include boat trips for the teams, marine-related activities and vouchers or cash prizes for the schools.
If you or your colleagues would like to attend a race day or are interested in donating or sponsoring a prize, please contact Deidre Williams at dwilliams@britishmarine.co.uk or call 01784 223630.
Posted 2009-06-01 21:01:56
Funding available to develop and progress your female talent
Research shows that thousands of women in UK industry are working in roles well below their capabilities and potential skill levels. Did you know, for example, that women form more than 50% of the UK labour market, but less than 20% in the science, engineering and manufacturing technologies sector? In addition, 9% of companies in the sector based in England have hard to fill vacancies and 17% have skills shortages.
Clearly there is a need to develop, encourage and recognise female talent in the workforce, and harnessing the skills of women in the workplace could benefit the economy by as much as £23 billion a year.
Funding is available to help science, engineering and manufacturing companies in England attract, develop and keep the best female talent. Semta can give you access to a funded Women and Work programme which will help improve your business by supporting the skills development and potential of female workers.
The Women and Work programme includes:
- Development planning workshops tailored to complement your organisation's existing appraisal and review processes.
- Up to £400 training/development grant per person (subject to employer match).
- On-going mentoring and support from Semta throughout the 90 day programme.
- Positive publicity and the opportunity to showcase best-practice.
To find out more contact Semta Customer Services on 0845 643 9001 or
Email customerservices@semta.org.uk Alternatively visit http://www.semta.org.uk
Posted 2009-06-01 21:06:08
UKTI TAP Grants
Two months ago the UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) broadened its criteria for Trade Show Access Programme (TAP) grants, and since then the British Marine Federation has received a great deal of interest from eligible companies with TAP allocations filling fast.
The BMF arranges TAP funding at the following shows:
- Monaco Yacht Show (23 - 26 September 2009)
- METS (17 - 19 November 2009)
- Boot Dusseldorf (23 - 31 January 2009)
- Seatec (10 - 12 February 2010)
Each Show has a limited number of grants available; to be eligible you must be an SME with fewer than 250 employees, export under 25% of your marine turnover and have received no more than six TAP grants since April 2009. Experienced exporters (over 10 years export experience) will still be eligible for a grant as long as they have not exhibited at the previous edition of the Show they are applying for.
Those companies that are applying for their first TAP grant will also be eligible for one of 400 free flights under an exclusive offer between UKTI and British Airways (BA). All flights offered will be Club World or Club Europe (business class) and are available on BA routes only. An application can be made for any marine related Show up until 31 March 2010.
To apply for a grant or find out more about the free flights offer, please contact Chris Grosscurth by email cgrosscurth@britishmarine.co.uk or by phoning 01784 223641. Grants are offered on a first come, first served basis.
Posted 2009-06-01 21:14:09
BMF's Environmental Code of Practice finds a new home
In May this year the BMF relocated its Environmental Code of Practice (ECOP). Visitors to the existing web link www.ecop.org.uk will be redirected to the new integrated pages on the BMF website www.britishmarine.co.uk/ecop .
Members will benefit from an improved search facility of all sections, making it easier to find exactly what you are looking for, from waste management advice to information on climate change legislation. The ECOP is updated regularly with the latest information, guidance, and services to our industry.
To get the most out of this BMF service, visitors should register their details to be kept up to date on all changes, for free. The new pages will also allow visitors to ask BMF's Environment Executive, Brian Clark, questions relating to environment management or anything within the ECOP; just follow the 'Contact Us' button on any of the pages.
For more information or advice on environmental issues, please contact Brian Clark on 01784 223644 or bclark@britishmarine.co.uk
Posted 2009-06-01 21:20:20
MareNet Event - Academic Power Brings Practical Applications in Innovation in RNLI Rib Design 17th June
Marine South East will be organising a special MareNet event in June taking place during the Seawork Exhibition in Southampton in conjunction with the University of Southampton. This exciting event takes place on Wednesday, 17th June 2009 from 3pm to 4.30pm and will explore Innovation in RNLI Rib Design following a successful research project carried out by the University working with the RNLI.
Steve Austen, Head of Engineering Support at the RNLI, Professor Philip Wilson, Professor of Ship Dynamics at the University of Southampton and Nick Townsend, University of Southampton will present on "Rigid Inflatable Boat Motions."
The project involved full scale and model scale RIB experiments identifying the influences of speed, ballast, wave height, encounter frequency and tube pressure on the motion and responses of RNLI Atlantic Ribs. The case illustrates the benefits of collaborating with a University to push the boundaries of innovation and design.
The event will be held in Conference room 1 at the Seawork Exhibition, at the Canary Islands Fruit Terminal in the Western Dock in Southampton.
Entrance to the Seawork Exhibition is free and delegates attending the MareNet event are encouraged to visit the show before or after the event.
MareNet events are free to attend but please be courteous and give us 48 hours notice of cancellation.
To register for this event please log onto http://www.marinesoutheast.co.uk/marenet
Posted 2009-06-01 21:24:55
Seawork Commercial Marine and Workboat Show – June 2009
Expertise on-hand at Seawork Commercial Marine & Workboat Exhibition and Conference
Do you need some expert advice? If so then why not come along to the Commercial Marine & Workboat Exhibition and Conference and meet visiting UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) Commercial Officers. The Exhibition and Conference is open from Tuesday 16th June to Thursday 18th June 2009 at the ABP Port of Southampton.
Commercial Officers are a valuable resource and part of the UKTI's overseas network. With sound current knowledge and experience of their local marine markets, they have access to up-to-date business opportunities and can provide individually tailored advice for you and your business. You can benefit by booking free one-to-one meetings at the show.
To benefit from the latest advice on winning marine business overseas, visit the UKTI's pavilion during Seawork 2009. To register your interest contact Kandy Jones at: Kandy.jones@uktisoutheast.com or telephone 01489 661405
Pre-register for the Seawork Inward Buyers Mission
Also at Seawork 2009 is the Seawork Inward Buyers Mission which brings together 20 key decision makers from major overseas companies at Seawork to meet with UK suppliers, in order to develop commercial relationships.
The event builds on the successful Seawork events in 2007 and 2008 where over £500,000 worth of business was won. Buyers will be invited from port authorities, equipment distributors, vessel operators and ship yards. The buyers will be purchasing decision makers and they will come from across Europe, Asia and North America.
Each supplier will be charged £35 per pre booked meeting, £50 if booked on the day of the event, with a £200 fully-refundable booking deposit. Meetings will be scheduled and based on supplier capabilities and buyer interest.
We are looking for British suppliers from the following light commercial sectors:
- Dockyard and ports supply (equipment and services)
- Maritime security
- Maritime surveillance and vessel management systems
- Commercial equipment
- Commercial vessels (all sizes and types)
- Related services
The one-to-one meetings will take place on 17th & 18th June 2008 on the second and third days of the Seawork trade show.
All suppliers must complete the registration form, which is available as a download on www.seawork.com/UKTI.htm or contact Fay Reeve at freeve@seawork.com or David Nickolls at david.nickolls@uktisoutheast.com
Seawork is the leading European exhibition for the commercial maritime sector and attracts 400 exhibitors and over 6,000 international visitors. For more information about Seawork 2009 go to http://www.seawork.com
New Products, Innovation and Technology at Seawork 2009
The commercial marine industry is full of exciting new products and innovations. The Seawork Innovations Showcase, located adjacent to the DiveWork Pavilion, is sponsored in 2009 by Marine Southeast and the University of Southampton. The Showcase contains more than 30 innovative new products - each has a stand number and description to help visitors' fast-track their way to stands of interest.
If you visit the Showcase on Wednesday or Thursday, you can see who has won the coveted Spirit of Innovation Award, which is presented at the Seawork Gala Dinner on the evening of Tuesday 16th June.
There are 5 product categories: Vessel Design & Construction; Marine Civil Engineering & Construction; Marine Equipment, Electronics & Materials; Diving & Underwater Technology and Safety & Training.
In order to qualify for inclusion in the Showcase, entrants must show:
- How the innovation achieves an advance over existing products
- The most important benefits of the advance to customers
- The technology or know-how which made the technology possible
- How the technology or know-how was accessed
Posted 2009-06-01 21:33:31
New Chair for Hampshire Economic Partnership Task Group
Southampton-based Hampshire Economic Partnership (HEP) has appointed Mark Merritt, an independent consultant as the new chairman of the Marine Policy Task Group.
Mark has held various senior positions in private sector companies including Group Chief Executive of Formula Yacht Spars for five years and Principal Consultant at Merritt Associates for over 18 years.
Being a member of the HEP Marine Policy Task Group for over six years, Mark has already played an integral role in the task group's work. In addition to his voluntary role at HEP he is also Commercial Director of Olympic Limited, a Trustee of Walford Craft Mill in Wimborne, Chairman of Friends of Stanpit Marsh and is involved with the Christchurch Community Partnership.
Mark commented: "I have been involved with the task group for over six years now and have watched it go for strength to strength. I couldn't turn down the opportunity to Chair the group and take it onto its next phase of development."
Mark went onto say: "So far, as a task group we have been involved with a variety of projects including the Solent Waterfront Strategy and the Skills Strategy Framework for the marine Industry, and I am looking forward to leading the group into it's new challenges. The Marine Industry is a massive technology-employment sector in Hampshire and has real potential to take the lead as we export our way out of recession."
For more information on the Task Group go to http://www.hep.uk.com
Posted 2009-06-01 21:41:58
Change of tack at Shipwrights
Marine South East’s MareNet coordinator, Naval Architect, and well-known local business figure, Graham Clarke, announced his intention to raise the profile of the yacht and boat sector during his year in office as the new Prime Warden of the Worshipful Company of Shipwrights.
At last week's Installation Dinner Graham revealed that he has an affinity with yachting, to the extent that he has brought his yacht Moon Haze from his home port Lymington to Poplar Dock in London, where he will live when he is staying in town.
For his year in office he has introduced a boating theme hoping to encourage new Liverymen from the Yachting and small craft sector. He is also planning a number of Livery events at both the London and Southampton Boat Shows.
Graham commented: "I am aiming to give more profile to the yacht and boat sector during my year, as that is where many of today's shipwrights are employed. I am also keen to maintain our education and charitable giving through continued support for the South East Schools Marine Challenge as well as our annual competition to award the Queen's Silver Medal for the best shipyard apprentice."
For more information email office@shipwrights.co.uk or go to http://www.shipwrights.co.uk
Posted 2009-06-01 21:46:53
Funding for research studentships being offered to marine companies
Industrial CASE is a project that allows industry to drive the research project of their choice according to their business needs. It provides funding for PhD studentships where businesses take the lead in arranging projects with an academic partner of their choice.
All research students are based at a university, but must spend part of their time with the company. The company must provide a placement for a period of at least 3 months over the duration of the studentship. The company is required to ensure sufficient time is allocated during the placement to fulfill all aspects of the training being provided.
The company must make financial contributions to the training of the student:
- A contribution to the academic institution towards the cost of the project. The minimum top-up contribution is ~ £21,765 over the 3.5 years (i.e., equivalent to 1/3 of the EPSRC award of ~£65,294) to be paid directly to the university. Part of this contribution may be used towards increasing the student stipend.
- Expenses, such as the cost of travel and accommodation, incurred by the student as a direct result of attendance at the premises of the company.
Proposals may be submitted by companies with a UK research and/or manufacturing base. Applications from spinout companies wishing to collaborate with their originating university will not be considered: collaborations must be with a separate institution.
Projects must be within Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council's (EPSRC) remit. See
http://www.epsrc.ac.uk/ResearchFunding/Opportunities/ResponsiveMode/EPSRCRemit.htm
Proposals will be judged on their quality according to the assessment criteria. However, the aim is for the pool competition to create opportunities for SMEs, and for companies wishing to engage in new collaborations.
Around half of the available awards will be for SMEs, depending on the overall number and quality of applications. An SME is defined as a company with fewer than 250 employees, annual turnover not exceeding 50 million Euros or a balance sheet total not exceeding 43 million Euros and conforming to the criteria of independence (under 25% owned by any company not meeting the above criteria excepting venture capital companies or institutional investors who exercise no control).
If you want to take advantage of this offer you will need to be quick as the deadline for applications is 5th June 2009, however, there will be further calls for funding in the future. For more information email icasepool09@epsrc.ac.uk
Posted 2009-06-01 21:53:16
Francisco’s Marine South East placement
For the last 3 months Marine South East has hosted Francisco Mendez, a business administration graduate from the University of Murcia in Spain.
The work placement was facilitated through the 'Leonardo' scheme, part of the European Commission's Lifelong Learning Programme which aims to build a skilled workforce across Europe. UK organisations work with European partners to exchange best practice, increase staff expertise and develop learner's skills.
During his time with Marine South East, Francisco has been validating the outputs of Marine South East's 'Global Opportunities' research. Produced by K-Matrix, the research, which is amongst the most comprehensive commissioned in recent years, has been compiled into a report that will prove an invaluable reference for businesses wishing to establish the size and location of current or potential marine markets. The report includes UK sales figures for 844 marine activities including commercial, leisure, superyacht and ports data as well as information on international markets for over 200 countries.
Before returning to Spain, Francisco looked back on his time in Southampton:
"I have obtained a comprehensive knowledge of global marine markets and developed new skills in manipulating data and identifying opportunities for regional marine companies. This placement has allowed me to participate actively in the company's daily routine whilst learning detailed information about the UK marine sector. I have been able to access multiple information sources including the British Marine Federation, Crown Estates and K-Matrix. This has been a great opportunity for me to put into practice knowledge acquired during my university studies."
Francisco is the third post-graduate Spanish student to complete a placement with Marine South East. The experience has been very positive for both parties. As well as completing some very useful work, staff at Marine South East and Francisco have enjoyed gaining valuable insights to each other's working practices and social cultures.
High-calibre post graduate students such as Francisco are always looking for placements with suitable UK companies. The scheme represents great value for both parties. In return for hosting Francisco, Marine South East only paid for his accommodation within the University of Southampton. All other costs have been met by the Leonardo scheme.
The Leonardo programme is open to any UK organisation involved in vocational training. If you think your company could benefit from participating please see: http://www.leonardo.org.uk/
