Email News July 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
Hythe Marine Park one step closer
It's over two years since the former US Army base at RAF Hythe closed in September 2006 with the loss of some 200 jobs. Since then, the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA) has been working with local partners in order to ensure the successful future of the site and has secured a number of occupations by marine companies.
In early October 2007, SEEDA completed the purchase of the site from the Ministry of Defence. As one of the last available waterside employment locations in the Solent area, Hythe is an important site for the marine industry, and SEEDA's primary aim is to ensure its long-term use for marine employment.
In March 2009 New Forest District Council issued a certificate of lawful use for Hythe Marine Park. The certificate allows the building, repair and maintenance of ships, boats and other marine craft to be undertaken across the site.
SEEDA is now holding consultations to keep the local community, tenants and operators informed of its plans for the site and to involve them in the design process. At this stage SEEDA is considering a number of options and therefore not all of the information in the exhibition will form part of the planning applications.
If you would like to comment on the proposals go to http://www.hythemarinepark.co.uk for further information on the plans for the sight. Alternatively email Paul Flatt Senior Development Manager at SEEDA paulflatt@seeda.co.uk
Posted 2009-07-01 13:45:59
Southampton ship repairer raises game with 1,000 tonne lift facility
A leading Southampton-based ship repairer has stepped up its facilities to customers with a 1,000 tonne lift facility in Portsmouth harbour.
Testbank Ship Repair and partners Trafalgar Wharf unveiled the Rolls Royce syncrolift, one of the biggest of its kind in the South, at a cable cutting ceremony. Guests watched as the hull of the Serco Denholm vessel, 'Teesdale', was given a six-metre vertical lift for repairs and inspection.
Testbank Managing Director Jason Coltman said the lift had been brought back into use after a period spent out of commission and is capable of handling a wide range of contracts including superyachts, pilot boats, tugs, commercial ferries and naval vessels.
Mr Coltman said: "Before having the ship lift facility we were compelled to use other companies to slip our clients' vessels, but now we can be a one-stop shop for complete projects at our own location."
Trafalgar Wharf has been developing the ex-Vosper Thornycroft location in Portsmouth harbour since last September. It is ideal for boat operators of all sizes to take their vessels for lifting, launching, storage and repair. Thirty-five commercial tenants are now on site.
Jonny Boys, Managing Director of Trafalgar Wharf, said: "Testbank are a fast growing, forward thinking ship repair company. Being able to work with them is excellent news for us and the site as a whole. They share in our vision to resurrect this important site for marine uses."
Trafalgar Wharf is a 24-acre waterside side at the top of Portsmouth harbour offering facilities and commercial space for marine companies of all sizes. Spaces are available from 70 sq ft to a massive 70,000 sq ft.
Testbank took on the management of the Trafalgar Wharf ship lift facility in Portsmouth harbour in June 2009.
All the facilities at Trafalgar Wharf, including the ship lift, are available for public use by arrangement.
For more information visit http://www.testbank.co.uk.
Posted 2009-07-01 18:38:57
BERR launches new guide to business assistance
BERR, the Government department for Business, Innovation and Skills, has recently launched a guide to services to business.
It includes information on a range of subjects relevant to start-up businesses as well and small, medium and large organisations. Below is a list of the programmes covered in the guide:
Export Credit Insurance
Grant for Business Investment
Maximising Foreign Direct Investment
Accessing International Markets
Developing your International Trade Potential
Train to Gain
Business Collaboration Networks
Business Premises
Business Growth: Specialist Facilities and Environments
Starting a Business
Intensive Start-up Support
Starting a High Growth Business
Manufacturing Advisory Service
Designing Demand
Innovation Advice and Guidance
Coaching for High Growth
Enterprise Finance Guarantee
Small Loans for Business
Understanding Finance for Business
Finance for Business
Enterprise Coaching
Improving your Resource Efficiency
Collaborative R&D
Networking for Innovation
Knowledge Transfer Partnerships
Innovation Vouchers
Low carbon Energy Demonstration
Grant for Research and Development
Trade Credit Insurance Top-up Scheme
To download the guide got to http://www.berr.gov.uk/files/file51789.pdf
Posted 2009-07-01 14:23:55
New water freight database to help companies move goods by water
Freight by Water, the promotional body for water freight transport in the UK, has launched the first phase of its upgraded database. The only database of its kind in the UK, this facility is a one-stop-shop and free of charge to those looking to move goods by water. See http://www.freightbywaterdatabase.org
The upgrade makes it a state-of-the-art, interactive information source for companies looking to reduce carbon emissions, avoid congestion and save on fuel costs. You can access data on the following:
- Barge Operators
- Cargo Statistics
- Consultants
- Freight Forwarders
- Legal Advisors
- Ports and Terminals
- Shipbrokers
The website http://www.freightbywater.org features a Google map which provides satellite and map views of all the UK ports, waterways and their interconnection with other transport modes. It enables the user to visualise their goods being transported through the supply chain in a low carbon and cost effective way. Additionally, it links to relevant websites, providing direct access to further information from water freight providers.
Executive Director Francis Power said: "our database has always been a much visited element of our website, with shippers from all over Europe wanting better information about how they can incorporate multimodal solutions into their UK operations. We felt that since the available technology had advanced since we first introduced the service, it was time we gave it a full upgrade. "
For more information or to become a member go to http://www.freightbywater.org or call Yariella Coello or Tahiyya Jurdine on 0207 953 4042 or email yariella.coello@freightbywater.org or t.jurdine@freightbywater.org
Posted 2009-07-01 12:29:58
Google UK launches new online aide for exporters
With products and services from the UK so very competitively priced in global terms, now is an excellent time to sell to overseas customers. With this in mind Google UK, along with other partners such as UK Trade & Investment (UKTI), has launched a free new online support tool called Export Adviser.
Export Adviser lets you quickly identify export market hotspots where there are high levels of interest in your product or service. The service also lets you see the cost of marketing online, track seasonal shifts in demand and even allows you to do a quick analysis of profitability.
All of this is backed up by expert advice plus a list of special opportunities and one-to-one consultancy from UKTI if you want to know more about any aspect of exporting. There is even a translation service to help you translate your website and sales literature.
If you would like to find out more go to http://www.google.co.uk/intl/en/exportadviser/
Posted 2009-07-01 12:41:01
New Free Business Programmes
Two new complimentary programmes have recently been launched, both of which are funded jointly by South East England Development Agency and the European Union and are designed to improve sustainability and profit levels.
SMARTA is an innovative 3-year project that will engage with selected marine manufacturing companies to achieve economic and environmental performance improvements. The project partners will work with marine businesses to identify areas where planned improvements could lead to the implementation of sustainable design, production and resource utilisation practices. Each participating company will be allocated a mentor who will act as a contact throughout the project.
PLATO: Sustain is a unique programme based on the Plato peer learning group format which has been described as 'a MBA without the books'. And, because it's fully funded, the cost of £3,500.00 is completely waived.
To find out more about SMARTA, call Stephen Sharp at Marine South East on 02380 111594
To find out more about PLATO: Sustain, call 08457 35 45 55 or visit the website at http://www.platogb.co.uk/PLATOSustain.aspx
Posted 2009-07-01 12:38:39
Hampshire County Council launches grant for companies looking to take on apprentices
Businesses which continue to invest in skills and training through a recession are far more likely to survive through the upturn than those who don’t. Nevertheless, there is a strong temptation to cut back on this area of expenditure.
To help companies Hampshire County Council is working in partnership with the National Apprenticeship Service and the Learning and Skills Council to remove barriers to recruiting apprentices by providing grants. The key criteria of the scheme are:
- Hampshire based companies only
- Must be SMEs (249 or less employees)
- Job must be suitable for apprenticeship training
- Grants of up to £4,000 available
If you would like further information please contact Karen Narkiewicz at Hampshire County Council on karen.narkiewicz@hants.gov.uk
Marine South East is also signposting part-trained students who are seeking employment. There are a number of students currently seeking company work placements, please contact David Rea at Marine South East for further information by emailing david@marinesoutheast.co.uk
Posted 2009-07-01 15:47:16
Technical Skills Project works to help workers being made redundant
In an earlier edition we featured the initial work of the Technical Skills Project (TSP), a SEEDA funded, dedicated programme to support the Marine and Aerospace sectors.
While we aim to keep you updated regularly on progress and encourage members to engage with the programme, one of our most pressing challenges at this difficult time is how to deal with the effects of redundancy.
From our experience of working with the providers who have delivered a similar initiative in the Midlands, helping people 'at risk of redundancy' earlier rather later is a significant step in the right direction. Equally supporting people who have been made redundant to find work as soon as possible is crucial to their wellbeing and the growth of our economy.
The recruitment and redeployment system 'CWeb', is simple to use and is free. It is effective and provides a 'shop window' for employers seeking people and people seeking jobs. Where staff are 'at risk' of redundancy, their details can be entered on to CWeb which makes them 'visible' to all other Marine employers across the region who have registered. Likewise Marine employers can also post vacancies on CWeb, again free of charge, which will be visible to those seeking work. It also provides a free recruitment facility dedicated to the sector which can be used outside the scope of redeployment and redundancy.
Marine South East would like to encourage all their members to engage with the Technical Skills Project and CWeb system. For further information and support please contact: Richard Smith on 07791 722242 or 01962 771149, alternatively email richard.smith@wincon.co.uk
Marine South East is working closely with this project and was one of the commissioning agents for the research which led to its development. Other projects within the programme include:
- Help employers who find the training, education and funding system confusing to engage with it and get the best solution for their businesses
- Help employers to address specific issues and problem solve at all levels, including links with higher education, research and development
- Provide employers with a redeployment and job placement service for those at risk of redundancy as well as supporting those who have been made redundant
- Work with employers to retain skilled people within the region and employment sector
Posted 2009-07-01 18:31:53
Unique electrical power management courses running this summer
In a proactive move to address the ever present possibility of blackouts at sea, Portsmouth based VT Flagship has designed and is now delivering courses for Electrical Power Management and Emergency Distribution (EPMED) and Electrical Power Management for Operators and Watch Keepers (EPMOW).
From a Portsmouth location, the four day Advanced EPMED has been developed for senior engineers or maintainers working with, or on, any ship's switch boards (IEP included) who need more advanced knowledge in order to increase their competency and problem solving skills. It takes place in both classroom and on an electrical switchboard simulator, and since its pilot course in January 09, has been refined and developed to meet and exceed industry expectations.
As any mariner knows, blackouts at sea can occur and aside from loss of propulsion, dealing with frightened passengers who are liable to panic - especially if the incident takes place at night - is not a situation which any crew wants to find themselves within. The cost of extended blackouts can be extensive and far outweigh the initial training investment.
The new three day EPMOW has been designed to show operators and watch keepers how stepping back from the switchboard can speed up the solution. It all sounds fairly straightforward, but deconstructing incident patterns into small chunks allows the engineers a better understanding of how automatics work.
Alex, a second engineer from a crude oil tanker, recently attending the course said "It's an excellent opportunity to refresh your knowledge on the electrical side of a ship. It will help communicating issues with the electrical officer onboard. It offers a practical, realistic experience in dealing with a range of scenarios that could happen on the ship and the equipment is excellent as is the opportunity to work in small groups."
The Electrical Power Management and Emergency Distribution (advanced EPMED) costs £850 (exc VAT) and the Electrical Power Management and Emergency Distribution (watch keepers and operators) costs £650 (exc VAT). Places are filling fast so for more information call 023 92 339149 or go to http://www.vtflagship.co.uk.
Posted 2009-07-01 12:44:54
Apprentices learn new skills renovating Kent barge
Whether wind power is any good for generating electricity is hotly disputed but for hundreds of years wind power kept London supplied with Kentish produce, right up until the 1960s, as sailing barges plied up and down the Thames and the Kent and East Anglian coasts.
The last sailing barge in the country to take a full load under sail alone was the Cambria in 1970. It is now owned by a registered charity, the Cambria Trust, established with the specific objective of restoring, preserving and using the famous barge. In 2007 it was moved to Standard Quay in Faversham where it's undertaking a comprehensive restoration at a cost of more than £1.4m.
Thanks to a substantial grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund and support from Swale District Council work is continuing apace and it has proved possible to take on apprentices to work on the barge and other vessels through a new two-year shipwright training scheme to be run by the National Sea Training Centre.
On 8th June Lewis Honey, Alexander Kelly, Ryan Dale and Tom Browning signed up for Level 2 apprenticeships in Traditional Shipwright Skills. They are employed by Standard Quay Shipwrights and the Cambria Trust. It is hoped that they will progress to the Level 3 qualification on this new course and that the work will be complete in the next year and a half. The centre where they are training at Denton, near Gravesend, is part of North West Kent College and specialises in running marine-based courses. Rochester Independent College is contributing to the scheme too by providing a Key Skills course, which is part of the apprenticeship framework. Standard Quay Ltd has refurbished riverside premises for use as an apprentice workshop and classroom
Rear Admiral Bruce Richardson, chairman of the Cambria Trust said: 'this training scheme will help ensure that the skills of the shipwright are not lost to the nation and importantly will establish a nationally recognised qualification for young people wishing to pursue a career in boat building.'
'We shall not be fitting an engine - the Cambria has never had one - so it will also be able to demonstrate a truly carbon-neutral method of transport.'
The finished barge will be used for the benefit of local people as a mobile classroom and as a sail training craft to help with social outreach programmes.
If you would like to find out more call Quentin Williamson on 01322 629679 or email quentinwilliamson@nwkcollege.ac.uk
Posted 2009-07-01 13:50:18
Seawork 2009 – ‘Spirit of Innovation Award’ New Pump offers 1000 fold improvement in dry running time
Marine South East and the University of Southampton sponsored the Innovations Showcase and Awards at this year’s Seawork Exhibition in Southampton.
Entries were once again of a high standard and represented a wide range of the most innovative new products, projects and vessels that have been introduced by exhibitors during the past 12 months.
The overall 'Spirit of Innovation Award' was won by KPM D.E. Ltd with its Endurance Run Dry Pumping System.
Most conventional designs of marine water pumps utilise a paddlewheel shaped rubber impeller that relies on the pumped water to remain lubricated and cool. Commonly used for engine coolant circulation and bilge pumping they are notoriously unreliable.
KPM's designer , Julian (Jools) Morgan is a keen powerboat racer. During the APBA Championships in Key West a few years ago his fellow competitors, fed up with constant pump failures challenged him to come up with a more reliable design.
Having accepted the task Jools wasted no time and drew out a new design on the flight home. Utilising their in-house CAD/CAM capabilities KPM produced the first prototype within a week. The initial production design had a run-dry endurance of 1200 minutes.
Introduced in August 2008 the improved design entered in the Innovation Awards has achieved a total run-dry time of 3000 minutes between impeller changes.
The dramatic improvement in run-dry endurance is due to the use of KPM's patented 'TIBS system' (Trust Interjacent Bearing and Seal). TIBS reduces friction by introducing a rotating bronze disc and a low friction PTFE bearing between the impeller and the pump chamber.
The judging panel for the Innovation Awards were impressed by this elegant and simple solution to a common problem and could see significant safety benefits from the use of more reliable engine cooling and bilge pumps.
If you would like to find out more go to http://kpm-marine.com
MareNet also proved a hit at this year's Seawork. More than 40 companies attended the event, which included presentations from RNLI and the University of Southampton on RIB design, and was followed by an excellent question and answer session. Go to http://www.marinesoutheast.co.uk/marenet/ for copies of the presentations.
Posted 2009-07-01 13:56:36
Free flights for SMEs looking to develop export programme
British Airways has teamed up with UKTI to offer a number of free business class seats on their flights to all destinations.
Following the British Airways and UKTI partnership announcement, more companies are getting behind the initiative to help UK SME's grow their business abroad in these difficult times. The offer aims to help enterprising companies make essential trips to grow their business abroad.
Taking part in overseas exhibitions is an effective way for you to test markets, attract customers, appoint agents or distributors and make sales. UKTI's Tradeshow Access Programme (TAP) provides grant support for eligible SME's to attend trade shows overseas.
In response to the British Airways offer Minister for Trade and Investment Lord Davies of Abersoch said:"This exciting initiative has enormous potential. It shows what can happen when big business and Government work together to support British firms and the economy. Although the global slowdown has meant increased challenges for businesses, it has also created opportunities internationally for those that want to expand into new markets.
"I firmly believe the only way to do business overseas is to be on the ground connecting with the right people. You can't do that by sitting in an office. With UKTI's network of 2,500 specialists, located nationally and around the world, they'll also have expert support to guide them through their international expansion strategy."
The British Airways-UKTI offer is designed to support UK SMEs, relatively new to exporting or looking to establish in new markets. SMEs interested in information about UKTI services and this offer should visit http://www.uktradeinvest.gov.uk or http://www.ukan.uktradeinvest.gov.uk.
There are just 4,000 international flight available as part of this scheme so businesses need to be quick to take advantage of the offer.
Posted 2009-07-01 15:50:13
Hot ideas steal the show at Schools Marine Challenge Race Day 2009
Schools raced to the finish at the 4th annual Schools Marine Challenge South East Race Day 2009, on Tuesday 23rd June 2009 at JB Waterski, Thorpe Road, Chertsey in Surrey.
Designed to help young people develop a passion for and understanding of the marine industry, Schools Marine Challenge was organised by the British Marine Federation with support from Marine South East. The competition brings marine engineering skills to life and clearly demonstrates the application of theory in a fun and competitive environment for young people aged 11-19.
This year students entered over 30 craft into the competition and had three categories to choose from - Solar, Electric and Methanol.
Overall winners, The Leigh Technology Academy (Dartford), have won a tour of the hydrodynamic testing facilities at QinetiQ near Gosport. Andy King at QinetiQ said, "QinetiQ are extremely pleased to be supporting the South East Schools Marine Challenge Race Day because it is through events such as this that pupils will gain an appreciation of the marine industry.
"It is also a great opportunity to gain an understanding of the exciting prospects that come with working in Marine Engineering and Naval Architecture. As one of the Naval Architects at our Maritime Platforms site in Gosport, I used to build model boats when I was at school and now I work in a team that looks at many new ship designs. It is our hope that the young designers of the 2009 School Marine Challenge enjoy the competition so much that they end up doing the same thing".
Oasis Lordshill school in Southampton defeated the opposition to scoop up the prize for the Solar category, and won a visit to Discovery Yachts - world-class builders of blue water cruising yachts based in Marchwood, Southampton.
Leigh Academy also won both the Electric and Methanol categories. Leigh Academy run the scheme as a large part of the engineering curriculum, alongside 'Formula Schools' a sister scheme. Leigh Academy have found that through Schools Marine Challenge their work with the marine industry has snowballed and is delivered by a dedicated team ensuring many opportunities are taken up.
Overall the standard of entries was exceptional demonstrating that creativity and innovation begin in the classroom. Midhurst School in West Sussex won the award for teamwork and innovation. Judges also looked at how schools had performed overall in all three boat categories and at how they worked to get to the final race day.
Winners List
Overall Winners:
1st Leigh Academy
2nd Oasis Lordshill
3rd St Andrews
Winner in Solar category - Oasis Lordshill
Winner in Electric category - Leigh Academy
Winner in Petrol category - Leigh Academy
Winners in the design of the hull and superstructure of the boats
Solar - Oasis Lordshill
Electric - St Andrews
Petrol - St Andrews
Winners in the design of the engine and motor capacity
Solar - Oasis Lordshill
Electric - Midhurst
Petrol - Seaford
School awarded Teamwork prize
1st - Midhurst
2nd - Leigh Academy
3rd - The Forest and Millais
For further information on Schools Marine Challenge please visit http://www.engineeringyourfuture.com or telephone 01869 819582.
What the schools said:-
Leigh Academy - Kent
Steve Leahey and Steve Watts were proud of the achievement of pupils at the school: "we have designed our curriculum around Schools Marine Challenge and the other events we take part in. Students are encouraged to be innovative in their designs and have to work hard to get their boats into these competitions.
"We have had a lot of support from local businesses, including Bluewater, who have agreed to give us one of their shop windows for a few weeks to display out boats and hopefully inspire other youngsters to learn more about engineering."
The Forest and Millais
The Forest School and Millais School in Midhurst joined forces this year to put together winning designs for the Challenge. Dominic Neal a year 9 pupil at Forest has learnt a lot from taking part "we have gained so much from taking part this year. This is our second year in the competition and we learnt a lot from the boats we designed a year ago. By joining with a local company, William Harmsworth Associates, we have been able to tap into specialist knowledge.
"The company brought so much expertise that we have used making our boats. It's been great to make something practical and bring our engineering skills to life."
Oasis Lordshill
Norton James, design and technology teacher at Oasis has been impressed with what pupils have achieved. "Our year 9 and 11 pupils have been designing and building the boats as part of our weekly school Boat Club. We have taken part every year since the challenge started four years ago. Every year we have worked from scratch to build better boats, learning new skills year on year."
Year 11 pupil Nathan Coombes has recently completed an NVQ Level 1 in marine engineering. His experience doing the course and taking part in the Schools Marine Challenge has inspired him to investigate a future career in marine electronics.
Posted 2009-07-01 18:44:00
Maritime Training and Careers Event at Seawork 2009
For the first time at the Seawork exhibition, students from local secondary schools were coached in to attend the very successful Maritime Training and Careers event in association with Solent Skill Quest Ltd and Portsmouth Education Business Partnership.
On Wednesday 17th June a selection of students from the following Southampton schools were brought to the exhibition: Redbridge Community School; Chamberlayne College for the Arts; Oasis Academy
On Thursday 18th June it was the turn of students from the following Portsmouth schools: Milton Cross School; Springfield School; King Richard Secondary School;
Priory School; Lord Wilson School; Mayfield School.
Students experienced a variety of activities at the show including: tours and trips on: HMS Blazer, which is the Royal Navy's fast patrol boat linked to Southampton & Portsmouth Universities and Port of London Authority's (PLA) new patrol launch Lambeth; rides in a fast RIB; tours of the exhibitions halls; as well as attending the seminars in the Maritime Training and Careers Pavilion.
Speakers at the Seminars included: Keith Longman (Berthon Boats); Ted Milley (Royal Institution of Navigation); Ian Palmer (Ship Safe Training Group); Steve Tubby (Marine East); along with a current apprentice at E-Tech, Southampton.
Gail Marsh, Turbo Dynamics, commented, "Two female students approached our stand and asked what we did, what turbochargers were used for and why they were used on engines. When I explained that turbos were environmentally friendly and fuel efficient, they were impressed and said, "Green is good." I was very impressed that two of the pupils had stopped and actually displayed a genuine interest in what we did. "
Christina Warwick, Head of Technology at Chamberlayne College for the Arts (CCA), Weston, commented, "This is the first experience of being on the water for many of our students, it has been a wonderful experience for them today, something that they will remember for the rest of their lives."
Joe Mullett, CCA student, said, "We were here to explore opportunities available in the Marine Industry, and we have seen a wide variety of boats out on the quayside." When asked what his favourite bit of the show was he replied enthusiastically, "Going out on HMS Blazer, I steered, it was fantastic!"
Jordan Spanswick, CCA student, admitted, " I have always had a career aspiration to join the Royal Navy and today I have learnt about the many possible opportunities available."
Erin Abul, CCA student, said, "My best subject is science and I enjoyed looking over all the engines in the boats and learning about how they are built. It was great to hear of the apprentice schemes on offer with many engineering companies."
Roe Penfold, Teacher with the Priory School, Portsmouth, commented, "We were invited by the Education Business Partnership to visit Seawork and were unsure what to expect. It has been a real eye opener for the students providing them with a vision of future lines of work and the routes open to them to take. Overall the students had a marvellous time and all thoroughly enjoyed their tour and trip out on HMS Blazer. Being ex Royal Navy myself, personally I was amazed at how diverse and large the Marine Industry has become."
Annie Keeping, Priory School, said:"It was interesting to see all the engines and lifboats etc. On HMS Blazer we got to see all around the boat and were shown how life works on-board. It was good to find out about apprenticeships in engineering work, we were provided with a lot of useful information at the seminars. It was great to be invited to attend this fascinating exhibition."
Philippa Kearney, Priory School, Portsmouth, "I found all the machines used to fix and maintain boats fascinating - good to see and be shown how things work. The information given about various apprenticeships was very useful."
To find out more go to http://www.seawork.com
