Email News March 2010
Foreword
Welcome to the March issue of email news. As usual it is packed full with information and advice on a range of issues. This month we have included the latest information on issues such as the development of Ports' resources, encouraging young people into the industry and investment in renewable energy technology. Read on to find out more…
Posted 2010-01-04 10:26:16
£12m to help quicken pace of innovation in wave and tidal technologies
Innovative businesses are being invited by the Government-backed Technology Strategy Board to compete for up to £12m of investment during 2010 to help develop the wave and tidal technologies of the future. Two new collaborative R and D competitions from the board are designed to support innovation that will lead to the cost effective exploitation of UK and global wave and tidal stream resources.
The first £9m call includes an investment of up to £2m from the South West Regional Development Agency (RDA), which is also developing the Wave Hub project off the coast of Cornwall. The competition opens in March and focuses on driving down the cost of energy and improving the reliability of wave and tidal stream energy devices.
It is designed to complement a second £3m call due to open in September that focuses on supporting the deployment of pre-commercial full scale devices installed and operating in the sea. The call will focus on monitoring the performance of devices and ensuring that they are reliable and can be installed and maintained effectively.
This is specifically aimed at businesses that are already working towards full scale deployment of their technology.
Iain Gray, Chief Executive of the Technology Strategy Board, said:
"Wave and tidal stream technologies are at an early stage of development and it is expected that they will be a significant part of the renewable energy mix needed in the UK by 2050 if we are to meet our targets for reducing greenhouse gases emissions.
"To fully realise the marine energy potential in the UK, there are a number of technological challenges that must still be tackled, ranging from proving which technological solutions will most successfully harness marine energy, to reducing the cost of the energy produced to make the technology competitive with other renewable energy solutions."
Both competitions are complementary to the Carbon Trust's Marine Renewable Proving Fund. Together, these activities aim to advance wave and tidal stream technologies along the innovation chain in a concerted effort to grow business opportunities and achieve the Government's Renewable Energy targets.
Companies and other organisations seeking further information about these and other funding competitions should visit the Competitions page of the Technology Strategy Board website - http://www.innovateuk.org - email competitions@tsb.gov.uk or phone the Competitions Helpline at 0300 321 4357.
Posted 2010-03-01 13:09:11
SEEDA's Chairman goes 'back to the floor' to support National Apprenticeship Week
SEEDA Chairman, Rob Douglas, become an apprentice for the day last month in support of National Apprenticeship Week.
Rob learned about boatbuilding and composites during lessons at Southampton City College’s Maritime Technology Centre followed by a trip to Solent Refit, where he changed into overalls and helped Tom Noble, 24, an existing apprentice with Yacht Project Associates – rebuild two main engines for a large vessel.
The day showcased the talent found within the region and demonstrated the value for business in employing and supporting apprentices in the workplace.
Rob Douglas commented: "Equipping young people with the skills necessary to support growth industries will ensure the future success of the region. The marine sector currently makes up 25 per cent of the Solent economy and generates 25,000 jobs throughout the area. Continued investment in this sector will build on the area’s strengths, provide a platform for future growth and ensure that the South East remains a leading centre for the marine sector."
Tom, who has been an apprentice with Yacht Project Associates since September 2009, added: "An apprenticeship is a great opportunity for someone of my age. When I left school I didn’t know what I wanted to do. Now that I do, it’s nice to be given a second chance to establish a career in something I’m really committed to. The marine industry is a really exciting sector and it’s a great time to be part of it."
SEEDA acquired the former RAF Hythe site, which is recognised as a key waterside employment site within the Solent Waterfront Strategy, from the Ministry of Defence in 2007 when the US Army left the site. SEEDA has worked with all tenants on site and encouraged them to become active in apprenticeship schemes. Tom is one of 15 apprentices across the site that manages the Solent Refit facility, in partnership with CB Richard Ellis, on SEEDA's behalf.
Lindsey Noble, Principal at Southampton City College, concludes: "We were delighted to welcome Rob to the marine centre at City College as part of National Apprenticeship Week. I am keen to encourage as many businesses as possible to think about whether they can offer a young person an opportunity to train as an apprentice. We have many keen young people, with a good basic training already, looking for opportunities right now in a wide range of industries."
To find out more about how SEEDA is helping marine companies develop their skills base visit http://www.seeda.co.uk/helping-business
Posted 2010-03-01 13:20:32
Local EBP achieves “outstanding” in national quality kitemark
Local partners, Solent Education Business Partnership, who manage the Solent Skills Festival and Southampton Boatshow Sail Boat Challenge, had their quality assurance visit Friday, 12th February from the Institute of Education Business Excellence.
Ann Palmer, chief assessor for IEBE reported: Solent EBP are an outstanding EBP and have successfully met the national standard for education business partnership organisations. The three assessors agreed unanimously that performance was very strong in all areas, but particularly highlighted the following good practice:
- Outstanding lively, innovative and empowering leadership - at the forefront of work related learning provision
- A dedicated, skilled and experienced team delivering a full AEBE programme - with operations characterised by strong individual capacity and marked interdependence and mutual support
- An effectively led Board of Directors, who collectively have a strong understanding of the developing strategic priorities and operational needs of the EBP
- Robust management systems and processes ensuring high quality outcomes throughout the organisation
- Feedback from Local Authorities, partners and stakeholders is of "total confidence in the advice, guidance and provision of Solent EBP".
Stuart Lisle, Chair of Solent EBP said: "We are delighted to be recognised as outstanding. We now plan to use this feedback as a spring board to even bigger and better things" building on the positive feedback from Local Authorities, partners and stakeholders.
If you would like to find out more about Solent EBP go to http://www.solent-ebp.co.uk or email gill.rutherford@solent-ebp.co.uk
Posted 2010-03-01 13:35:05
Solent Waterfront Strategy wins Top Award
The Solent Waterfront Strategy, led by the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA) in partnership with Marine South East, has won the Award for Spatial Strategy at the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) Awards. The strategy will support marine industry growth and safeguard sites that are essential in developing the marine sector.
Working across South Hants, the Isle of Wight and Chichester, the strategy is built on qualitative research and addresses issues that have prevented the sector from prospering. The strategy was prepared by Adams Hendry Consulting Ltd, in collaboration with WS Atkins and Marina Projects Ltd, and commissioned by SEEDA.
Robert Crawford, SEEDA’s Group Executive Director for Operations, said: “The Solent Waterfront Strategy will contribute towards delivering job creation and further establish the region as a global competitor within the marine sector. The sector is entering an exciting phase and this strategy has already informed the regional policy and decision making process. We fully support this groundbreaking piece of work, which will see one of the Solent and South East’s key industries continue to flourish.”
The strategy has inspired businesses from different sectors and stakeholders, who have worked together to help retain and grow the marine sector. The strategy will also influence future land use and sector-led projects.
On receiving the Award Martin Hendry, Director at Adams Hendry Consulting Ltd, commented: "I'm absolutely delighted that the Solent Waterfront Strategy has been nationally recognised by the RTPI for its robust, evidence-based analysis. The strategy explores the potential of marine industries as wealth generators of the future and we applaud SEEDA and its partners for driving forward the Strategy's recommendations."
Jonathan Williams, Chief Executive of Marine South East, added: "Over recent years the loss of waterfront sites has been a barrier to marine sector growth as companies have been denied locations for expansion and inward investment. The Solent Waterfront Strategy will ensure that waterfront sites are retained for marine industrial use and we have enjoyed working with Adams Hendry to make this a reality."
The marine industry is critical to the economy of the Solent area, employing around 38,000 people. The number of jobs is expected to rise to 58,600 by 2026.
Kay Powell, Chair of the Judging Panel for the RTPI 2009 Planning Awards, concluded: “The Solent Waterfront Strategy is an exceptionally innovative route-map for the future development of Southampton’s waterfront and the wider region, shaping an area in which 1.2 million people live.
This is the first time that such a comprehensive plan for developing marine and marine-related industries around the Solent has been put in place, and it has helped to change conventional thinking about the region’s future.”
For more information on the waterfront strategy and how it can be used to help marine businesses contact jonathan@marinesoutheast.co.uk
Posted 2010-03-01 13:26:31
Company Opportunities for Marine Apprentice Places
Following a successful bid for support from the government’s Apprentice Expansion Programme the Berthon Boat Company is leading a consortium of marine companies to train young people. The scheme provides funding to support Apprenticeships in Marine Engineering, Boatbuilding, Marine Electrical and Painting and reduces costs for local businesses whilst improving skills across the marine sector.
The initial tranche of 24 apprentices commenced training with Paragon Skills in June 2009 and are currently gaining workplace experience with Berthon and other consortium members who include Discovery Yachts, Southampton Yacht Services, Scorpion RIBs and Moody Decking.
The companies are pleased with the progress of their recruits and this is demonstrated by the view of consortium member, Michael Chalkley of Griffon Hoverwork. He has been overseeing trainees from the scheme and says: "They have fitted into the company remarkably quickly and are proving to be invaluable team members. They will help us to meet the future skills needs as the company continues to grow".
Berthon are overseeing recruitment for the member companies and are currently inviting applications from young people for the 2010 Apprenticeships.
Once again the scheme provides significant benefits for marine companies and there are still opportunities for firms to take advantage of the 2nd cohort of 36 apprentice places. 28 places have already been allocated and so you will need to hurry to apply for this unique recession busting offer of up to £8,000 government funding per apprentice. This is NOT to be confused with the government's latest £2500 offer for apprentices taken on by end March 2010.
The Berthon led Apprentice Expansion Programme has proved hugely successful for all the companies benefiting from the value of funding for the 1st cohort of apprentices, which enabled some companies to take on apprentices for the very first time. Keith Longman, Yard Manager at Berthon said "the benefit of training our future skilled workforce and being able to provide apprenticeship opportunities not only for ourselves but for the wider Marine community is something that we are rightly proud of and makes this such an outstanding pilot to lead."
Brian May, MD of Berthon reinforced the need for other marine companies to participate in training for their future growth: "to have persuaded half the participating companies to initiate a training scheme has been the key to this project and they have responded positively by taking on yet more apprentices this year proving that they already see the immense value to their business. I applaud the government for making this cash available in these uncertain times."
If you are a marine or supply-chain company in the southeast region and would like further information or to register your interest please contact: Keith Longman, Yard Manager, Berthon Boat Company on Tel: 01590 673312 or email keith.longman@berthon.co.uk
Posted 2010-03-01 13:39:06
EMSAC project launch at Oceanology International, 9 March 2010
Venue: Excel exhibition Centre, London
The EMSAC European project led by Marine South East will be launched at a networking reception to be held at the Oceanology International event in Excel exhibition centre from 12.30 on the 9th March.
This project aims to build new international consortia focused on opportunities for innovative solutions to resource management in coastal waters.
EMSAC will be working collaboratively with clusters of expertise in different regions of Europe, involving research institutions, businesses and public authorities.
The event is jointly hosted by SEEDA, Marine South East, and the two French maritime clusters in Brittany and Provence. South East businesses and research organisations are welcome to attend, and can receive an invitation on request to admin@marinesoutheast.co.uk
For more information on the EMSAC project go to http://www.marinesoutheast.co.uk/ongoing_projects/?link=collection.php&id=148
Posted 2010-03-01 13:42:48
South East Ports join forces
A new group has been set up by the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA) to bring together all the main commercial ports in the region with the regional authorities. The facilitation and administration of the South East Regional Ports Group (SERPG) is carried out on behalf of SEEDA by Howard Holt of Marine South East.
The inaugural meeting of the South East Regional Ports Group (SERPG) was held in London in December 2009 and was attended by representatives from almost all the main south east ports, together with SEEDA, the South East England Partnership Board, the Government Office of the South East and by the Department for Transport.
The agenda concentrated on the sharing of information concerning regional policy and strategy affecting ports and transport issues, together with discussion of relevant European projects of interest to the partners. The first meeting also included agenda items on the draft National Policy Statement for Ports, port master-plans, climate change and renewable energy.
Following the success of the first meeting it was decided that the group would continue to meet at approximately six monthly intervals in order to continue the dialogue. With 95% of United Kingdom trade arriving and leaving by sea, together with the employment generated by port clusters, it is important that the contribution of ports in the South East to the regional and national economies is fully appreciated when relevant policies and strategies are formulated. Similarly port authorities are benefiting from better engagement with the regional and government bodies as they respond to the particular challenges that ports now face.
To find out more about this new group email howard.holt@ymail.com
Posted 2010-03-01 13:45:16
Conference aims to help Ports address regional needs, 24 March 2010
The South East England Development Agency and the Port of Oostende have announced a project conference 'Adapting Coastal and Port Industry to Regional Needs' to celebrate the mid-term results of the Connect 2 Compete (C2C) project and the launch of the Ports Adapting to Change (PATCH) project. The event will take place in London on March 24th 2010 (Whitehall Suite, One Whitehall Place).
C2C and PATCH are excellent examples of cross-border cooperation between public and private sector partners from north west Europe. The two projects are co-funded under the INTERREG IVA 2 Mers Seas Zeeën Cross-border Cooperation Programme 2007-2013. The ultimate goal shared by the two schemes is to make the maritime industry more resilient and adaptable to market change and responsive to entrepreneurship and innovation, especially during and after economic crises.
Opening with a networking buffet lunch, the event will be moderated by Patrick Verhoeven, Secretary General of the European Sea Ports Organisation. It will showcase investment work and development plans at the ports of Portsmouth, Ramsgate, Newhaven, Shoreham, Oostende, Zeebrugge, Calais, Boulogne sur Mer and Zeeland.
Participation at the conference is free of charge, please register at the website: http://www.connect2compete.eu/events/?//72/
Posted 2010-03-01 13:49:52
CWeb job site goes from strength to strength
The CWeb job placement service has recently been updated with a significant number of new opportunities. To view these vacancies you will need to register as an 'individual' on the CWeb portal through the following URL http://www.marinese.ipages.biz If you are an employer and wish to advertise vacancies or search for people seeking jobs register by using the 'employer' portal through the above URL.
In previous issues of email news we have reported on CWeb, which is a free service offered through Marine South East and Farnborough Aerospace Consortium. If you are seeking to redeploy people "at risk of redundancy" the system will enable prompt and effective visibility of individuals to other employers. If you are seeking to recruit, you will have immediate access to people seeking work. The system can head off unemployment caused by redundancy and in doing so can retain our investment in highly skilled and experienced people across the sector and region.
The system works best if we all use it. It could just be one answer towards addressing and retaining our skills base now and in the future.
For futher details please contact Richard Smith, Director Technology Skills Programme, by emailing rsmithwincon@btinternet.com or call 07791 722242.
Posted 2010-03-01 13:52:40
MEREX - the exploitation and use of marine energy resources
The new Marine Energy Resources, Exploitation & Use (MEREX) Knowledge Network has been created to foster collaborations between the knowledge base and businesses in the South East.
As part of SEEDA's Knowledge Network Programme (KNP), MEREX will bring together universities, research establishments, regulatory bodies and businesses to exploit research opportunities and catalyse collaboration. The primary aim of the network is to turn knowledge into commercially successful products and services. MEREX will help members secure additional project funding by assisting with partnership building and bid development.
MEREX will facilitate 'Industry Groups' to explore the feasibility of developments in three growth markets:
1. Hybrid marine propulsion and auxiliary
2. Port facilities
3. Ship decision-support & data assimilation systems
Led by companies operating in these markets and their supply chains the groups will be identify market drivers and define commercially realistic business models to exploit them.
Marine South East will facilitate engagement with relevant science base organisations in order to:
- Define key capabilities under each market topic
- Identify gaps in technology or knowledge base
- Explore possible funding channels to address these gaps
- Initiate development of collaborative bids
For further information contact: Simon Powell simon@marinesoutheast.co.uk or you can now subscribe to receive more information on the project, go to http://www.groupspaces.com/merex/subscribe to register for further information.
Posted 2010-03-01 13:55:08
Small Business Support for SMEs in Eastleigh area
Southern Entrepreneurs is an Eastleigh Borough Council service to help small businesses start up, and existing small businesses to grow and prosper. It is run by the local council for local residents and businesses.
Free membership is limited to sole traders, franchises and small businesses based in Eastleigh and surrounding areas. It offers free training to businesses based in Winchester and Eastleigh (and heavily subsidised training to businesses in other areas) on a variety of subjects based on the requirements of members.
Monthly networking is held at Civic Offices in Eastleigh and large speed networking events are held in Winchester and Eastleigh to allow members' access to a large number of potential customers.
It also includes a significant online community, including a website which holds useful information and details of events as they are arranged. The Business Support Manager also emails members to tell them about training and other items of interest.
There is also a monthly newsletter in which businesses can advertise free of charge, this goes out to all members, as well as opportunities to advertise businesses on the website.
There is a business directory accessible from the website in which members can appear, including contact details, logo, and a short description of services offered. This has proved to be a real success, with members reporting business opportunities as a direct result of the directory.
For further information contact Anne Dawson, Business Support Manager on 023 80688 334 or email anne.dawson@eastleigh.gov.uk
Alternatively go to http://www.southernentrepreneurs.com
Posted 2010-03-01 14:00:33
Solent Maritime Integration Project Survey
Recent research has shown that the maritime industries contribute more than 25% of Southampton City's GDP. When we ask "What is the maritime industry?" most people will have some idea, especially so if they work within the industry. However, very few of us will have a comprehensive insight into the multifaceted businesses and their function within this truly global industry, or the important role of the Solent Maritime region.
If we are to recognise the opportunities when they arise or if we are to detect warning signs of any threats to the maritime industry, then the industry as a whole ought to know that there is a comprehensive database and supply chain map that clearly defines what the extent of the maritime industry is within the Solent region.
The aim of this survey is to gather information on the capability and capacity of the companies working in, and supporting the Maritime industry in the Solent region. This survey will be used to assist Business Southampton and its partners to market, promote and identify collaborative opportunities for the Solent Maritime industry.
To access the survey go to http://www.solentmip.com/
