Email News February 2011
Welcome to the February 2011 edition of Marine South East's email newsletter
Welcome to the February 2011 edition of Marine South East's email newsletter which keeps marine companies informed of events and activities within the South East of England.
If you would like to submit an article for consideration please email text and image to sarah@marinesoutheast.co.uk
Posted 2011-01-14 14:36:11
Economic Impact Analysis of Southampton Cruise & Commercial Port Sector commissioned
Marine South East has been commissioned by the Port of Southampton to conduct a study aimed at providing an assessment of the economic impact of Southampton Port, including its cruise functions, which will update the Southampton Cruise Study published in April 2005.
The primary approach of the study will be the application of a methodology employed to assess the economic significance of marine and related businesses to the Solent which was published by SEEDA in December 2007 as an integral part of the award-winning Solent Waterfront Strategy.
Building on a key element of the Solent Waterfront Strategy, the study will specifically aim to provide an up-to-date assessment of the economic importance of commercial port and cruise operations in Southampton.
As part of this process, the assessment will take into consideration the impact of port and related infrastructure investment made by ABP over recent years. In addition, the study will provide the basis for future activity focusing on the Port of Southampton as a major generator of wealth and employment for the Solent and the wider UK economy.
The study will be managed by Marine South East, with the data collection and economic analysis sub-contracted to WS Atkins.
Posted 2011-01-14 14:50:17
Marine South East secures grant funding from Technology Strategy Board
A Marine South East developed project called 'WaveSentry' has been sucessful in securing an offer of grant funding from the Technology Strategy Board.
The project is a spin-out from MSE's MEREX Knowledge Network http://www.merex.co.uk . The WaveSentry project is concerned with a novel information tool for managing the risks of marine operations in adverse sea states.
Many marine operations are dependent on high quality information on sea-state (wave height, period, direction, steepness) for reasons of economics and safety. At present, available information is based on atmospheric/ocean models and lacks sufficient temporal and spatial resolution.
The WaveSentry project aims to address this by exploiting new data sources, including novel satellite remote measurements of wave steepness as well as real-time buoy and ship data.
The project will implement sensor data fusion and models which can integrate diverse satellite, in-situ and model data to create information with enhanced resolution and accuracy. A sensor network service architecture will be applied, adopting international data standards to extend usability and interoperability.
The utility of WaveSentry will be validated in collaboration with end-users and stakeholders by means of a pilot application. Applications include forecasting of: a) real-time information on wave height, direction and steepness along a planned vessel route; or b) risk contours where significant wave height is expected to exceed the vessel's operating limit.
WaveSentry partner organisations are:
* HR Wallingford Ltd (lead partner)
* EMU Ltd
* Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd
* Geodata Institute (University of Southampton)
* The National Oceanography Centre, Southampton
* Chelsea Technology Group Ltd
* Marine South East Ltd
End-user organisations include:
* Condor Ferries
* The London Array partnership
* RNLI
Marine South East will undertake project management, dissemination activities and wider business benefit activities for the project.
To learn more about WaveSentry and the MEREX Knowledge Network contact: Simon Powell, simon@marinesoutheast.co.uk or visit http://www.merex.co.uk.
Posted 2011-01-24 13:52:04
Local Enterprise Partnership Shadow Board Announced with good marine representation
Marine South East is delighted to see the emphasis given to Maritime in the appointments announced for the Shadow Board of the Solent Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP).
Included in the Shadow Board are two prominent marine figures, Doug Morrison, Southampton Port Director ABP PLC, and Russel Kew, Chief Executive of Wightlink who run nine ferries on three routes to the Isle of Wight.
Marine South East will continue to work closely with the emerging LEP to ensure that Maritime has a strong voice within the region.
Posted 2011-01-14 14:59:46
Marine Work Placements wanted for apprentice plant operators
Maritime companies requiring staff skilled in Plant Operations are being sought. Whether you operate a dry-stack, marina, boatyard or dockside/warehouse operation you may be interested in the following opportunity.
A local programme-led Apprenticeship will soon be finishing which will provide several students trained in the operation of heavy plant machinery. Covering counterbalance forklift, telescopic handler, rough terrain forklift and reach trucks, the apprentices have also received training in manual handling, abrasive wheels and gained a Health & Safety qualification.
Several students have expressed an interest in working in the Maritime sector and this is where they would welcome your support. From late January 2011 to July 2011 they will be completing the NVQ (Level 2) in Plant Operations (Materials Handling) and they are seeking work placements as part of this.
Sparsholt College Hampshire is keen to identify opportunities where they can pair the students with local marine businesses, particularly in the Southampton, Hythe and Totton areas. Your assistance will be greatly appreciated by the apprentices and previous experience shows that participating firms often benefit by identifying suitable recruits for their workforce.
If your company can assist or you would like more information then please contact Ben Holloway at Sparsholt College by email Ben.Holloway@sparsholt.ac.uk or telephone 01962 797387.
Posted 2011-01-19 11:54:48
New marine tenant at Hythe Marine Park
Lymington-based composite yacht builder, Green Marine, is moving its production facilities to Hythe Marine Park. The move could also see the company take on 60 more staff, doubling its workforce to 120.
The move to the former Palmer Johnson yard was facilitated by strategic support provided by the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA). It will also enable Green Marine, who were recently acquired by the Dutch company Vitters, to merge its existing production facilities in Southampton and Lymington into one facility at the park.
This will give the company the flexibility to increase its production and secure new boatbuilding and refit contracts, boosting the local economy.
SEEDA's senior development manager, Paul Flatt, commented: 'SEEDA has been working closely with Green Marine for a number of months to enable the company to fulfil its current growth aspirations. The company’s relocation to Hythe will bring new jobs to the area and support the growth of the local economy.'
It is also hoped that the move will help establish Hythe Marine Park as a centre of marine engineering for the Solent and as a key facility for overseas investors in the UK marine sector.
Posted 2011-01-19 11:22:57
Solent boatbuilder expands production and workforce
Marchwood based luxury yachtbuilder, Discovery Yachts has announced its plans to take over a Hampshire industrial park in order to expand its production and is also looking to hire an additional 30 workers.
The company, which builds sailing yachts worth up to £1.7m, announced the expansion plans following orders for two of its newest models.
The manufacturer, which already occupies four units in Harbour Close on the Cracknore Industrial Park, will be taking over the remaining three units next month. It will boost its production capacity from eight to 12 yachts.
Discovery’s expansion follows the launch of its award-winning Discovery 50 Catamaran late last year. The catamaran will be built alongside the monohull Discovery 55 and Discovery 67 models.
Production director Ben Collett said: "We have a strong order book – proof that quality is appreciated even in the most challenging economic circumstances.
The new buildings are tremendous news as space is a major constraint to our capacity. We expect to create 30 new jobs in the forthcoming months, so we are looking for skilled craftsmen across all trades as well as a new intake for our ongoing apprenticeship training scheme."
Managing director Nigel Stuart said the expansion would create a "fully integrated production facility" with specialist joinery and laminating departments expanding into the new space.
Posted 2011-01-19 11:42:09
Access to freelance creative skills - deadline extended
With increasing numbers of people now working in the media sector on a self employed, short-term contract or contract-by-contract basis, Southampton Solent University is encouraging entrepreneurship amongst its students by providing their talent pool of students with an opportunity to gain business experience in their chosen profession.
The university has set up a register of the brightest talent, willing and eager to take on flexible, freelance assignments.
Businesses, large or small, get access to skilled enthusiastic students with leading edge media expertise and skills in the latest media tools and techniques, whether you want help knocking your website into shape, running your next event, creating short promotional Podcasts or films, or use Facebook or Twitter to reach new audiences.
There is no charge for the service; - aside from covering expenses, any reimbursements are up to you. A typical project may involve a first briefing meeting with the student, with you outlining your business and the work you want done. More likely to be working off site, you will be kept updated on progress with regular checks until the project is completed.
To gain access to the 'Talent Pool' simply e mail the University at info@solentcreatives.co.uk, outlining your business, the work (or project) you want doing and the type of expertise you are looking for.
Companies who don't have any immediate requirements but who might want to access the talent pool in the near future can also register their interest.
To register your interest or find out more, e mail info@solentcreatives.co.uk or telephone 07770 901208
Posted 2011-01-18 13:44:09
UKTI Going Global in a Day, 17th February 2011, Windsor
Whether you are an experienced exporter or considering exporting for the first time, research the world in a day by attending this UKTI seminar.
Going Global in a Day is a unique event bringing together over 40 Heads of UK Trade & Investment’s trade teams in Embassies, Consulates and High Commissions from around the world for the sole purpose of helping companies succeed overseas.
This is a rare opportunity to research the world in one place and find your next lucrative market.
You can meet representatives from various countries in Europe, Asia Pacific, the Americas, Africa and the Middle East. All our experts live and work in market and understand the unique challenges that companies face when doing business overseas. With sound market knowledge and experience, they have access to up-to-date business opportunities and can provide you with tailored advice on succeeding in their market.
The event also includes presentations on key markets enabling you to gain a better understanding of the latest business trends and opportunities.
By attending you will benefit from:
* Pre-booked 30 minute one-to-one meetings with your chosen Heads of Trade
* An overview of the different countries' business opportunities
* Useful cultural tips and access issues
* Access to relevant business contacts/websites
* The chance to network with like-minded businesses.
The event costs £50 per delegate.
Companies on the Passport to Export and Gateway to Global Growth programmes can attend for £25 per delegate. A maximum of two delegates per company may attend and companies can book up to a maximum of four one-to-one meetings.
To book your place, visit the website: http://www.uktisoutheast.com/goingglobal and book online, email events@uktisoutheast.com or contact 08452 717 400
