Email News August 2013
Welcome to the August 2013 edition of the Marine South East email newsletter
If you would like to submit an article for consideration please email the text and a suitable image or logo to sj@mseuk.org
Posted 2013-07-05 11:33:51
New Higher Apprenticeship launched to drive the next generation of Research and Development specialists
Studies have shown that companies which invest in R&D grow and prosper in increasingly competitive markets. The importance of R&D as an investment is recognised by the government through tax credits available to both large and small organisations.
There are many definitions of R&D but the one that sums it up well is "Discovering new knowledge about products, processes and services, and applying that knowledge to create new and
improved products, processes and services that fill market needs". Many activities fall under this definition for eligibility in respect to reductions in corporation tax, typically: New Product Development, Process Development and Continual Improvement of Production Processes.
With investment in R&D in the UK in the region of £26 billion yet with no vocational qualifications specifically supporting the subject, the UK faces a severe potential skills shortage.
In response to this shortage Pera Training, one of the UK's leading providers of manufacturing apprenticeships, has co-developed a new Higher Apprenticeship in R&D. The qualification was designed in conjunction with EAL (Excellence, Achievement & Learning) Ltd, the Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership and several key national employers.
The qualification sits within Semta's Advanced Manufacturing Higher Apprenticeship framework, which allows employers to invest in skills to help boost economic growth and recovery.
For full details and more information please visit:
http://www.rd-apprentice.com
or call 07787 283 892 or email enquiries@rd-apprentice.com
Posted 2013-07-30 12:05:55
Poole to host European Maritime Day 2017
The Borough of Poole was named by the Council of the European Commission as successful bidder to host the European Maritime Day in May 2017.
This internationally important maritime event is held annually on 20th May to showcase the importance of the sea in our everyday lives - enabling transportation of food and vital supplies, providing jobs and a thriving economy and enhancing leisure and relaxation opportunities.
The conference brings together key stakeholders involved in the maritime sector from shipbuilding to offshore energy, the coastal environment and tourism to address the major challenges they face.
As part of Poole’s bid, four key subject areas were proposed for the conference theme – renewable energy; spatial planning and integrated coastal zone management; safety and security and protecting coastal ecosystems. The theme will be selected nearer the time as topical interests can fluctuate.
Poole’s successful bid, which will be jointly funded by business and the EU, will provide a fantastic opportunity for the town’s economy and the event promises to boost the town’s position amongst the maritime community across Europe. The event will bring in thousands of visitors as well as influential people in the maritime sector.
The real focus of the event is the two-day conference which is about moving forward the European maritime policy. This is important in terms of all European Union countries working together to ensure a number of factors - our seas are safe and secure to enable free movement of our essential freight and trade, that coastal erosion and development is managed appropriately to prevent tidal flooding and that resources such as fish, minerals and energy are obtained in a sustainable way to protect the seas and oceans for the future.
The conference will be accompanied by a maritime festival lasting several days and gives Poole the opportunity to celebrate its maritime heritage on a scale never seen before here.
Posted 2013-07-16 15:13:18
Coming soon – an organisation for the Offshore Renewable Energy sector in the South East of England
The growth of the offshore renewable energy sector in recent years has been remarkable and the proposed expansion of capacity proposed in the 3rd round of leases let by the Crown Estate mean that the industry has a rosy future – and this presents a golden opportunity for a range of companies, not least those in the marine sector.
But to date, there has been no specialised organisation to support and lobby on behalf of the sector within the South East of England - but hope is at hand.
The Isle of Wight Council, supported by a successful bid for ERDF funding is looking to launch the Solent Offshore Renewable Energy Consortium - SOREC - in the autumn.
SOREC will be an employers' organisation for the Offshore Renewable Energy sector in the South east of England. SOREC will seek to support the industry by:
* Providing the lobbying support normally associated with an employers' body and to act as a forum for issues for its members.
* Provide direct business support, advice and guidance to companies in the sector in the South East of England.
* To administer and deliver a grant scheme for SMEs in sector within the region. This scheme will provide financial support for companies who will create jobs in the sector.
* Provide an innovation and tech transfer service which will look to link the rich research facilities and ability of the South East's universities with companies.
* Explore a range of programmes which will open up the supply chain of the industry to SMEs both through providing network opportunities as well as mentoring so they can step up and supply into this rapidly expanding industry.
* Put on a range of events focusing on innovation and supply opportunities within the sector.
Overall the aim of the organisation will be to deliver a comprehensive service to the industry in the South East. It will combine the economic development skills already present in the public sector involved with the specialised industrial skills and knowledge from the private sector.
SOREC are looking to work with the industry across the South East and would be interested in hearing from companies who wish to explore this more.
For more details email chris.brammall@iow.gov.uk
Posted 2013-07-31 10:00:08
New distance learning Diploma in Marine Pilotage launching in October 2013
The Maritime Training Academy are planning to launch a Diploma in Marine Pilotage on 1st October 2013 and have announced further plans to launch an Offshore Operations Diploma in April 2014.
The course modules are available online each month and submission of a Student Assignment (SA) is required with each module. On completion of the SA's a 3 hour open book formal examination is undertaken. In order to pass the course, students must complete the SAs and examination to the required standard. Students have the option to attend two tutorial seminars, one mid-way through the course and one immediately before the examination. Tutors are also available at any time via telephone and email to help students with their studies.
The distance learning route for delivery of course material has been used as it enables a student to decide where, when and how long they want to study. If they travel they can access their modules and continue studying. One of the most beneficial factors of distance learning study is that students can apply their learning immediately. As the course progresses students can apply the knowledge, skills and expertise gained to their work.
Full details are available at
http://www.maritimetrainingacademy.com or by calling +44(0)1252 732220
Posted 2013-07-05 11:38:04
Ramsgate port awareness event 13th September 2013
The Port of Ramsgate is planning to expand its offering to both existing and future customers through improved freight handling facilities. The aim is to make the Port more accessible, sustainable and competitive, together with meeting the wider needs of its customers.
A large sector of the freight market requires alongside loading & offloading, so the objective is to increase flexibility in terms of both the cargo and the vessels that can be served at the port. A key project to deliver these improved facilities relates to the construction of a major new heavy duty alongside quay and the development of a commercial boat service area with potential for vessel fabrication.
There is, therefore, an opportunity for a large range of marine and maritime related businesses to develop their activities at this expanding port. Representatives of interested companies are invited to a free event to be held in Ramsgate on 13th September 2013 from 1100 to 1530. A networking buffet lunch is included. The event will be followed by an opportunity for an optional tour around the port.
If you are interested in attending on 13th September 2013 please contact Howard Holt at howard@marinesoutheast.co.uk
The Port of Ramsgate is part of the LO-PINOD project. Funded by the North Sea Region programme, part of the EU Inter-regional (INTERREG) initiative, LO-PINOD aims to challenge existing thinking on freight distribution and offer more sustainable and efficient alternatives. The project website is http://www.lopinod.eu
Posted 2013-07-30 09:32:37
The Marine and Offshore Renewables Growth Engine, Tuesday 17th September 2013, Chilworth, Southampton
This new marine industry event will demonstrate (with top industry speakers), the business opportunity and growth potential of the Renewables Industry in Europe. The event will examine the potential of innovative condition monitoring and through life management technologies for marine and offshore renewable energy assets that will significantly reduce operating costs.
'Marine Opportunity' will show how Renewables & Offshore Wind will be making big demands on the marine industry. Forecasts show new designs and large numbers of new vessels will be built (and kitted out). New offshore services will be needed. Demand for training, transport and safety services and crews will be greater than ever. See how your business can benefit.
'Mer-Innovate' is a research programme, of significant interest to the offshore and renewables sector. Specifically addressing wind power generation, support and infrastructure, it is also relevant to tidal, oil and gas power generation facilities. Two projects will; develop more robust sensors for installation into offshore equipment and structures, to provide operational and service information, secondly, develop procedure and protocol routines to enable more efficient offshore planning/launching of maintenance missions.
'Future Marine' examines emerging technology, and developments in propulsion, likely to have major positive effects on the marine industry. Autonomous ships and future fuels will provide many interesting developments as they transfer from other sectors such as aerospace and communications. We will explore the issues, demonstrating an exciting future for our sector.
There will be time at the end of the event to discuss face to face with attendees, opportunities for Joint Ventures, R&D projects, other business opportunities.
For more information and booking details please follow the link:
https://connect.innovateuk.org/web/espktn/events-view/-/events/6535765?p_p_auth=YWg6fGzr
To register to attend this free event please follow the link:
http://offshoremarinegrowth.eventbrite.co.uk
