Email News April 2020
Welcome to the April 2020 Email Newsletter from Marine South East
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 2020-03-13 15:05:51
Coronavirus information for businesses and self-employed
Businesses and workers in the Solent area will be facing extremely challenging circumstances over the coming weeks and months. We have detailed below the various areas of business support that we are currently aware of.
The Government are delivering a whole range of support mechanisms for businesses to help them with various factors that are emerging as a result of Covid-19. This information and advice is evolving rapidly.
For the most up to date advice for businesses from the Government please visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19
Under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, all UK employers with a PAYE scheme will be able to access support to continue paying part of their employees' salary for those that would otherwise have been laid off during this crisis.
This applies to employees who have been asked to stop working, but who are being kept on the pay roll, otherwise described as 'furloughed workers'. HMRC will reimburse 80% of their wages, up to £2,500 per month. This is to safeguard workers from being made redundant.
The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme will cover the cost of wages backdated to 1 March 2020 and is initially open for three months, but will be extended if necessary.
More information can be found at the following link: https://www.businesssupport.gov.uk/coronavirus-job-retention-scheme/?utm_medium=Email&utm_source=GovDelivery
The Self-employment Income Support Scheme to support self-employed people who have been adversely affected by COVID-19 can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/claim-a-grant-through-the-coronavirus-covid-19-self-employment-income-support-scheme
Self-employed people do not need to get in touch with HMRC as the scheme isn't yet open for applications. HMRC will contact eligible customers by the beginning of June, inviting them to apply.
The government has also introduced the following help for the self-employed:
* Deferral of Self Assessment Income Tax payments due in July 2020 and VAT payments due from 20 March 2020 until 30 June 2020
* Grants for businesses that pay little or no business rates
* Increased amounts of Universal Credit
* Business Interruption Loan Scheme
* Directors of their own company paid through PAYE, may be able to get support using the Job Retention Scheme.
The Government have a dedicated Coronavirus helpline 0300 456 3565.
Solent LEP are posting regular updates on their website at the following link: https://solentlep.org.uk/coronavirus-support-hub/
Solent LEP are working with partners across the region to put in place a number of additional support mechanisms, including;
* Support to provide businesses with the infrastructure to continue business remotely
* A free online diagnostic tool to review the current business position and identify tactics for building greater resilience
* Online masterclasses and resources in relation to access to finance, developing e-commerce offers and actions to support your response in relation to COVID-19.
Businesses are encouraged to sign up to the Solent LEP e-newsletter to be kept informed of updates. Follow the link to the Solent LEP homepage where you can sign up to the newsletter https://solentlep.org.uk
Hampshire Chamber of Commerce have information at the following link: https://www.hampshirechamber.co.uk/events-and-news/events/coronavirus.html
Businesses in the Portsmouth area are encouraged to sign up to Portsmouth City Council's Business Support newsletter at https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/UKPORTSMOUTH/subscriber/new?preferences=true#tab1
Business support details for the Portsmouth area can be found at:
https://www.portsmouth.gov.uk/ext/coronavirus-covid-19/businesses-and-employers-coronavirus-information?utm_medium=Email&utm_source=GovDelivery
Posted 2020-03-23 14:21:37
Solent LEP launch £0.6m Coronavirus Crowdfunder
Following an Extraordinary Board meeting on 27 March, the Solent LEP Board have agreed the immediate release of £0.6m via Crowdfunder, with more available if demand is there.
Solent LEP is the first LEP in the country to use this innovative approach to funding.
Find out more at: https://solentlep.org.uk/crowdfunding-programme-pay-it-forward/
Solent LEP are redirecting £600,000 from their Local Growth Fund for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to make sure that micro and small businesses can access emergency funding.
This is to help small companies to keep trading, to maintain cash flow and to stay connected with their customers during these uncertain times; it is also there to help them bounce back once the situation is resolved.
The Pay it Forward initiative enables the self-employed, micro and small businesses to generate sales by pre-selling their goods or services or diversifying their offer.
Crowdfunder will help you to tell your story, Enterprise Nation will support with online sales, marketing and finance training, and Solent LEP will match any funds raised through the scheme.
Posted 2020-03-31 13:45:48
Swanbarton & Marine South East win DfT funding for sustainable and safe shipping
Swanbarton and Marine South East are pleased to announce that DfT has selected their project, “Shore Power Infrastructure to Decarbonize Shipping (SPIDS)” to receive support through its Transport-Technology Research Innovation Grants (T-TRIG) programme.
The programme is supporting companies in developing new technology to deliver clean, sustainable energy to the ships of the future.
Sea transport depends almost entirely on fossil fuel, which has high CO2 and particulates emissions. Ships are one of the world’s most polluting forms of transport and contribute greatly to poor air quality in port towns. Other than sails, the only emissions free way to power ships is by electrification. But there are two big challenges in that:
* this will need low-cost batteries with enough endurance for a sea voyage: so far, batteries have only been used in hybrid powered ships or short-haul ferries
* the power for re-charging ships’ batteries for long voyages, during their brief stays in port, would be beyond what any port could presently provide
The SPIDS project aims to overcome these two challenges through combining the use of flow batteries and a rapid pump system. Flow batteries store energy in charged liquid electrolytes, stored in tanks. The size of the tanks is independent of the power rating of the battery’s cells, so the range of the vessel can be extended with just the additional cost of more tank structure and electrolyte.
The ship’s flow batteries will be charged by rapidly pumping out the used electrolytes and pumping in new. Then the used electrolyte can be refreshed over a longer time scale, in an onshore charging facility.
Swanbarton and Marine South East are developing the technical and commercial feasibility of shore-based rapid charging systems for vessels using flow batteries.
Swanbarton will use its specialist knowledge of flow batteries, along with its experience with large-scale battery energy storage systems to optimise the size of the shore charging facility. MSE will provide specialist knowledge of shipping and port operations.
The work addresses all four of DfT’s priorities: boosting economic growth; improving journeys; making transport safer, more secure and sustainable; and relieving the UK’s port cities from ship-borne air pollution. As shipping is a worldwide industry, there is considerable opportunity to apply our work in export markets.
Swanbarton are experts in flow battery technology and founders of the International Flow Battery Forum.
Posted 2020-03-31 14:14:15
KTN moving events online during coronavirus
KTN helps businesses get the best out of creativity, ideas and the latest discoveries, to strengthen the UK economy and improve people’s lives, so wherever possible, they are moving their events online to help keep businesses connected and continue innovating.
KTN statement on Covid-19: Our work at KTN is ongoing and we are doing all we can to support our staff and our network of businesses across the UK and further afield. Please keep an eye out for future opportunities to network online using different tools and new platforms.
To view up-coming KTN events please visit: https://ktn-uk.co.uk/events
Businesses can register to receive information from the KTN at this link: https://ktn-uk.co.uk/newsletter
Posted 2020-03-26 09:52:57
Solent LEP Business Resilience Programme
The Solent LEP is offering small and medium-sized businesses across the Solent region impartial, fully-funded business support to help them adapt and thrive despite changes in market conditions, and other significant events, like Coronavirus.
The new Business Resilience Programme is being delivered in partnership with leading accountants and business advisers, BDO. Businesses taking part receive 12 hours of free one-to-one support that will help them identify critical issues, and suggested actions for building up resilience.
Places are limited so get in touch soon at enquiries@solentlep.org.uk
or call 023 9268 8055
Posted 2020-03-13 15:49:15
Record breaking 'blue-light' laser illuminates underwater marine activity
The EU KETmaritime study has identified a record-breaking 'blue-light' maritime laser with the ability to transform underwater range-finding, imaging and communications.
Scientists working on the Euro 1million KETmaritime project, of which Marine South East is a partner, have released a detailed report on the potential of 'Photonic Marine Applications' which has been produced by project partner AIMEN.
The report reveals new boundaries broken in marine laser development which can enhance the detection of underwater objects including submarines and archaeological sites.
The study of 'photonics' seeks to generate, control and detect photons - an elementary particle of light carrying energy. It can be used to concentrate beams for cutting and welding as well as 3D scanning and surgical applications, through to more 'ordinary' applications, such as presence detection for door control, bar code scanning and printers.
The project has highlighted that the maritime sector will greatly benefit from a broad variety of applications of photonic devices including Structural Health Monitoring of marine assets, as well as Virtual and Augmented Reality across shipbuilding. It will also play a particularly important role in the development of detection and recognition systems applicable to areas including navigation, tracking of objects and masses at sea and maritime rescue.
The KETmaritime project is funded by the Interreg Atlantic Area Program, via the European Regional Development Fund.
The consortium includes French multidisciplinary research laboratory CIMAP (CEA group), Portuguese maritime economic cluster Forum Oceano and Spanish industrial design centre IDONIAL. Ireland's national centre for marine and renewable energy MaREI and UK marine cluster organisation Marine South East are delivering further support, alongside Spanish non-profit research association AIMEN.
To download the complete KETmaritime case study report on 'Photonic Marine Applications' click on the following link http://www.ketmaritime.eu/media
For more information on the KETmaritime project visit the website http://www.ketmaritime.eu phone +351 253 140 112 or email Ana Vila on Ana.Vila@inl.int
Posted 2020-03-18 12:55:34
PERISCOPE Blue Growth Innovation Survey results released
Successful Blue Growth requires companies to innovate and invest. Periscope; an EU project of which Marine South East is a partner, has recently undertaken a survey in the North Sea region’s blue economy to better understand businesses' innovation strategies and their perception of the climate for business innovation.
The survey was completed by over 100 organisations and the conclusions clearly point towards an innovative sector, although some resource challenges and other issues were highlighted.
80% the organisations reported that they do have an innovation or business development strategy, and even more impressive, 90% say they have engaged in innovation and business development activities during the last three years.
Half of the respondents claim to have made important or major breakthrough product innovations, whereas 4 out of 10 have achieved innovations in service products. Production process innovations, business model innovations and other forms of innovations were reported to be less important.
4 out of 10 have created new products/services for new markets, but only 15% have created entirely new business areas. Most organisations do either incremental product/service improvements or new products/services for existing markets, and overall 2 out of 10 have registered new patents.
The research noted that markets and great ideas from staff triggered most innovations with competitors not listed as being the main driver for innovation and business development work.
The research found that in the main innovation capacity is limited by financial resources with half of the respondents indicating that the cost of innovation and business development is among the most pressing issue. 36% of the respondents also list finding pilot customers as a barrier, which could indicate the need to get paid for innovation and business development. It could also imply that many organisations, like in the oil & gas sector, customize products for customers.
Access to skilled staff and experienced managers was also listed as a issue and many organisations felt sceptical about external collaboration when innovating. Five in ten
organisations say that the biggest barriers to engaging in external interaction are lack of sufficient time or financial results and, and secondly, loss of control over valuable knowledge and difficulty finding the right partner.
Technology, access to test facilities, access to maritime space, lack of public support, regulations and permits do not seem to be major stumbling blocks for the innovation capacity of the organisations.
The high cost of co-funding, red tape and financing alternatives not matching the real needs are listed as the most important limiting factors to get financing. Grants seem to be a path many organisations have taken, with organisations preferring local, regional, and national grants over the EU grants. The challenging aspects of applying to both local/regional/national and EU grants are the same for the majority of the organisations. The application procedures and internal aspects, such as project administration and reporting plus own co-funding, are the most relevant barriers to grants.
As the Periscope project is seeking to accelerate emerging blue market opportunities, the survey tested the interest of organisations for an open innovation platform to interact with other market players and stakeholders providing grants. 55% supported idea of a platform to be an independent digital market where the organisations can search for and procure external expertise and solutions.
From a societal point of view, the organisations´ sustainability efforts appear to be sales and market driven. The most relevant matters are Company philosophy and values (68%), Market growth opportunities (49%), customer / consumer demands (41%) and reputational risks / benefits (38%). The report also noted that 3 out of 10 organisations rate sustainability efforts as a key aspect to attract talented workers.
Climate change, health & safety / wellness, plus ethics and integrity (including anti-corruption efforts) are the top three sustainability priorities over the next three years.
For a full copy of the report please contact :
Stig Marthinsen
Managing Director
tel (+47) 400 74 750
e-mail sm@south-norway.no
Maria Paula Arenas Henriquez
Research manager
tel (+47) 46 12 16 64
e-mail mpa@south-norway.no
Posted 2020-03-30 15:05:19
Blue Belt Programme publish Spring Newsletter
The Blue Belt Programme which supports the delivery of the UK government’s commitment to enhance marine protection of over four million square kilometres of marine environment across UK Overseas Territories has published its Spring Newsletter.
The Blue Belt programme is a partnership between two world-leading agencies of the UK government, the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas) and the Marine Management Organisation (MMO).
The Spring Newsletter includes articles on the following:
* Newly refurbished vessel safely returned to Tristan da Cunha
* Underwater survey of coral communities around Pitcairn Island
* Trialing innovative technology in the UK Overseas Territories
* St Helena seamount added to global map of seafloor
* Technology Roadmap project from Marine South East nears completion
* Minimising and monitoring the risk to the marine environment of invasive, non-native species
* Blue Belt Programme communications survey results
To view the newsletter online please visit: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/UKCEFAS/bulletins/27c2dad
For additional information on the Blue Belt Programme visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-blue-belt-programme
And to register for Marine South East's Blue Belt Technology Interest Group to be kept updated on Blue Belt Technology projects, events and initiatives please visit https://www.marinesoutheast.co.uk/bluebelt/
Posted 2020-03-26 10:21:52
New advances in ‘Micro Electro-Mechanical’ tech to boost maritime sector, according to Euro 1million EU study
New advances in 'Micro Electro-Mechanical' technology including progression towards new semiconductors with greater capacity will open the door to a myriad of new opportunities for the maritime sector, according to an EU study.
Partners working on the Euro 1Million KETmaritime project have released a detailed report on the potential of 'Micro Electro Mechanical Systems'(MEMS) for marine applications.
New advances in MEMS are driving developments across marine navigation systems and autonomous exploration vehicles, as well as structural health and ocean weather monitoring systems and biological and marine pollutant studies.
Leading producers of electronics worldwide have spent many years developing MEMS, carrying out research, production and commercial activity, ensuring a high degree of maturity across many applications. The latest KETmaritime report highlights how the electronics sector, and MEMS in particular, will enter a turning point in the coming years driven by advances in current technology including silicon semiconductors and possible progression towards new semiconductors or alternatives with greater capacity.
Increased demand for smaller more intelligent electronic devices continues to drive advances on all levels. Global innovation in production processes has boosted capability of micro and nanoelectronic systems, while advances in engineering are providing the basis for chips not only containing electronic components, but also integrating mechanisms for sensing applications - resulting in a fusion between electronics and mechanics. This has combined to provide a host of new opportunities across the marine field.
The report was authored by Spanish industrial design centre IDONIAL in collaboration with Marine South East in the UK and the INL.
Within navigation, the development of MEMS sensors is key not only for the implementation of location and positioning technologies, but also for the development of complete mobile platforms for the collection and distribution of data in open water environments. In addition, weather monitoring and forecasting, traditional navigation and fisheries activities, as well as partially unassisted activities (associated renewable energy or aquaculture fields) require complete sets of sensors capable of monitoring environmental variables. MEMS help produce short and medium-term weather prediction systems driving productivity.
MEMS are also used for monitoring water properties and composition. This is highly valuable for maximizing aquaculture activity, identifying potential pathogenic agents and unwanted variations of acidity, etc.
MEMS technology can also be used to monitor marine structures. Any activity carried out continuously in marine environments is inherently subject to external aggression, capable of deteriorating all structures in the absence of adequate controls and maintenance. MEMS sensors are now capable of measuring variations of the stresses and strains which structures are subjected to, essential to informing maintaining plans and preventing accidents.
The KETmaritime project is funded by the Interreg Atlantic Area Program, via the European Regional Development Fund. The consortium also includes French multidisciplinary research laboratory CIMAP (CEA group) and Portuguese maritime economic cluster Fórum Oceano. Ireland's national centre for marine and renewable energy MaREI is delivering further support, alongside Spanish non-profit research association AIMEN.
To download the complete KETmaritime case study report on 'Micro Electromechanical Systems' marine applications click on the following link http://www.ketmaritime.eu/media/
For more information on the KETmaritime project visit the website http://www.ketmaritime.eu phone +351 253 140 112 or email Ana Vila on Ana.Vila@inl.int
Posted 2020-03-18 14:11:29
Coronavirus: An Advisory Webinar for Employees; 2nd April 2020, Webinar
This webinar will provide practical advice for employers to help manage the impact of Coronavirus in the workplace.
The webinar will outline practical measures that can be taken, best practice in terms of updating and communicating policies and the duty of care responsibilities of the employer. It will also provide details of the Government support and resources being made available to employers.
Included in this session:
* Practical steps that can help reduce the spread of the virus
* Effective ways of communicating with employees
* Equipping managers with accurate information and resources
* Self-isolation, time off, sickness certification and sick pay
* What to do if an employee becomes ill
* Altering working hours, shift patterns and working arrangements
* Remote working and increasing the use of technology
The webinar will take place on 2nd April 2020 from 10.30am - 11.30am.
To register your interest please visit:
https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/8751372991389906947?source=Website
Posted 2020-03-23 14:37:06
Marine Management Organisation Public Consultations close 6th April 2020
The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) public consultations on their regional marine plans will be closing on 6th April 2020.
Planned implementation workshops are cancelled or being converted into virtual training where possible but you can still have your say on the draft plans online at:
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/have-your-say-on-marine-planning-in-england--2
Posted 2020-03-25 13:41:46
Coronavirus: An Advisory Webinar for Employees; 7th April 2020, Webinar
This webinar will provide practical advice for employers to help manage the impact of Coronavirus in the workplace.
The webinar will outline practical measures that can be taken, best practice in terms of updating and communicating policies and the duty of care responsibilities of the employer. It will also provide details of the Government support and resources being made available to employers.
Included in this session:
* Practical steps that can help reduce the spread of the virus
* Effective ways of communicating with employees
* Equipping managers with accurate information and resources
* Self-isolation, time off, sickness certification and sick pay
* What to do if an employee becomes ill
* Altering working hours, shift patterns and working arrangements
* Remote working and increasing the use of technology
The webinar will take place on 2nd April 2020 from 10.30am - 11.30am.
To register your interest please visit:
https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/8236478293172207875?source=Website
Posted 2020-03-23 14:38:41
End of life fishing industry waste: challenges and opportunities for a closed loop system; 16th April 2020, webinar
Exeter Univeristy will be hosting a webinar on 'Plastics and Fishing - End of life fishing industry waste, challenges and opportunities for a closed loop system,' on Thursday 16th April 2pm – 3pm (GMT).
This webinar is co-hosted by University of Exeter and the Environment Agency with the aim of facilitating collaboration on circular economy opportunities for fishing industry waste, and informing our understanding of plastics stocks and flows, challenges, and risks in the South West region.
Speakers include Dr Maru Cano Correa, Jonathan Harvey (Environment Agency), Adam Parnell, Brixham Harbour Master (Head of Torbay Harbour Authority) & Dr Jasper Graham-Jones (University of Plymouth).
Fishermen across the South West of England actively collect marine litter as a public good; disposing of it through the fishing for litter scheme, and many are working to recycle end of life fishing equipment. Unfortunately, there are a number of barriers to a circular economy for this industry, which poses a challenge to universal recycling of equipment and safe disposal. Consequently, just 1.5% of worn out fishing gear is recycled in the European Union.
Consequently, Abandoned, Lost, Derelict Fishing Gear (ALDFG) causes a number of economic disruptions; from depleting fish stocks to navigation interference. Entanglement has now been reported for 344 species, to the detriment of our wildlife and species of conservation concern.
This webinar will update attendees of the work going on across the South West region and beyond on tackling ALDFG, and will introduce a survey for both fleet managers and harbour masters to collate their ideas and concerns. We hope that this will facilitate collaboration towards solutions, and the findings from this work will inform University of Exeter's fishing plastic waste calculator development as a part of the ongoing work of the ExeMPLaR (University of Exeter Multidisciplinary Plastics Research Hub) research project.
Objectives/Outputs:
* Bring people together: to link stakeholders including; Fishing industry, Environment Agency, DEFRA, Local Authorities, harbour & port authorities, waste management service, marine conservation sector, NGO's, and recyclers
* Seek contributions and discuss what's happening with plastics in the fishing industry in the SW region
* Explore the key issues to build a common understanding of circular economy barriers, challenges & opportunities
* To introduce a fishing gear calculator. A project for the estimation of fishing gear flows and stocks in the South West
* Build on collaborative approaches and launch two questionnaires which will help to adjust University Exeter's fishing gear calculator.
Further details about the ExeMPLaR research project can be found on the ExeMPLaR ePlatform link:
https://exemplarnet.org.uk/
Webinar Access using this link:
https://zoom.us/j/4232440533
Dr Jasper Graham-Jones from the University of Plymouth will be speaking at the webinar about the INdiGO project of which Marine South East is a partner. (INnovative fishing Gear for Ocean).
