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
Send this story to a colleague
