Email News January 2009
Foreword
Welcome to the March issue of email news. Public sector support for marine companies looking to improve their business in areas such as skills, infrastructure, innovation and funding is a key theme this month. To find out more read on...
Posted 2008-12-30 12:33:52
Improving Your Bottom Line in an Economic Downturn
Marine South East is committed to assisting marine companies in the South East to ensure that even in economic downturns they can find ways to improve their bottom lines. In fact a slow down in orders and capacity might give marine company bosses just the opportunity to appraise their business and adopt new practices to make a positive effect on their turnover.
Working with business specialists from the Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS) South East, 20 marine companies took advantage of a free half day Marine Business Improvement MareNet Workshop, designed to boost company results and encourage companies to create their own lean processes to achieve astonishing bottom line improvements.
The workshop was hosted by Marine South East, in partnership with the MAS South East, providers of straightforward advice and hands-on practical support to help manufacturers in the South East improve performance and add value to the bottom line.
The marine specific workshop offered easy to grasp solutions to common business problems for both manufacturing and service companies. With lots of business examples and a demonstration of a production line the delegates learned simple but effective techniques which are proven to achieve radical results for all types of businesses.
Delivering the workshop was Stuart Wood, MAS South East Specialist, who has first hand experience both in manufacturing and in the marine sector. He said: "Every year MAS South East specialists help manufacturers improve productivity and business performance and we continue to work closely with our partners in the marine industry to encourage manufacturing competitiveness using proven business improvement techniques throughout the sector."
Lean practices suit small enterprises as well as the world's largest businesses. Importantly, lean principles can be applied in the office as well as on the shop-floor, and lean techniques can be employed throughout any business, from product design through to sales ordering, and from highly technical problem solving through to simple administrative tasks.
If you are interested in learning more about Business Improvement techniques from MAS South East please contact Stuart Wood on stuartwood@mas-se.org.uk or telephone 0845 609 2121 - or visit the MAS South East website at http://www.mas-se.org.uk where there are numerous case studies and resources detailing the opportunities.
Posted 2008-12-30 13:14:02
Trafalgar Wharf taking on new tenants
Trafalgar Wharf, the former VT Halmatic site in Portchester, is already capitalizing on location and facilities with a range of new marine companies keen to make the site their new home.
So far the list of companies confirmed to locate themselves in the 22 acre site include:
Hillyards - Boat builders
JBT Marine - RIB dealers
Driftwood Marine Services - outboard motor repairs
Fourty plus Four - Yacht Brokers
Paul Hoskins - Yacht painter
Two Fish Productions - Sign company
WASP - specialist stainless steel polishers
Rigging Gurus - Laser SB3 specialists (maintenance and repair)
RIBBIT - tube repair company
Jonny Boys, MD of Trafalgar Wharf commented: "despite tough economic conditions we have already taken on a number of marine companies with more under negotiation which we are hoping to be able to announce later in the New Year. We are set up for a wide range of water vessels and will be able to accommodate, store, build repair and refit power boats and superyachts from 20ft to 180ft. This site will prove a huge boost to facilities for marine companies in the Solent area"
If you are interested in the facilites available at Trafalgar Wharf call 02392 387833 or email info@trafalgarwharf.com
Posted 2008-12-30 13:42:53
SEEDA Announces New Finance for Small Businesses
SEEDA, the South East England Development Agency, is being given a pivotal role in rolling out the Government’s plans to support small businesses, as announced in Monday’s Pre-Budget Report.
SEEDA will provide up to £3m in transition loan funds, available through Finance South East, to be used to help high-growth businesses having difficulty obtaining finance from the commercial sector. The unsecured loans of up to £150,000 will be available in the form of commercial loans to bridge the gap between the amount the banks are able to offer businesses and the amount these businesses need to survive and grow. Recipients will not repay any capital or interest until the end of the loan period.
Pam Alexander, SEEDA Chief Executive, said: “At a time when businesses are finding it hard to secure the loans they need from the banks, this fund will ensure they don’t suffer as a consequence. This will help high-growth businesses in the South East start to access the money they need to survive and emerge stronger in the upturn.”
SEEDA will also be contributing to the £50m equity scheme put together jointly by the Government and eight English Regional Development Agencies, which will be used to convert businesses’ debts into equity. This fund will be targeted at small businesses which are unable to service their borrowing, and can sustain equity to enable them to restructure their balance sheets and access more credit where needed.
Jim Brathwaite, Chairman of SEEDA, added: “We are delighted that priority has been given to the provision of access to finance for small businesses, with £1 billion in guarantees for borrowing and a further £1 billion in guarantees for exports, which the RDAs are supporting. The Government has responded to our recommendations following discussions with business leaders across the South East and in other regions. We are very pleased that small businesses will also be allowed to spread business tax payments to help ease cash flow and credit constraints.”
Jonathan Shaw, Minister for the South East, concluded: “The Government and SEEDA are working together with this wide range of measures to prioritise access to crucial finance to sustain and grow small businesses across the South East region. These initiatives present a great opportunity for SEEDA to use its wealth of business expertise, experience and strategic leadership to navigate and succeed in these unique and challenging economic circumstances.”
Together these new measures will provide at least an additional £5m for small businesses across the South East. This is in addition to the £10m Rapid Rescue Response package announced by SEEDA in August. This support includes:
To find out more about these funding opportunities go to http://www.seeda.co.uk
Posted 2008-12-30 20:43:10
Government pledge to simplify training
The UK Commission for Employment and Skills has published a report on simplification of the skills system for employers.
It recognises:
- Difficulties of finding/accessing the right parts of the system when needed.
- Complexity of programmes/initiatives, with constant new announcements and changes.
- Restrictive constraints on initiatives, leading to unmet employer expectations.
- Excessive bureaucracy for those employers who do engage with the system.
- Complexity of organisations and structures, all seeking to communicate with employers.
- Constant change meaning that employers cannot keep track of what is on offer.
The UK Commission is now proposing plans to make it easier for employers to find and obtain the support they need without having to deal with the complications of different Government agencies and delivery organisations.
The proposals will include:
- A single business brokerage service under a single brand to provide one point of access for all employer engagement with government business development and support programmes – innovation, export, consultancy, regulation and skills.
- Bringing all Government skills programmes and initiatives under a single brand (‘Train to Gain’) as a menu of support that can be directly related to the company training plan
- A collaborative programme of work between LSC, HM Treasury, and the National Audit Office to reduce current contracting and financial management bureaucracy by two thirds.
- Replacement of the current bureaucratic Qualifications Code of Practice by a new and simplified approach that trusts employer practice without reducing system quality and integrity.
Following approval by the UK Commission for Employment and Skills, these detailed proposals will be presented to the Secretary of State and other Ministers for their consideration and implementation.
To find out more go to http://www.ukces.org.uk/Default.aspx?page=4662
Posted 2008-12-30 14:27:57
A new look Train to Gain
In response to employer demand, from August 2008 Train to Gain has been significantly enhanced to ensure it provides a wider range of support and more help with the cost of training.
All businesses now have access to full funding for:
- Basic skills support at all levels.
- First full Level 2 qualifications (equivalent to 5 GCSEs) and
- First Level 3 (equivalent to 2 A-levels) for 19-25 year olds.
- Some first Level 4 for 19-25 year olds who do not already have a Level 3.
- Some funding for people who already have qualifications at Level 2 and 3 and would like to take another.
Shared costs between the employer and Government for:
- English for Speakers of Other Languages qualifications at all levels.
- Apprenticeships.
- For businesses with between 10 and 250 employees, support towards the costs of leadership and management development.
In addition, Train to Gain can help businesses source full cost, higher level and bespoke training support.
Small and medium-sized, private sector businesses can also get support for:
- From January 2009 – Smaller, focused, training programmes in subjects demanded by businesses including: business improvement, business systems and processes, team working and communications, sales and marketing, IT User, IT support, customer service, new product design, finance and credit, cash flow and profit management, and risk management.
- From January 2009 – Fully funded Level 2 qualifications and partially subsidised Level 3 qualifications, regardless of whether the employee already has a qualification at this level.
- From November 2008 – Funding for leadership and management training extended to businesses with 5-10 employees.
To find out more contact Business Link on 0845 600 9006 or visit http://www.businesslink.gov.uk
Posted 2008-12-30 20:19:13
BMF and Superyacht UK Technical Days 14th & 15th January 2009
The British Marine Federation (BMF) will be hosting a Technical Day at the London International Boat Show on 14 January.
The event will showcase the latest technology and research available to the marine sector; the successful motorsport to marine theme will be continued to promote technology and knowledge transfer opportunities between the marine and motorsport sectors. Motorsport Industry Association members have been invited to join BMF members at this event which will provide excellent B2B networking opportunities.
Nigel Calder, the well known expert and author in marine mechanical and electrical systems will be presenting the latest technology developments and trends in marine electrical and mechanical systems. Nigel will deliver presentations on hybrid propulsion, electronic control systems, plus an update of the EU Framework 7 project on hybrid marine propulsion based on Nigel's own experience of equipping his latest cruising yacht. Ken Wittamore of Triskel Marine will explain more about the project and opportunities for companies to participate.
Speakers from the motorsport sector will include Ricardo and Wirth Research:
If you would like to register for this event please email cabel@britishmarine.co.uk to express your interest.
Superyacht UK and MCA will hold a Superyacht Technical Day at the 2009 London International Boat Show, ExCeL on Thursday 15 January from 10am to 3pm.
Against a background of increasing legislation and concern over the impact of new regulations on superyacht design, technical requirements and crew working conditions, this event is designed to answer questions. It is primarily aimed at superyacht designers, equipment providers, yacht management staff, project managers, captains and service providers.
The morning session will comprise of presentations giving an overview on the latest information on regulations and standards for superyachts.
This will be followed by a networking lunch with round table technical sessions where experts from the MCA will be on hand to answer specific technical questions from delegates. Items likely to be covered will include:
- Crew accommodation
- Crew working conditions
- Fire protection
- Life saving appliances
- Helideck crew training requirements
- Helideck requirements
- Windows
- Paint systems
- Deck access equipment
- Machinery installation
- Noise control
- Oil filtration
- Hybrid propulsion system
Cost for attending this event will be £25+VAT for Superyacht UK / BMF members and £75 +VAT for non-members. Find more details here: http://www.superyachtuk.com/events
Posted 2008-12-30 20:48:47
Help for innovative companies looking to prepare staff for the future
This ESF Funded Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM) Leadership and Management Project includes qualifications designed for employees working in a Management role who wish to underpin their practice with a clearer knowledge of the principles of management and improve their overall competency as a manager.
The Level 3 award is suitable either for experienced supervisors and first line managers or those who are newly promoted to the role. The Level 5 award is specially designed to give practising or aspiring middle managers a solid foundation in their formal development within the role.
Who is eligible?
High Technology Companies employing less than 250 staff, based within the South East of England and operating in the following sectors are eligible for fully funded provision through the ESF and SEEDA.
- Aerospace and Marine
- Environmental Technologies
- Bio-science and Healthcare
- Advanced Instrumentation
- ICT and Electronics
The value of training is approximately £900 for the Level 3 Award and approximately £1,500 for the Level 5 Award.
There are several delivery partners involved with the project, based throughout the South East of England:
Guildford College, Surrey
Thanet College, Kent
Southampton City College, Hampshire
North Bar Training, Oxfordshire
Hastings College, East Sussex
Bucks New University, Buckinghamshire
Newbury College, Berkshire
For more information about the project, please contact Chris Hibberd or Dan McCrory on 01483 448530 or e-mail: employerenquiries@guildford.ac.uk
Posted 2008-12-30 20:38:41
Queen announces implementation of Marine Bill
As part of the Queen’s speech last month, the Government announced that it would be introducing the Marine Bill.
The purpose of the Bill is to introduce a new planning system for the marine area, improve and simplify arrangements for managing marine development and ensure greater protection for the marine environment and biodiversity, and provide greater recreational access to the English coast.
The main elements of the Bill are:
- Introduce a new marine planning system for the strategic management of the marine area around the UK, including the creation of marine plans setting the framework for sustainable development in specific parts of the marine area;
- Make provision for a long-distance route around the coast of England with an associated margin of land for access to wider spreading room to include beaches, cliffs, rocks and dunes, for public access on foot for walking and other recreational activities.
- Establish a Marine Management Organisation for the waters around England and the UK offshore area;
- Streamline the law on licensing marine development so that, as far as possible, developers have a one-stop shop for each development;
- Provide powers to designate marine conservation zones (MCZs) for rare, threatened and representative habitats and species, with duties on public authorities and to protect them from damaging activities;
- Strengthen and modernise the licensing and management of marine, migratory, freshwater and shellfish fisheries, including creating new Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authorities and introducing a scheme to manage live fish movement;
- Streamline and modernise enforcement powers for sea fisheries, marine licensing and nature conservation, providing a civil sanctions scheme for licensing and nature conservation offences and an administrative penalty scheme for domestic fisheries offences.
For further information visit http://www.commonsleader.gov.uk/output/Page2659.asp
or email MarineBillTeam@defra.gsi.gov.uk
Posted 2008-12-30 20:56:35
South Kent College Offers Apprenticeship Reward to Employers
South Kent College has launched a special Apprenticeship offer to help employers address workforce skills gaps and improve productivity.
Any employer who signs up an apprentice with South Kent College before January 31st 2009 will be entitled to the following rewards:
- If an employer signs up an apprentice aged 16-18 before 31st January 2009 the training will be free and the employer will receive a reward of £275 when the apprentice completes the training successfully and within the agreed period.
- If an employer signs up an apprentice aged 19+ before 31st January 2009 the training fee in the first year will be reduced from £500 to £275 and the employer will receive a reward of £275 when the apprentice completes the training successfully and within the agreed period.
The College offers marine engineering apprenticeships at 2 levels: Apprenticeship and Advanced Apprenticeship for all ages 16 and above. Apprenticeships are also available in other areas relevant to the marine industry including customer service, business administration, and accounting.
A South Kent College Apprenticeship could help any business in these difficult times if they have identified a skills gap within their workforce, or if they have a member of staff who needs to develop their expertise. This is a fantastic offer but it is available for a limited time only, so employers should contact South Kent College without delay.
More details for employers about South Kent College Apprenticeships are available online http://www.t4b.org.uk/apprenticeship or our employer experts would be very happy to talk to interested employers if they call 0845 207 8216.
Posted 2008-12-30 14:03:33
Opportunity to take part in the Apprenticeship Expansion Programme – 16th January deadline
The Government wants to work closely with employers who already have a strong reputation for delivering high-quality apprenticeship programmes. They believe that good-quality provision encourages other employers to engage with apprenticeships and aspire to be seen as the best.
The Learning and Skills Council (LSC) has set up an Apprenticeship Expansion Programme trial which aims to develop and test models that support high-quality employers engaged in the delivery of apprenticeship programmes so that they can recruit and train additional apprentices. These apprentices will either secure employment with employers in the supply chain or with those in the wider sector.
The aim is to ensure that these additional apprentices benefit the supply chain and the sector at large, and that both the current and the future skills base of the sector are protected. The trials will inform decisions regarding potential future roll-out of the programme.
The LSC trial will test a number of models to determine which has the greater impact and offers the best return on investment. The main aims include:.
- To develop and test models for supporting additional places on employer apprenticeship programmes.
- To help more apprentices benefit from high-quality apprenticeships with world-class employers.
- To be flexible in the range of funding and support offered and to be responsive to the needs and requirements of particular employers and sectors.
- To support new apprentices to secure sustainable employment either in the supply chain or in the wider sector.
- To expand the number of employers engaged in the Apprenticeship Programme.
- To support sector and regional priorities.
- To support small and medium-sized employers to engage in the Apprenticeship Programme and benefit from highly trained individuals.
By recruiting and training additional apprentices, the trials will test whether this approach can support and engage employers who are new to the Apprenticeships Programme, engage new and atypical learners and deliver a programme that minimises bureaucracy and offers value for money.
If you would like to find out more contact Sian Sallis sian.sallis@lsc.gov.uk or Paul Butler paul.butler@lsc.gov.uk or call 0118 908 2117. Alternatively go to
http://www.apprenticeships.org.uk
Posted 2008-12-31 08:04:10
Designing Demand half-day MareNet Workshop, Tuesday 27th January 2009
Venue: The Port House, Port Solent
This event is now fully booked
Following the success of the Designing Demand marine workshop held earlier this year, Marine South East is delighted to be offering an additional free half-day workshop for those companies who were unable to attend the first time.
The Designing Demand programme is more relevant than ever in the current financial climate and focuses on how design can drive improved business performance and lead to a stronger bottom line. Design can affect every aspect of your business from the first impression created by a company letterhead, the design of a product or packaging, to consistent communication which builds customer loyalty.
The programme has been trialed by the Design Council with more than 600 businesses across the UK taking part. Feedback has been extremely positive with 88% commenting that their strategic design projects were critical to their business success.
This half-day marine specific workshop will demonstrate how different aspects of design can impact on your business, and will show companies how better design in all aspects of business can lead to maximised profits.
The programme for the event will be in three parts:
Part 1: Design = Business - the benefits of using design
Part 2: Design = opportunities - what design can do for your business
Part 3: Design = Solutions - how design can meet your business challenges
This event is ideally suited to managing directors, marketing directors and marketing staff at all levels within your company. The workshop will be limited to 30 delegates so book early to avoid disappointment by registering online at http://www.marinesoutheast.co.uk/marenet or by emailing your details to admin@marinesoutheast.co.uk
The workshop will start with bacon butties at 8.30am conclude with lunch at 1.30pm. If you would like to receive more information about the Designing Demand programme please contact Jackie Walker, Regional Programme Manager - Designing Demand on 01590 626524 or 07921 484646 or email jackie.walker@businesslinksoutheast.co.uk. Alternatively call Marine South East on 02380 111590 or email admin@marinesoutheast.co.uk
Posted 2008-11-30 17:11:56
International Trade and Global Marine Opportunities MareNet event, Tuesday 10th February
Venue: Royal Southern Yacht Club, Hamble
February’s MareNet event will launch the findings of Marine South East’s Global Opportunities research.
The research was primarily commissioned to provide the data necessary to support strategic planning by SEEDA, who financed the research, and Marine South East, who commissioned the work with K-Matrix, however the work will also support international activity outlined in the Regional Economic Strategy and provide a baseline against which changes in market share can be measured.
The results will be compiled into a report that will prove extremely beneficial to marine businesses seeking to determine which overseas regions offer the best potential for increased market share. Importantly, the report will identify and evaluate both existing and emerging markets for various sub-sectors.
The report, which is amongst the most comprehensive commissioned in recent years, will be presented in two parts; the first detailing marine sector sales for both South East England and the UK as a whole, and the second providing an overview of world markets.
Other topics to be covered during the event will be an overview of the Middle East/North Africa (MENA) region, including SEEDA’s involvement in helping businesses to exploit this market, Marine South East’s strategy for developing markets, and a UKTI case study that demonstrates the effectiveness of UKTI South East’s programmes and schemes for international trade.
Speakers at the event will include:
• Neil Brigden, SEEDA – Middle East & North Africa (MENA)
• Jonathan Williams, Marine South East – Global Opportunities Research findings
• Stephen Sharp, Marine South East – International Trade Strategy
• Christopher Uniacke, UKTI – International trade development case study
This event is equally suited to businesses contemplating dipping a toe into the export pond and those wishing to increase their share of international markets.
Registration for the event will begin at 4.00pm with presentations starting at 4.30pm. The evening will conclude with a networking buffet at 6.30pm.
There is no charge for this event but please be courteous and give at least 72 hours notice of cancellation.
To be amongst the first to get the full report details, ensure that you register for the February MareNet event at the earliest opportunity. To register for this free event please register online at: http://www.marinesoutheast.co.uk/marenet, alternatively email admin@marinesoutheast.co.uk or call 02380 111590
