Email News July 2011
South East Marine companies enjoy success in the Spirit of Innovation Awards at Seawork 2011
A number of South East marine companies featured amongst the winners of the Spirit of Innovation Awards at this year's Seawork exhibition and conference.
Overall winners of the Spirit of Innovation Award were Houlder Ltd for their wind Turbine Access System which has been jointly developed with Southampton based BMT Nigel Gee. The lightweight motion compensated gangway provides safe and reliable access from workboats and is already strongly supported by developers and vessel operators in recognition of both the significant safety improvement and increased maintenance window it provides from workboats in rougher weather. The product has already featured in several vessel designs, increasing the significant wave height window from 1.5m to 2.0m for personnel transfer.
Isle of Wight based GRP Laminates, who are well known to MSE through their participation in the SMARTA project, won the Diving & Underwater Technology category for the MSV Explorer sub-surface viewing craft which sits 1.2m below the ocean surface and offers a clear, unobstructed view of the undersea environment. In addition to the obvious leisure and tourist applications the MSV Explorer also provides commercial opportunities for filming and sub-surface survey and security inspection of floating structures and vessels.
Wave Craft UK from Eastleigh in Hampshire won the Marine Civil Engineering & Construction category with its Waveblade, the world’s first hand held power barnacle remover. The Waveblade is a small and light hand held power tool specifically designed to effortlessly remove biofouling, including barnacles and mussel deposits on GRP, steel and wooden hulls, concrete and steel structures and propellers and drives. The patented technology enables the oscillating head to deliver a high frequency resonance through the blade into the encrusted substrate. The company also launched the Waveblade Plus at Seawork, a cordless more powerful variant that ensures divers can maintain hulls and marine structures at greater depths.
Ringwood based Echopilot were winners of the Safety & Training category with their 2D forward looking sonar which is the culmination of 19 years of research and manufacture of forward looking sonars.
Posted 2011-06-15 13:30:57
Marine South East secures new co-funding for sea-state project
Facilitated through the MEREX Knowledge Network, Marine South East and its partners have secured Technology Strategy Board co-funding for the 'WaveSentry' project.
WaveSentry concerns the development of a new information and forecasting tool for managing the risks of marine operations in adverse sea states. The project was launched in May at a kick-off meeting hosted by the lead partner, HR Wallingford Ltd.
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 problem 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 develop and apply techniques to substantially enhance the integration of diverse data sources, in order to offer adverse sea-state data to multiple end-user markets.
Improved sea-state forecasting is of significant value to a wide range of maritime activities including: offshore renewable energy installations; ferry services; search and rescue operations; offshore construction and oil and gas operations. As the WaveSentry system integrates additional data sources it has the potential to offer global coverage. During the 18 months of the project a demonstration system will operate in the English Channel area.
WaveSentry was conceived and developed through Marine South East's MEREX Knowledge Network. MEREX aims to bring together knowledge base and industry organisations in new collaborations such as WaveSentry. The WaveSentry consortium consists of:
* 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
In addition to project management and dissemination tasks Marine South East will be engaging with relevant organizations to maximize exploitation of project outputs through 'wider business benefit activities', (WBBA).
To learn more about WaveSentry and how you can participate in the 'WBBA' please contact:
Simon Powell, Project Manager, Marine South East Ltd simon@marinesoutheast.co.uk
To register for the MEREX Knowledge Network please visit http://www.merex.co.uk
Posted 2011-06-14 10:36:28
Minister for State given aerial tour of Daedalus site
The Minister of State for Business and Enterprise, Mark Prisk MP, was given an aerial tour of the Daedalus site in Gosport by the Solent LEP who are planning to bid for the site to become an Enterprise Zone for aerospace and marine businesses.
The aim of the Ministerial tour was to demonstrate the huge economic potential the site offers which is waiting to be unlocked.
If the bid is successful, the Enterprise Zone will enable companies to develop the site with simplified planning regulations and business rate discounts. This will allow businesses already on the site to expand and attract new business to the area.
Currently, there is less than half a job per resident in Gosport, often causing the surrounding transport infrastructure to grind to a halt as people commute out of the area to find work.
Solent LEP board member Russell Kew, CEO of Wightlink Ferries, and Caroline Dineage, MP for Gosport, escorted the Minister on the tour.
Posted 2011-06-15 17:19:08
Economic Impact analysis of Southampton Port presented to large audience
Marine South East and Atkins delivered insightful research findings centred on the economic impact of the Port of Southampton, and the opportunities for its supply chain at an event, which took place on 28th June at Ocean Cruise Terminal, ABP Southampton.
Addressing both public and private sector delegates, Doug Morrison, Port Director of ABP Southampton, set the scene with an informative overview of the port's development. The welcome address highlighted factors such as positive growth in the cruise industry in Southampton despite the competition from the northern ports such as Liverpool.
Jonathan Williams, Chief Executive, Marine South East focused on growth and employment potential of the sector, introducing the reasons behind the research's commission, looking at the economic impact and supply chain opportunities for ports, security & logistics. The presentation gave positive examples of innovation and supply chain support projects, highlighting the work of the TIME project, a European cross-border initiative focused on collaboration between companies operating across South East England, Nord-Pas de Calais and Flanders.
Richard Coburn from the research group Atkins, presented the eagerly anticipated results of the Economic Impact Analysis of the Port of Southampton. It was announced that the port contributes £1.8 billion to the UK economy and supports over 30,000 jobs. It also reinforced that Southampton has the majority share of the cruise market, which has experienced 400 percent growth over the last 12 years.
Moving forward, the masterplan has forecast a significant increase in cargo over the next 20 years with container traffic set to triple. It was stated that this could have a significant and positive impact on jobs as early as 2013.
Prior to the concluding panel discussion, Iain Shepherd, Chairman of Marine South East illustrated how the South Coast Maritime Board is helping to drive growth and investment through LEPs with Doug Morrison introducing the priorities of the Solent LEP and Iain Shepherd illustrating the vision for the Coast to Capital LEP.
The seminar stimulated high levels of discussion amongst all attendees, with a multitude of topics ranging from developing future partnerships to attracting graduates to the maritime sector being discussed and questions put to the panel.
Information about the event including presentations can be found at http://www.marinesoutheast.co.uk/docs/papers/
Posted 2011-07-01 11:04:21
Sustainability Network launched for marine companies
Marine South East has launched a Sustainability Network for marine companies looking to develop a sustainable approach to business whilst at the same time improving their profitability as part of their SMARTA European funded project.
Developing a sustainable approach to business not only makes sound commercial sense but can also have a measurable impact on profitability, however keeping up with the latest marine-related environmental news and developments isn't always easy.
Unless you're prepared to spend time searching a plethora of websites, it can be difficult to keep track of emerging innovative technologies, environmental courses and seminars or the latest environmental legislation. Fortunately, we can save you time by delivering condensed, relevant environmental news to your inbox. We do the sorting, so if it's not relevant to the marine sector, we won't include it.
Signing-up to the SMARTA Sustainability Network will ensure you receive a link to our monthly newsletter plus invitations to local networking events, where selected specialists will provide an expert insight into topical issues.
Joining the SMARTA Sustainability Network is free of charge, as is attendance at the networking events.
If you'd like to receive more information and a signing-up form please email admin@marinesoutheast.co.uk
or download an application form from http://www.marinesoutheast.co.uk/smarta/downloads/
Posted 2011-06-22 20:40:40
MEP's visit Marine South East
Marine South East recently played host to no fewer than 7 MEPs (Member of the European Parliament) who were representing the European Parliamentary Committee on Regional Development.
The MEP's were keen to hear details of Marine South East's regional initiatives and European projects, and to gauge opinions on strategic and operational aspects of European funding, as the Committee are charged with examining the developing European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) under the next Framework Programme.
The European Commission is keen to achieve key change in the following areas:
* Simplification of Bureaucracy
* Involvement of SMEs
* Greater Regional Determination
* Reduction of Waste / Duplication
* Improvement of Project Administration
* Simplification of Payment Process
The group comprised: Delegation Chair Ms Constanze Angela Krehl (Germany), Mr Sean Kelly (Ireland), Mr Joachim Zeller (Germany), Mr Peter Simon (Germany), Mr Oldrich Vlasak (Czech Republic), Ms Vilja Savisaar-Toomast, (Estonia) and Ms Catherine Bearder (Sponsor and MEP for South East England).
Iain Shepherd, Chairman of Marine South East, and the MEP's later met with Partnership for Urban South Hampshire (PUSH) and Portsmouth City Council members. The meeting was extremely productive with the MEPs showing considerable interest in the prospect of Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP)-wide bids, possibly encompassing adjacent LEPs. This arrangement would allow major projects to be presented as a complete partnership project rather than multiple small bids.
Posted 2011-06-20 15:23:42
£300M still left on London 2012 shopping list
Supply opportunities are coming through thick and fast from London 2012 with £300M still to be contracted via the weekly bulletins of new opportunities which are listed on http://www.competefor.co.uk website.
Some of the recent requirements have been as varied as a direct mail supplier for the Get Set schools programme to supply of equipment and facilities for the test event programme. Three catering companies in the South East have secured contracts to supply food to Olympic venues in 2012 providing a fantastic boost for the South East economy.
The Olympic Torch is coming to a number of towns and cities in the South East, and could provide a fantastic opportunity for businesses to benefit. In the South East the overnight stops are confirmed as:
* Oxford - Monday 9th July, day 54
* Reading - Tuesday 10th July, day 55
* Southampton - Saturday 14th July, day 58
* Portsmouth - Sunday 15th July, day 59
* Brighton and Hove - Monday 16th July, day 60
* Hastings - Tuesday 17th July, day 61
* Dover - Wednesday 18th July, day 62
* Maidstone - Thursday 19th July, day 63
* Guildford - Friday 20th July, day 64
These towns and cities will host the torch overnight and evening celebrations featuring a variety of entertainment and shows, each unique to the community putting on the event, will show off the best of the local area, bringing people together to mark the Olympic Flame's arrival. To find out more about the Olympic Torch Relay go to:
http://www.london2012.com/olympic-torch-relay
Business Link South East will be hosting a number of events in the region during July and September to help businesses benefit from the remaining opportunities and also to assist in the preparation for the impact of the Games. The first event will be on the 28th July in Aylesbury. September dates and locations tbc.
If you are interested in attending these events then please send your name and contact details by email to southeast2012business@soadevelopment.co.uk
Posted 2011-06-13 11:30:42
Marine workshops and units available to let
Currently MDL have a range of workshop and office units (from 200 to 10,000 sq ft) available to let on flexible terms so whether you're an expanding start up company, looking for your first office, or an industry leader, MDL may have the premises to suit your needs.
MDL Marinas are a leader in the marina sector and are host to a full range of boating related companies including new boat sales, brokers, marine engineers, insurers, sail makers, workshops and chandleries which creates the ideal marine hub where occupiers can benefit from proximity to other boating companies and boating clientele.
There are 19 UK marinas in prime locations from the River Hamble and Solent to the south Devon coast and the quieter waters of the River Thames.
Benefits include;
* Offices and workshops in prime marine locations
* Flexible lease terms available at competitive rents
* Access to the UK's highest value boating audience
* Berthing, lifting and storage facilities available at most sites at preferential rates
* Extensive marine trades and services
* 24 hour staffing and security
* Showers, toilets, car parking and other on site facilities
For further information please contact;
Matthew Leonard-Williams,
Estates Director
MDL Marinas Group Plc
Tel: 023 8045 0219
Email: m.l-w@mdlmarinas.co.uk
http://www.mdlmarinas.co.uk
Posted 2011-06-24 11:18:51
French boatbuilder looking for British representation
Wrighton Yachts based in Northern France is looking for British representation for its range of twin keel cruisers from 26 - 38 feet sold under the 'Bi-Loup' brand name.
The company has been in existance for 30 years and builds around 40 boats per year.
The last two models from the company the Bi-loup 30 and Bi-loup 26 are innovative yachts with asymmetrical profiled keels to reduce leeway and a winged rudder that corrects for lack of depth.
Over the 30 years more than 1000 boats have been produced by the boatyard.
The company is looking to expand into the British market in 2012 and is actively looking for dealers in different regions.
For more information please contact:
Wrighton yachts
Mederic THIOUT
m.thiout@wrighton.fr
+ 33 321 57 13 51
Posted 2011-06-13 11:13:36
Leigh Academy to showcase marine engineering skills at Bluewater Shopping Centre
Marine companies looking to recruit young people into their workforce might find a visit to the Bluewater Shopping Centre, Kent to be of interest.
Between the 11–15th July the students of Leigh Academy will be holding a 'Design & Technology Exhibition' showing the work they have undertaken as part of their Engineering courses.
Leigh Academy have good links with many large and SME companies involved in Advanced Engineering and the students also compete in many national and regional engineering competitions. They have a proven track record in the 'Schools Marine Challenge' where they have been the overall and class winners on many occasions. This requires them to design and build solar, electric or methanol powered craft which are judged on aspects such as: innovation; teamwork and the need to show how the design was conceived and evolved. The 'Schools Marine Challenge' is a practical engineering project which is managed by the students and utilises modern processes including the design and manufacture with SolidWorks 3D CAD.
The school has been praised by Ofsted for the practical approach that it takes to prepare its pupils for the world of work and this is reflected in the excellent work that they produce.
This is the third year that the Bluewater Centre has hosted Leigh Academy and provides an opportunity for potential employers and the public to see the skills of the future workforce.
Further information;
Steve Leahey mailto:sla@leighacademy.org.uk or Tel: 01322 620427
Location: Bluewater Shopping Centre, Kent (Lower Mall next to WH Smiths)
Times: 11 July Preview 5-8pm
12-14 July 10am – 8pm
15 July 10am-12pm
Posted 2011-06-30 10:21:21
Marine South East involvement in European Maritime Day, Poland
Marine South East hosted an event during the European Maritime Day held in Gdansk, Poland at the end of June 2011 which attracted varied participation including delegates from Poland, Denmark, France, Germany, Sweden and the UK.
The event gave rise to a detailed discussion about clusters and their role in value-add which can lead to economic growth as well as their importance in helping to commercialise the knowledge base within universities and research centre.
The meeting noted that that EC is planning to implement the Integrated Maritime Strategy (IMS) in concrete ways that could create new employment and that SMEs will be central to this, and clusters have a real potential to help achieve this ambition.
Posted 2011-06-13 11:56:51
New grant through the Skills Funding Agency leads to ‘Gr8er Business Outcomes’
Trayn4Synergy is a Business Leaders programme with a difference. The programme has been designed to provide owners and leaders of growing businesses with the skills
and knowledge to ensure their people are onboard and to improve overall business and team performance.
The programme involves four workshops (one day a month) that focus on the fundamental skills of management, leadership and communication within the workplace with the fifth day supporting and leading fellow delegates on board a
40’ yacht in the Solent.
Trayn4Synergy will be working with Skills South East to help local businesses’ with at least one employee and less than 249 employees access a grant from the Leadership and Management Advisory Service. If eligible, the grant will enable businesses to save 50 percent of the cost to enroll on the workshop and yacht-based programme.
For More Info Telephone:
01489 579 872 or visit http://www.trayn4synergy.co.uk
