EDSnet to seek European funding to help deal with environmental disasters

The environmental threat posed by the stranded MSC Napoli off Branscombe beach has illustrated the need for robust and effective decision support systems to assist those responsible for managing risks to the marine environment.

Through it’s six specialist working groups the Environmental Decision Support Network (EDSnet), which has been set up by Marine South East, has worked with experts from the knowledge base and industry to identify the scope for improved crisis management along the coast and look at the wider requirements to improve environmental protection in coastal waters.

Although focused on the South East, EDSnet is not exclusive and has members in other regions. The objective of the programme is to bring organisations together to develop new and innovative projects and products.

EDSnet Vision

• EDSnet will germinate and grow ideas for innovative solutions to address environmental threats through improved decision-making
• It will do this by providing a forum where ‘market pull’ opportunities can connect with ‘science & technology push’ ideas
• Activities will focus on key application areas where advances in core capabilities will enable new products & services

Strategic Application Areas

The work of the working groups has now focused on two strategic areas to seek further funding to continue the work.

Area 1 - Tackling Spills & Incidents

Goal:

‘The development of systems for responding to time-critical events and crises, optimised against environmental, economic & social impacts’.

Project topics
• Application of novel sensor platforms (e.g. AUVs, disposable sensors) and imaging techniques for detection and quantification of spills
• Integration of enhanced metocean model and observation data within spill trajectory forecasting
• Development of socio-economic impact models for use within decision-support tools

Area 2 - Managing Environmental Quality

Goal:

‘The development of systems for managing the status of complex ecosystems, detecting deviation from norms, and forecasting potential liability and the avoidance and management of non-compliance events’.

Project topics:
• Application of novel low-cost sensors, associated meta-data definitions and platforms for enhanced data coverage across sensitive areas
• Development of techniques for integrating ad-hoc observation data within short-term forecasting and eco-s ystem modelling of water quality (e.g. bathing waters)
• Development of biomarker techniques within longer-term environmental management tools, to avoid chronic loss of ecosystem integrity
• Provide new ways of thinking on the sensor side by sharing improvements in forecasting ability
• Improve management through the use of data fusion by assimilating data including image data


These projects can now only continue if funding is put in place to assist the development of these key areas. EDS net and Marine South East are currently seeking funding from a variety of sources and programmes including: DTI technology programme, the European Framework 7 Programme (FP7), Research Council grants etc. Pan-European partnerships are also being set up to provide access to funding sources.

To find out more visit http://www.southeastknp.co.uk/Networks/EDSN

Posted 2007-01-30 12:20:27

New appointee for SEEDA board could help raise the profile of marine industry

Bob Goldfield, the Chief Executive of Dover Harbour Board was appointed to the SEEDA board in mid December. He has been appointed to represent the business community in the region for an initial three year term.

James Brathwaite, Chair of the Board stated: "I am delighted that the standard of candidates for the posts was again very high. I believe this reflects the value which is placed on SEEDA's work, and my only disappointment was that we could not appoint all the great candidates we saw – which included some senior politicians and impressive people from the business and voluntary and community sectors. I am very excited to be welcoming our five new Board members who I’m sure will make a valuable contribution to SEEDA's work."

Bob Goldfield, along with the four other new members, took part in his first board meeting last month.

Posted 2007-01-30 15:03:21

How Marine South East can help you

If you aren’t up to date on Marine South East’s latest projects or would like some more general information on Marine South East’s role in developing the marine industry in the South east then log on to http://www.marinesoutheast.co.uk/docs/general where you can download a copy of our latest Business Plan.

This latest document has information on projects through until March 2008. In this section of the website you will also find all the latest reports and research that Marine South East and other organisations have undertaken to look at critical issues facing our industry.

Posted 2007-01-30 13:08:07

Ground breaking project will help South East marine manufacturers access world class capital facilities

The development of a shared CNC facility has moved a step closer to reality with a meeting last month of keen companies interested in investing in the project.

UK marine companies are among the most innovative in the world, with the predominance of this activity centred in the South East region. Yet for many small and medium sized businesses (SMEs) it is proving ever more difficult to access sophisticated product development facilities that would help them reduce the time it takes to get from the design stage to the market place.

Access to the sophisticated Computer Numerical Control (CNC) equipment necessary to enable the efficient building of plugs and moulds for yacht and composite production is proving prohibitively expensive.

The development of a shared 5 Axis CNC facility will enable access for small businesses to state of the art facilities, at the times when they need it. This will aid rapid product development and improve cost effectiveness by sharing the capital and overhead costs with other companies.

Marine South East has developed a prospectus for the project and has already held meetings with key companies interested in investing in the machine. Investors have discussed the size and type of machine they would require and the level of investment needed.

Jonathan Williams, Chief Executive of Marine South East, has been overseeing the development of this project: “This is vital in helping smaller companies develop products on a level footing with larger organisations. Although we haven’t yet chosen a location for the site there are a few possibilities in the Solent area.

Look out for the Spring issue of our printed newsletter where we are running a feature on the facility and details of how you could get more involved.

If you would like to find out more logon to http://www.marinesoutheast.co.uk/docs/papers where you can download a copy of the prospectus. Alternatively contact us on +44 (0) 23 8076 6751

Posted 2007-01-30 17:40:38

Solent Marine Community to host meeting with Boeing representative

Solent Marine Community has been invited by Boeing's representative for small and medium sized businesses (SMEs) to put together a group of local SMEs involvement to assemble local SMEs' who are interested in marketing to the US Department of Defense.

Any Marine South East SME members who would like to be included should contact Jin Sandhu 02380 766751 or email admin@marinesoutheast.co.uk to register interest.

The meeting is expected to be carried out in Farnborough on Monday 26th February 2007 and will consist of a short presentation from Boeing followed by one to one sessions with companies.

Posted 2007-01-30 15:59:38

Marine companies win top honours at the Portsmouth News Business Excellence Awards

Now in its fifth year, the event saw 500 people at the black tie event which again attracted record entries in eight categories from firms and individuals across the Portsmouth area.

Marine electronics company Tacktick won The News Business Excellence Award for innovation for their Micronet range of wireless electronics products. The secret of Tacktick’s success and lead in the wireless revolution is down to its roots in the dinghy market and the 10 years development of solar powered technology combined with low powered electronics with McMurdo taking a Highly commended prize in the same category.

Another winner was the Volvo Ocean Race stopover team which scooped the Team of the Year prize.
Young entrepreneur, David Hawkins, 21, MD of Boat Care UK while still a university student, was runner up in the Achiever of the Year category, while McMurdo took the runner up prize in Exporter of the Year.

Clive Johnson, Joint Managing Director of Tacktick said: "These awards are very important for a company like Tacktick; they recognise the importance of small innovative companies such as ourselves which lead the field in terms of wireless marine electronics. The award is a fantastic boost for our team and a great start to 2007 when we will be celebrating10 years of wireless electronics."

The News Business Excellence Awards team is always looking for good marine companies based in Portsmouth and the surrounding area to enter, if you would like to find out how to enter the 2008 awards email jeremy.dunning@thenews.co.uk

Posted 2007-01-30 17:35:43

Marine South East seeking project manager

to an expanded portfolio of projects across the South East region Marine South East is currently looking to recruit aproject managers in the solent area.

If you would like to find out more or would like to download a job description for each of these posts log on to the http://www.marinesoutheast.co.uk/tenderdocs/general/, alternatively email Jin admin@marinesoutheast.co.uk for further information. The deadline for applications is mid February.

Posted 2007-01-30 20:19:34

Business and funding support

Proposals in place to increase workers’ minimum holiday entitlement

Jim Fitzpatrick, Employment Minister, today announced the Government's proposals to increase workers' holiday entitlement from 20 days per year to 28.

New research has shown that up to six million workers would benefit from an extra eight days holiday each year under the plans. Some employers currently include the eight bank holidays as part of workers' 20-day annual leave entitlement (pro-rata for part-timers).

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is launching a second public consultation on the implementation of the changes. Statutory annual leave entitlement would be increased in two stages, rising from 20 to 24 days on 1st October 2007, and from 24 to 28 days on 1st October 2008.

Research by the DTI found that groups standing to benefit most from the changes include women, part-time workers, low-paid workers and workers from minority ethnic communities.

The move would protect vulnerable workers and allow reputable companies to compete on a more level playing field with those companies that give employees only the minimum of holiday entitlement.

Jim Fitzpatrick, DTI Minister for Employment Relations, said:

"Most companies already recognise that good holiday provision makes good business sense. Holiday entitlement can be a key factor in recruiting and retaining staff. Holidays are also important for productivity as they help minimise sick leave and keep people motivated and refreshed.

"We've worked closely with business and have wanted to make sure that they have time to prepare for the changes.

"People work hard and they deserve a decent break. We want to make sure everyone gets the holiday they are entitled to."

An increase would move UK workers' annual leave entitlement closer to that of workers in other European countries, where holiday allowance is typically more generous. Compared with the current minimum allowance of 20 days in the UK, for example, workers in Ireland are entitled to 29 days; the highest minimum entitlement is in Austria at 38 days.

The DTI has already consulted widely on the increase and has sought the views of business and trade bodies. The cost to business is expected to be around 0.4% of the wages bill.

Posted 2007-01-30 13:11:02

Funding available through the Government’s new Train to Gain

Train to Gain is a new service designed to help businesses get the training they need to succeed. It is funded nationally by the Learning and Skills Council.
The service offers free impartial advice on the skills needs of a business.

A Train to Gain Skills Broker will work with an employer to carry out an analysis of business need to assess what skills the business could benefit from. From this Organisational Needs Analysis the Skills Broker will give impartial advice on training and funding that is available. Skills Brokers also signpost to a range of business support agencies including Business Link, JCP, UKTI etc.

The Train to Gain service also offers funded training delivered by accredited training providers; this is for employees to gain their first, full level-2 qualification, including Skills for Life training.

For employers with less than 50 employees there is a contribution to wage costs for those who achieve an eligible qualification.
For more information or if you would like to arrange a meeting with a local Skills Broker please call 08457 512288.

Or see the Train to Gain website at
http://www.traintogain.gov.uk

Posted 2007-01-30 13:32:44

Companies are missing out on claiming R&D Tax Credits

DTI have recently published new advice for businesses to help improve understanding about the benefits of R&D Tax Credits and to provide reassurance that the application process is relatively straightforward.

R&D Tax Credits represent the biggest single source of financial support offered by the government for business R&D activities. However, many companies are missing out either because they do not appreciate that their R&D activities qualify for support or because they feel the application process is too complicated.

An introductory leaflet ‘R&D Tax Credits: What’s in it for you?’ and a series of case studies illustrating how a range of companies have successfully applied for the R&D Tax Credits can be found on the DTI website http://www.dti.gov.uk/innovation/randd/randd-tax-credits/page11350.html or alternatively copies can be ordered from the DTI Publications order line on 0845 015 0010.

Posted 2007-01-30 15:00:02

Training and skills

City College succeeds in bid to establish prestigious Regional Resource Centre for advanced marine composites

Southampton City College has recently announced the launch a new Regional Resource Centre (RRC) for advanced marine composite technologies. The development follows a co-funded grant of £500,000 from the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA) and the European Social Fund (ESF).

The centre, one of the first of its kind, will be based at City College’s Maritime Technology Centre (MTC) at Woolston, Southampton. It will initially focus on up-skilling pre-qualified design engineers with modern CAD/CAM techniques for resolving complex structural engineering design problems. It will also concentrate on the best practice for manufacturing processes using advanced composites.

The RRC will provide a practical and active knowledge resource that can be shared by marine businesses throughout the southeast region, from Hampshire and the Isle of Wight in the west to Kent in the east and on up to Oxfordshire in the north, including greater London.

Working in partnership with two other organisations - Solent University and the Milton-Keynes, Oxfordshire & Buckinghamshire Engineering CoVE - the new resource centre will offer pioneering industry-driven training for companies, current students and tutors across the whole of the southeast region.

Kenneth Cast, Marine RRC Project Manager, said, “The RRC will boost the ability of marine manufacturers in the region that use composite materials to compete in international markets. Further, the location of the RRC at City College’s MTC will provide, for the first time, a continuous and progressive learning pathway from entry level at 16 through to degree level via the RRC partnership faculties in this critical sector of the marine industry”.

To find out more contact Ken Cast, RRC Project Manager on 023 8057 7606 or Richard Goldsbrough, Marketing Information on 023 8057 7214.

Posted 2007-01-30 15:07:18

Employers set to reap the rewards of 180 new training places up for grabs

Employers in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight are being urged to leap into action and contact IBP Employment & Training Ltd to find out how they could benefit from 180 new, fully-funded, training places.

Based on the success of the MEMS Partnership brokerage model, IBP Employment & Training are now able to work with an additional 200 companies to develop training offers which directly address their skills shortages and training needs, thanks to additional funding from the Learning & Skills Council for Hampshire & Isle of Wight using the European Social Fund.

This year IBP will be launching two new qualifications:- Engineering Leadership, NVQ Level Three, and Engineering Technical Support, NVQ Level Three. The need for this kind of engineering training has been identified as a key requirement by industry, but until now has not been readily available in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

The qualifications will therefore focus on, increasing the skills of supervisors who require further development in technical functions such as engineering drawing; quality control; non-destructive testing; computer programming, and technical services.

The popular Business Improvement Techniques NVQ Level Three will also be available to companies and is delivered through a start-up programme of taught workshops. Funding is available immediately and will run until March 2008. For further information on how your business might benefit from training please contact Linda Mace at IBP Training & Employment Ltd on 01264 369357 email: lmace@ibptraining.co.uk

Posted 2007-01-30 16:39:43

Young people with a keen interest in the marine sector looking for short work placements

Southampton City College is looking for companies interested in hosting young people for apprenticeships, work placement, work trials or Saturday jobs. The students have been at college since September 2006, on courses including marine engineering, composites, boat building, electrics and electronics. All of them have either a City & Guilds level 2 or an NVQ level 2 in Performing Engineering Operations.

Many of the young people have others interests in the sector, such as one candidate who is a water taxi operator at the weekend and another with a background of working within the sector previously.

All of the young people have been interviewed to ensure their suitability to being placed within a company and they are from areas along the coast from Bognor Regis to Lymington.

For companies that don’t have experience of working with young people and taking on apprentices we have an apprentice mentor who will visit you and help you guide these young people in the right direction

If you are interested in finding out more about the candidates available or you would like to talk to the mentor contact Karen Jackson on 02380 652 562 or email kjackson@ibptraining.co.uk

Posted 2007-01-30 17:11:47

The law relating to brokerage and boat retailers

A one-day course designed to:
• Increase Boat retailers' knowledge of law and legislation as it relates to the sale and purchase of craft in the European Union
• Reduce disputes and rejection by purchasers of craft
• Aimed at those who have responsibility for the legal issues surrounding brokerage and retail.
What do you get for your money?
• On-hand advice from professional Marine Solicitor for full day - will answer any questions you have
• Copies of all notes/presentations from the course
• 80 page course manual which will act as a reference guide for your day to day work
• BMF Standard Documents

Dates:
Midlands 21st February 2007
Egham 14th March 2007
East Anglia 1st March 2007

Fees:
BMF Members: £145 + VAT
Non Members: £220 + VAT
To reserve your places, please complete and return the booking form on the BMF website or contact Liv Whetmore on 01784 223631 or lwhetmore@britishmarine.co.uk

Posted 2007-01-30 17:03:04

Marine Apprentice Mentor training – last three places available

The first marine apprentice mentoring course started in January as part of a project set up by Marine South East and IBP Training and Employment to encourage more marine companies to develop apprenticeship programmes within their organisation by helping them access mentoring support and develop the skills required to supervise apprentices.

This new partnership was set up to develop the skills of team leaders to coach an apprentice through their training and work experience. The programme will be developed using a marine-focused Institute of Leadership and Management qualification as well as additional tuition focusing on coaching, mentoring and recording and recognising learning achievements.

A second intake is now being sought, with just three places remaining. We are particularly looking for companies based in Chichester. If you are interested in becoming involved contact Karen Jackson on 02380 652 562 or email kjackson@ibptraining.co.uk

Posted 2007-01-30 17:21:07

Raymarine Service Agents work towards BMET certification

The British Marine Federation (BMF) and BMEA (British Marine Electronics Association) established the British Marine Electronics Technicians (BMET) Scheme in January 2005 to provide a standard for marine electronics technicians.

The aim is to give everyone in the marine electronics industry - consumers, dealers, distributors and manufacturers a standard to ensure quality installation and service of marine electronics equipment.

This year Raymarine is actively encouraging all Raymarine service agents to become certified under the BMET scheme. Working closely with the BMEA and using Raymarine’s own training curriculum with the addition of the BMET qualification, the company is convinced that certification will become an industry supported and consumer recognised, platform of accreditation which will demonstrate commitment to recognised standards, leading to improved quality and reliability of installation and service to the benefit of all our customers as well as reduced warranty

To gain the BMET certificate at Intermediate Level there are 4 requirements, which every candidate must meet:
1 Pass the BMET exam
2 Complete the practical tasks for either Electrical or Electronics
3 Show at least 1 year’s relevant work experience
4 Provide a copy of their Short Range Certificate
Copies of all necessary documentation can be found at: http://www.britishmarine.co.uk/training

Posted 2007-01-30 17:00:44

The Defence Acquisition Change Programme, Friday 23 February 2007

Venue: Army & Navy Club, London

A Presentation by the Mod Defence Acquisition Change Deputy Programme Director Commodore Mark Anderson, Royal Navy

As part of the government’s Defence Industrial Strategy, the Ministry of Defence has embarked on a far reaching change programme for the acquisition of defence capability. The change programme is now at an advanced stage and the consequences for industry are significant.

UK naval and maritime business opportunities emerging from the Ministry of Defence owe their origins to a complex yet logical process that develops maritime capability requirements into real through life capability which embraces platforms, systems and equipments and their through-life support.

It is important that this process should be understood in detail by the UK naval and maritime industry if the many companies that operate in this field are to play a full role in generating the country’s naval and maritime capability in accordance with the principles enshrined in the new Defence Industrial Strategy

Cut-off date for receipt of all applications is Friday 16 February 2007.

For further information contact Clementina Upton on 020 7928 9199 or email events@maritimeindustries.org

Posted 2007-01-30 16:33:44

Dover Maritime Careers Festival, Friday 23rd and Saturday 24th March 2007

Venue: Dover Cruise Terminal (Western Docks)

Following the success of the 2006 Careers Day, plans are now in place to build on the attraction and hold an event this year in March.

Last years attractions included a Royal Fleet Auxiliary vessel and a Maritime Coastguard Agency vessel and visitors were given a fantastic opportunity to see what life is like at sea and view displays from the Dover Water Sports Centre and try their skills with Ship Bridge Navigational Simulator.

The Careers day is part of a national initiative by the Maritime industry to make people aware of careers and jobs available to them in “today’s” Maritime industry which employs more than a quarter of a million people.

Programme
Day one will be the major careers day, not only encompassing maritime careers such as deck and engine cadets, but also jobs within the hotel department, retail and entertainment. Many of the companies that took place last year have already signed up this year’s event and new companies are expected. This would enable the event to attract a more extensive array of organisations - The Immigration Service, Customs Service, Army, Royal Navy, and local maritime related businesses will be invited.
The aim is to get schools and careers advisors involved to give students the ideal springboard into maritime activities.

Having vessels on display will give schools the opportunity to visit and to be shown facilities, living conditions, and the bridge and possibly machinery spaces rooms. It is proposed that the careers day would open at 1000 hours and run to 17.00 hours, (ship open to visitors 1030 – 1630).

Day 2 will provide an opportunity for the general public to visit the cruise terminal, visit the ship and understand what the Maritime Industry has to offer.

It is hoped that numerous people and organisations would be involved, which could create a “feel good factor” throughout the Dover area, at a time when it is really needed. Entry would be free but we would look to participating organisations to make a donation of £200 towards the running costs of the event. Charities i.e. Sea Cadets and National Trust are not expected to contribute financially.

If you would like to find out more or would be interested in exhibiting contact John Allix, Event Director on 01304 240881 or 07764 251392. Alternatively email jallix@vikingrecruitment.com or john.allix@btinternet.com

Posted 2007-01-30 18:17:52

Trade Mission to Vietnamese Yards and Shipbuilders, 3 March - 10 March 2007

Venue: Vietnam

BMEA is organising and managing the above captioned trade mission to Vietnam.

The Vietnamese new build, conversion and repair Yards have really taken off in the last few years, under the overall control of VINASHIN.

The plan is to visit the VINASHIN Administration and Shipyards within a 2 hour luxury coach ride from Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) in the South and Hanoi in the North.

Since the Vietnamese Yards are challenging China on price, expansion is phenomenal and VINASHIN is hungry to seek out the latest marine equipment and products and technologies from European firms, in particular.

In view of BMEA's close relationship with the Korean Yards, Hyundai Mipo have specifically invited delegates to visit their large repair facility which is some 2 hours from HCMC.

Delegates will also visit Graig Shipping, who presently build ships in the Shanghai area and have now also moved into Vietnam. Again, the BMEA Group has been invited to their new facility to observe their award winning diamond 53 double hull bulk carrier being built. We also plan to visit Keppel FELS Limited and many of the other Shipyards under the control of the VINASHIN Administration.

For further information contact Karen Gray on 020 7928 9199 or email Karen.Gray@maritimeindustries.org

Posted 2007-01-30 16:44:44

£10 Panama and Sri lanka Port Sector Trade Missions, 5 - 9 March 2007

If you are active or interested in doing business in Panama and Sri Lanka you may be interested in two separate UK Trade & Investment Ports Trade missions taking place during week beginning w/b 5 March 2007.
£010

Posted 2007-01-30 17:44:59

Developing Export Sales Skills Workshop, Thursday 8th March 2007

Venue: Society of Maritime Industries, London

This course has been specially designed for those who have home market sales experience but are starting to develop new export markets.

The course starts by learning how to communicate your company product or service in 20-30 words, using language that overseas customers will understand. We look at how to find the right customers, distributor or agents, telephone research techniques and how to get the appointment, the rules of professional selling, how to build an export price and negotiate a profitable order.

The course is full of practical examples and delegates need to bring along their company brochures and company presentations for these sessions.

For further information contact Clementina Upton on 020 7928 9199 or email events@maritimeindustries.org

Posted 2007-01-30 16:37:15

The First Sea Lord talks to the Naval and Maritime Industries, Monday 26 March 2007

Venue: Army & Navy Club, London

Sustaining the Royal Navy’s capability in the longer term remains dependent as much on the output from the maritime and naval industries as on the professionalism, doctrine, training and organisation of its people.

As the professional head of this fighting service, the First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir Jonathon Band, has executive responsibility for maintaining that capability. And it is evolving rapidly as much under the influence of the changing international scene as under domestic political and financial constraints.

The presentation is a unique opportunity for a wide cross section of the naval & maritime industries to hear at first hand the priorities that are being set for the Royal Navy as it evolves towards the second decade of the 21st century and to seek clarification of these from the professional head of the service.

For further information contact Clementina Upton on 020 7928 9199 or email bnea@maritimeindustries.org

Posted 2007-01-30 16:41:29

DESO MULTI-NATION INWARD MISSION, 4th - 8th JUNE 2007

Venue: Portsmouth

The aim of this inward mission is to promote UK ethos, capability and expertise within a specialised area and introduce the UK defence industry to foreign delegates to help companies increase marketing and sales opportunities.

The 2007 theme will be homeland security - border protection & enforcement. The equipment capabilities required by participating companies are:-
Surveillance (including tracking, monitoring, scanning, uav, cctv, listening, imaging and identification equipment);
Protection (including patrol vessels, access control, filtration, physical & blast barriers, shelters, clothing and hazmat equipment);
Detection (including alarms, sensors, screening, scanning, eod/ied equipment);
C4i (including cyber protection, secure, insecure & emergency communications, sensor fusion, tactical picture compilation data links, information display systems, crisis management gis systems/software, sensors, hf/vhf/uhf radios and encryption equipment);
Support services (including shelters, energy & water production, medical, catering, communications, simulators, training, risk assessment and analysis & evaluation equipment).

If you think you might be interested in participating, register with the project manager, John Foster at the Defence Export Services Organisation on 0207 305 2601 or email comsplan1@deso.mod.uk

Posted 2007-01-30 17:24:57

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