Marine South East March 2007 issue
Business Development
MARINE TECHNOLOGY STRATEGY - A Contribution to SEEDA's Innovation Action Plan
Marine SE has developed a marine technology strategy with assistance from SEEDA, which started being put into practice late last year.
The objective of this activity has been to create a market-led perspective on future priorities for technology development in support of a growing, competitive marine industry.
The work has been carried forward in close co-operation with marine companies as well as the region’s strong marine science & technology base. The methodology to define the strategy, and the mechanism proposed to implement it, have a wide relevance to innovation within all high-value manufacturing and related service sectors. The outcomes offer new business-led ideas in focusing support for innovation.
The strategy was developed to build on a range of recent studies and consultations, including:
• A Marine Future Focus workshop hosted by DTI in May 2005
• The European Waterborne Technology Platform developed under FP7
• The Defence Technology Strategy published by MoD in 2006
• Other sectoral technology strategies, including that developed under AeIGT
• SEEDA’s Regional Economic Strategy 2006-2016
It addresses the needs of growth markets over the complete spectrum of marine
commercial activities, including ports, shipping, environment & security, shipbuilding & repair, marine equipment manufacture, leisure craft manufacture, energy & resource extraction, and marine services.
If you would like to read the full report log on to http://www.marinesoutheast.co.uk/docs/tech and click on Marine Sector Technology Plans.
Posted 2007-03-01 05:38:51
Improving skills to meet future technology needs
The first phase of the Technology Skills project is now completed. The project, which is being implemented jointly by Marine South East and the Farnborough Aerospace Consortium, has initially been talking to companies about how they are planning for their future need for better technology and how this will affect their skills needs.
This research phase has thrown up some interesting responses from companies and has shown a concerning lack of forward planning to meet their technology skill needs over the next few years.
Jonathan Williams, Chief Executive of Marine South East, commented: “Forty eight companies were interviewed and although some had sound planning in place to deal with large orders and use of technology, this certainly wasn’t the case across the board.”
He went on to say: “We are now planning a Board-level meeting between ourselves, the Farnborough Aerospace Consortium and some senior members of SEEDA to look at how we can tackle this problem and move forward in planning for future advanced technology needs.”
The aim of this project is to work in partnership to develop processes and training to meet the sector’s increasing reliance on advanced technology.
Posted 2007-03-01 06:04:41
New tender opportunities on our website
Marine south East has recently published a list of new tender opportunities for marine businesses in the region.
They include:
Cayman Islands – procurement of 4 new vessels
Lithuania – River Tugboat required
Lithuania – four diesel engines for ships
Australia - RFT Floating Dock for Australian Marine Complex
Orkney Islands – new pilot vessel
Portugal – new pilot boat
If you would like to find out more, including deadlines and contact information go to www.marinesoutheast.co.uk/tender_opportunities.
Posted 2007-03-01 06:13:31
Shipbuilding in North West Russia
UK Trade & Investment has recently published research, now featured on the Marine South East website, on opportunities in North West Russia.
Shipbuilding is traditionally one of the leading industries in St Petersburg and north-west Russia. In general the north-west region can be considered as the centre for all Russia marine business activities, with up to 70% of production facilities and up to 80% of scientific and research institutions concentrated here. There are over 20 large shipbuilding enterprises in St Petersburg, which produce ships and vessels, parts, services and maintenance.
However, the ship equipment manufactured by many local companies is quite outdated, and the majority of former USSR plants manufacturing component parts are now based in the CIS countries. There is a demand for cheap and good quality ship equipment, devices and furnishings for civil shipbuilding.
This offers some opportunities for British companies, for the sale of technology, equipment, and for possible joint ventures or production outsourcing.
Download your copy of the UKTI reports from the Marine South East website http://www.marinesoutheast.co.uk/docs/research and click on Marine Export.
Posted 2007-03-01 05:40:57
Networking
Helping companies work together to increase profit
Marine South East has been working with the University of Brighton on a new initiative called ProfitNet, a local learning network which could help marine companies improve profit by working in collaboration with others. There are now only 3 spaces left on this programme so you will need ot act now I fyou would like ot get involved.
The scheme helps a group of similar marine companies come together to share knowledge and experience and work together to find solutions to common problems. The network is a new way of learning and growing organisations and the ProfitNet programme is available entirely free of charge to companies.
ProfitNet was developed by the Centre for Research and Innovation Management (CENTRIM) at the University of Brighton. The network’s aim is to provide organisations with a unique opportunity to form close alliances with one another under the expert guidance of professional facilitators. Participants in this exciting programme will discover new ways of problem solving and address issues of sustainability such as sourcing funding, managing innovation, creating new products and services and building new networks and partnerships.
The ProfitNet programme is now entering its third successful year, and is proud to have already positively supported over 100 enterprises in the South East, including sectors as diverse as horticulture, leisure, hospitality and manufacturing.
Marine South East is keen to see a marine ProfitNet group come together in the Chichester region encompassing marine companies from West Sussex through to Portsmouth. To express an interest in being involved in this group please contact Nick Rodgers, the West Sussex ProfitNet Manager on 01273 643222 or email profitnet@brighton.ac.uk.
Log on to http://www.brighton.ac.uk/profitnetfor more information.
Posted 2007-03-01 06:00:59
Local Marine Networks on the web
If you would like to find out about the support available to marine companies in your local area you could start your search on the Marine South East Local Marine Networks page http://www.marinesoutheast.co.uk/nets.
Here you will find details and links to local marine networks across the whole of the region, from the River Medway Business Users Association in the East to Weymouth and Portland Marine Directory in the West.
Posted 2007-03-01 05:56:10
Have your say on future Marenet events
Since taking over the Marenet brand last month, Marine South east has been working on a programme of events for the coming months. However, we would also like to hear from you to see if there are any topics you would particularly liked featured at a Marenet meeting.
Email sarah@marinesoutheast.co.uk if you have any suggestions or you would like to be included on our database to hear about dates and topics for future meeting. You will soon be able to register for events online.
Posted 2007-03-01 05:54:13
Seawork celebrates a decade
When the doors open at Seawork 2007 International on 12 June, the biggest and fastest growing business-to-business trade event for the commercial marine and workboat sectors will notch up its first decade. New developments in 2007 include a much bigger Ship Repair and Ship Building Pavilion, incorporating companies such as MMS Ship Repair and Dry Dock and Buckie Shipyard, MoD ‘meet the buyer’ sessions and a new Tug Conference, organised by ITS to coincide with Seawork, which will bring more than 100 high calibre buyers and decision-makers into the event on Wednesday 13 June. Seawork is supported by numerous associations including the Society of Maritime Industries, the UK and International Harbour Masters and the RNLI.
Marine south East will again this year be supporting the Innovations Showcase and we will have details of how you can enter the Innovation awards in a later issue of email news.
Following the successful Business Advice Centre at last year’s event we will be repeating this service. We will be helping companies make the most of their visit to the show by accessing a range of business support advisors, including international trade, training, business improvement techniques and support from local marine support networks.
New Products, New Vessels and New Projects at Seawork 2007
Seawork is launching a major initiative targeting the port engineers and engineers from the borough councils - those responsible for making the purchasing decisions for the coastal areas, ports and inland waterways they represent. This is to make the visitor profile at Seawork more relevant to marine civil engineering companies and contractors. The UK Harbour Masters will be holding their Annual General Meeting at Seawork once again as will the Association of Chief Police Officers. There will be MoD ‘Meet the Buyer’ sessions for exhibitors who want to promote their products, services and new technologies to the Ministry of Defence.
Seawork Conference
This year’s Conference Programme is certain to provide added value to anyone at Seawork. The highlight of the programme will be a presentation from David Gould, Deputy Chief Executive of the Defence Procurement Agency on Tuesday 12 June. The main themes include a full day of 4 sessions by the MOD devoted to assisting companies to secure MOD business, Renewable Energy, Commercial Fishing, The Environmental Liability Directive, Ship & Port Security and Port Development and Planning. For full details of the Conference Programme log on to http://www.seawork.com
Posted 2007-03-01 06:07:23
Skills and training
Support for workers facing redundancy
The Marine, Engineering and Manufacturing Skills Partnership has recently launched a programme to support employees who are either at risk or who face being made redundant, within these industries.
The programme offers a brokerage service in the Southampton, Eastleigh, Portsmouth, Fareham, Gosport and Havant areas that links pre-redundant people with companies that have vacancies, setting up work placements and offering training to overcome skills deficits for the new role.
Richard Ransom, Project Manager from IBP Training & Employment, who runs the programme for the MEMS Partnership, commented:
“Many of these workers are highly skilled in their field, and due to a lack of support and the financial situation they face, they have to leave the sector to find work quickly, often taking on jobs that don’t require their level of skills.
“This programme is about matching these people with jobs in the same or similar sectors that will benefit from their skills and training. Where there are skills gaps we will provide training to overcome these.”
A skills survey of the marine and engineering sectors in 2004 defined a critical situation for these industries with the majority of firms facing difficulties with recruitment, an ageing workforce and skill shortages. The survey estimated that, according to moderate assumptions about retirement and growth of business, the sector would need 5000 new recruits over the next 5 years.
This reflects the critical need to keep workers in this sector and offer practical help that will ensure that they can continue to work productively.
If you are an individual facing redundancy or a company facing the possibility of making workers redundant call 02380 652562 to find out how the MEMS Partnership could help you find alternative employment.
Posted 2007-02-28 11:27:21
Finding a training solution
DID YOU KNOW THAT SOLUTIONS - The Training and Skills Partnership - offer cost effective training and a wealth of specialist facilities, across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, giving business access to state of the art industry standard equipment and training practice?
Research undertaken by the partnership has highlighted a range of skills training that are essential to the performance of safe and successful businesses and which companies sometimes have difficulty finding at a time and in a place that suits them. The following are a small selection of such essential courses that the partnership is scheduled to run on various dates during January to March 2007. These courses are expected to fill very quickly.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
First Aid at Work (full certificate)
First Aid for Appointed Persons
Basic Health and Safety - for managers/supervisors/staff
Working Safely - first level health and safety training
Managing Safely - for supervisors and managers
Portable Appliance Testing (PAT)
Occupational Health and Safety (NEBOSH)
Abrasive Wheels Safety
Risk Assessment
Fire Risk Assessment
FOR MORE EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT
Supervisory Management Skills
Financial Management for Non-financial Managers
Internet Marketing
Sage Accounts
Make More of Excel
'Solutions' offer free, reliable independent advice and take the legwork out of finding and booking the training that companies need. Call Solutions now, on 023 8065 2588, to book places on these courses and to explore the full range of courses and training services offered by Solutions - The Training and Skills Partnership, or visit http://www.solutionstrainingpartnership.com
Posted 2007-03-01 10:22:04
£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
National skills academy for manufacturing launched
A new £14m national academy to raise manufacturing skills was launched last month.
The new academy is one of a series set up by Government across sectors of industry. It will deliver courses designed for the first time by industry for industry, training 40,000 students a year by 2012. Some of the biggest names in British manufacturing Rolls Royce, Caterpillar, Ford, GKN, BAe Systems, Airbus UK, Corus, VT Group and Nissan are backing the project.
The national centre in Birmingham will join up with lead colleges in each region of England delivering courses under the National Skills Academy brand.
The Academy badge will be a stamp of quality training for employers the length and breadth of the country. Any college or training provider will be able to apply to put Academy courses on, or go into firms to deliver them. Accredited larger firms will be able to train staff at smaller firms.
Announcing the Academy at Warwickshire College in Leamington Spa Mr Darling said:
"Raising skills has to be a national mission.
"That is why some of the best known manufacturers in this country are on board. They know what it takes to compete and win. They know 'good enough' doesn't work. That is why it is vital the training is designed by these winners for the winners of tomorrow.
"The new Skills Academy for Manufacturing can be the production line for the next generation of highly trained, highly motivated manufacturing workers. The country needs them."
Lord Leitch's recent review of the UK's skill needs highlighted the critical importance of skills to people, business and the economy. He said if companies do not invest in higher level skills for their workforce then the country will be less competitive and people will find it ever more difficult to find and keep good jobs.
Manufacturing is one of the first three National Skills Academies to drive up the standard of industry training, improve productivity and tackle skills shortages across England.
The aim is an employer-led, world-class National Skills Academy network to provide vocational education and training for school leavers and adults, tailor made to meet the specific needs of industry sectors and those who work in them.
Posted 2007-03-01 05:49:12
Superyacht UK Tour of Excellence, March 6-9th
Venue: South East and South West of England
This year's Superyacht UK Tour of Excellence is warming up to be an exciting showcase for UK companies. The Tour is supported by the Government export arm, UK Trade & Investment, Land Rover, Cornwall Marine Network and Musto. The list of international delegates has grown from an initial list of 8 just after the London Boat Show to 30 confirmed delegates now. Superyacht captains, project managers and major yards such as Wally, Lurssen and Amels are on the Tour to see the best of British products and services. Fourteen companies are being visited and 45 companies will be at the evening showcase events. All exhibitor space at the Portsmouth and Pendennis showcases has been taken.
This year's itinerary
Tuesday - Tailored visits to Oceanair and Lewmar. In the evening there is a Designer dinner. UK designers and architects will present to the delegates during evening dinner.
Wednesday - Tailored visits to B & G, Ocean Safety, Southampton Yacht Services, CJR Propulsion and then the delegates have the choice of visiting Isle of Wight based companies SP Systems/Gurit and UKSA or going Lymington for visits to Formula Yacht Spars, Green Marine and Berthon.
On the Wednesday evening the delegates are entertained at the Royal Naval Museum overlooking HMS Victory. Up to 20 showcase companies will be networking and promoting their products and services to the delegates.
Thursday dawns with an early start as the delegates are flown from Southampton airport to Plymouth in a Dakota DC3 classic airplane. In Plymouth they will have yard tours at Princess Yachts and Devonport, before being flown to Pendennis Shipyard via helicopter. The showcase event that evening is at the historic and atmospheric Pendennis Castle. 17 companies are booked in that evening for the showcase event and close to 100 will be at the evening dinner.
Friday morning sees some delegates move out early for international flights, while others will visit local yards in Falmouth.
For further details on the Tour please call Tom Chant on 01784 223 642 or 07843 000 957.
Posted 2007-03-01 06:20:57
Environmental awareness workshop, Wednesday 7 March 2007
Venue: Egham, Surrey
We are all concerned about the environment. This half-day course, in conjunction with The Green Blue, is aimed at raising awareness of environmental issues such as waste, energy and water, managing oil and fuel and pollution prevention.
The course will highlight the business case for taking steps to reduce environmental stresses and suggest ways of getting started.
For further information or a booking form, please contact Liv Whetmore by e-mail: lwhetmore@britishmarine.co.uk or by telephone on 01784 223631. There are still a few places available.
Posted 2007-03-01 06:36:19
Developing Export Sales Skills Workshop, Thursday 08 March 2007
Venue: SMI, 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 more information contact Clementina Upton on 020 7928 9199 or email events@maritimeindustries.org
Posted 2007-03-01 06:16:14
YDSA Annual Conference, 13 March 2007
Venue: The Cruising Association, Limehouse Basin, London
The YDSA is trying a new format for this year’s conference with a variety of speakers at "knowledge tables" so you guests can choose the subjects that interest them the most.
The programme is available from tom@ybdsa.co.uktogether with a booking form. The BMF IFLSA Dinner will once again be held in evening at the Tradewinds Yacht Club, St. Katherines.
Posted 2007-03-01 06:19:26
Dubai International Boat Show, March 13 - 17th
Venue: Dubai
To signify the growing importance of the Dubai International Boat Show (DIBS), Superyacht UK has organised a pavilion for the first time. The event is now recognised as the key Superyacht event in the Middle East.
The pavilion will hold 13 UK companies including South East companies C & N Marinas, BMT Nigel Gee and Laurent Giles. A conference and reception will provide UK exhibitors and visitors a greater insight into the local market. DIBS boasts the largest on-water and external display of boats, as well as indoor exhibit areas displaying supplies and services in the Middle East.
For more information visit http://www.boatshowdubai.com
Posted 2007-03-01 06:26:42
Sensing and Sensor Networks Workshop, Wednesday 14th March 2007
Venue: National Oceanography Centre, Southampton UK.
Through its 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.
On 14th March Marine South East and Marinetech South will be hosting a workshop to highlight state-of-the-art, discuss potential applications, and explore future research and development priorities.
The workshop will include:
- Briefing on two French ‘Poles Mer’ Sea Innovation and Business Clusters:
o Brest http://www.tech-brest-iroise.fr/
o Toulon http://polemerpaca.tvt.fr/sommaire.php3?id_rubrique=24
- Presentations of capability of UK and French companies present (BMT, ABPmer, Geodata, Chelsea Tech etc)
- Specific project presentations including:
- SANY: The SANY integrated project focuses on interoperability of in-situ sensors and sensor networks. SANY architecture will provide a quick and cost-efficient way to reuse of data and services from currently incompatible sensor- and data- sources. http://www.sany-ip.org
- GIRAC: Gestion in¬tégrée des rejets d’assainissement côtier.
Integrated management of coastal waste-water treatment based on simulation of waste water networks and their impact on the coastal area. Use for monitoring plant efficiency, assisting in decision-making process and providing information to the public.
Networking lunch at Oceanography Centre
If you would like a registration for this free event please email admin@marinesoutheast.co.uk.
Posted 2007-03-01 06:53:05
Opportunities for Innovation, 20th March 2007
Venue: University of Southampton
The Workshop will provide opportunities for all elements of the marine sector to obtain detailed information on funding opportunities from the DTI’s Materials Spring 2007 Technology Programme call, including MoD and EPSRC support.
Details on Framework VII will also be supplied by Faraday Advance, the Transport Node of the Materials KTN (MatKTN).
The morning session will focus on presentations from various funding agencies about the opportunities available. Representatives from the grant/funding authorities will be offering practical guidance on the technical themes of the calls as well as advice on the application process. The composition of an “ideal” consortium will also be reviewed. Key R&D thrusts arising from the recent Dti/MoD workshop and the EU’s “Waterbourne” SRA aligning with the calls will be highlighted.
The afternoon session will be devoted principally to breakout sessions which will be used to encourage and stimulate proposals in light of the information provided.
Attendees wishing to register must contact Mrs. Debbie Carter, School of Engineering Sciences at the University of Southampton by email debbie@ship.soton.ac.uk no later than Friday, 9th March 2007.
Posted 2007-03-01 12:42:23
How to grow your business with new technology, Thursday 22 March 2007
Venue: Hampshire Rose Bowl, Southampton
This seminar is for advanced manufacturers looking for practical advice on how to fund, negotiate and find skilled people to bring new technology into their business. It has been designed to deal with the key issues advanced manufacturers face in today's industry.
To remain competitive, manufacturing companies need to ensure that they are aware of how to tap into the wealth of new technology available to them through technology transfer. For their part, universities and other technology providers also need to be aware of these mechanisms in order to maximise the likelihood of a successful outcome from technology transfer opportunities.
This informative and practical seminar will highlight:
what types of funding are available to your organisation for developing technology transfer and how you can tap into these funding streams easily
how to refine your negotiation skills to get the best deal, reducing the time and effort required to secure agreements when setting up technology transfer deals based on the Lambert Agreements Model
where you can find the right people with the right skills to implement new technologies smoothly into your company, including universities and other technology providers
There will also be a small exhibition where you can speak with technology providers and manufacturing business support organisations first hand to discuss business opportunities or just gather information and advice.
Places at this event are limited. Reply by telephoning Victoria Weaver on 020 7700 0008 or email victoria@business-business.co.uk.
Posted 2007-03-01 06:42:08
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
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
