Minister encourages UK’s marine sector to “Take it to the World”
Lord Davies of Abersoch, Minister for Trade, visited Southampton last month to celebrate the success of the marine sector and to underline the importance of international trade in helping the UK out of recession.
The visit was a result of Marine South East CEO Jonathan Williams presenting the results of the Global Opportunities Research to the Marine Steering Group, which included Lord Davies. The presentation prompted the Minister to decide to organise a number of regional visits, the first of which was a visit to Southampton to focus on the marine sector. With its strong maritime heritage, Southampton was chosen for what is the first in a series of road shows encouraging firms across the country to "Take it to the World".
Lord Davies visited successful exporters from the marine industry, highlighting the fact that trading internationally helps firms weather the downturn, and the conviction that the revival of economic growth will be export led. Companies he visited and others he met during a lunch hosted by Associated British Ports included Oyster Yachts, Hyde Sails, Southampton Yacht Services and the Unmanned Underwater Vehicle Showcase, the annual conference of the Society for Underwater Technology's Underwater Robotics Group.
During the visit Lord Davies commented: "The South East is a cornerstone of Britain's marine sector, an industry which is worth an estimated £5 billion to the region, sustaining over 105,000 jobs. British marine companies are leading the way with ideas and products that represent the very best of innovation and research in the marine sector."
Jonathan Williams accompanied the minister on his visit and commented " UK marine industries generate £100,000 of sales for every employee, much of it by exports. This success provides a platform for further growth. There are over 4,000 companies in the region supplying marine markets, and over half are highly dependent on the sector."
UKTI's Take it to the World national campaign was launched by the Prime Minister in March. The campaign includes a series of regional roadshows as well as advertising in airports, train platforms and business publications. It sends a strong message to UK businesses to explore opportunities overseas with confidence. Despite the global economic downturn, significant business opportunities abroad remain for UK companies to tap into. This is why UKTI is building on its existing efforts to promote the benefits of exporting and practical support available.
If you would like to find out more about international trade advice from UKTI South East you can contact them by phone on 08452 789600, email info@uktisoutheast.com or visit http://www.uktisoutheast.com
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