Email News February 2012
Welcome to the February 2012 email newsletter from Marine South East
If you would like to submit an article for consideration please email the text and a suitable image or logo to sarah@marinesoutheast.co.uk
Posted 2012-01-10 13:44:31
Have your say in the SME Access to Finance research project
Marine businesses are being asked to participate in the 'UK SMEs Access to Finance' research project being run by the research team at the faculty of Business & Law at the University of Southampton.
The study, which is part funded by Santander Bank, aims to investigate the financing needs of UK small & medium sized enterprises (SMEs) with a view to inform and engage with Santander's UK business finance strategy, as part of its work with the British Banking Association (BBA).
The University are currently looking for fast growing, innovative companies within the marine sector to complete a short 5 page questionnaire, administered face to face by two to three members of the research team, to discuss your company's finance strategy during 2011 and it's future growth projections. We are also interested to discuss with you in brief, your overall experience of SME finance availability.
The study will be running from February 2012 and all volunteers would be welcome to participate until April 2012. Please be assured all the information provided in the questionnaire and the broader discussion would remain strictly confidential and anonymised.
If you wish to take part or have any questions or comments regarding the project please contact Katherine Cudworth K.Cudworth@soton.ac.uk.
Your participation would represent a valuable contribution to the research of UK entrepreneurship, innovation and finance.
For more information please contact:
Please contact:
Katherine Cudworth, Research Assistant
Department of Geography
University of Southampton
Email: K.Cudworth@soton.ac.uk
Tel: 07966348296 / 02380 595497
Posted 2012-01-30 14:45:09
Kent Online Wind Energy Directory is relaunched
The Kent Wind Energy Directory, an online interactive directory that puts offshore wind farm developers and local suppliers in touch with each other has been relaunched for 2012.
The simple-to-use directory allows businesses to register their details for free and has facilities that include:
* A simple 3-step registration process, allowing businesses to clearly demonstrate services and products, previous experience and accreditations relevant to offshore wind farm development
* Improved business listings allowing companies to list up to 5 services they provide to the offshore wind industry
* Improved directory search facility making it easier to find local businesses and services
* Access to information about offshore wind farm development
* Supplier stories page showcasing local companies working with the offshore wind industry
Users are also able to search by category or company for services covering project development, equipment design and manufacture, construction and operation, as well as more general support such as accommodation, recruitment and office supplies.
The online directory is now managed by Locate in Kent, which is keen to promote Kent as a centre of excellence for the offshore wind industry with support from Kent County Council, and the two largest wind farm developers in the Thames Gateway, Vattenfall and London Array.
Visit http://www.kentwindenergy.co.uk to take a look at the directory and sign up.
Posted 2012-01-16 10:58:04
Business and Unversity Partnerships: Igniting the flame for engineering and science in the Solent
Business & University Partnerships has recently launched a unique directory to help engineers profit from university services and facilities.
This easy-to-use service can be found at http://www.bizzup.org.uk. Operating independently of any institution, the website provides innovative businesses with their first comprehensive listing of engineering and science services and facilities on offer at Southampton Solent University, University of Southampton and University of Portsmouth.
Historically, specialist facilities and R&D services have been hard to find. Luke Lyons, Business & University Partnerships project manager and an industrial engineer, noted, "Our research told us that the industry was finding sector-specific facilities and courses virtually impossible to track down. Additionally Business & University Partnerships identifies CPD and training opportunities and advise SMEs on how to work with their local university to tap into some of the regions brightest and highly motivated interns and graduates."
The present financial climate has challenged Solent businesses to operate globally, and their success depends more than ever on being at the forefront of innovation. The launch of http://www.bizzup.org.uk marks the beginning of a new phase when smaller businesses can expect to capitalise on the innovation potential within universities. Present government policy is clearly focused on forging dynamic collaboration between smaller businesses and proactive universities; now is the time to gain commercial advantage. Business & University Partnerships is particularly geared to support the interests of this strategically important sector as they engage with higher education institutions.
If you would like to know more about the programme, call Luke on: 02380 599 215 or visit
http://www.bizzup.org.uk.
Follow us on Twitter for the latest news and programme updates: http://www.twitter.com/_bizzup_
Posted 2012-01-31 11:09:55
Talent Retention Solution praised by Ministers
At a recent meeting between Business Secretary, Vince Cable and Allan Cook, Chairman of the Skills and Jobs Retention Group, the progress of the development of the Talent Retention Solution, which government helped business to create, was praised.
The Talent Retention Solution (TRS)is a website that holds details of engineering staff at risk of redundancy and vacancies in the engineering sectors. The initiative is good news for engineers looking for work, for companies looking to recruit and for the UK as a way of retaining vital skills for the benefit of growing sectors in engineering such as aerospace, automotive, renewables, marine and nuclear.
Business Secretary Vince Cable said, " I encourage engineering firms to take advantage of this important opportunity to add to their skillsets, and particularly SMEs for who the service is free."
The Talent Retention Solution is the first national system to support the redeployment and retention of engineering talent.
The service is free for SMEs with employee numbers less than 500, so they can benefit from the system at no cost. For all companies interested in engineering recruitment, this is an opportunity not to be missed - for more details and to sign up to the TRS see the website http://www.talentretention.biz.
Posted 2012-01-20 13:29:58
New Year awards for James Grazebrook of Halyard Marine
James Grazebrook, Chairman and joint Managing Director of Halyard (M&I), received the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to the UK marine industry in the New Year’s Honours List. In addition James received the coveted Boating Business Lifetime Achievement Award at the recent Tullett Prebon London Boat Show.
James Grazebrook is pictured receiving his Boating Business Lifetime Achievement Award with Boating Business Editor, Peter Nash.
Posted 2012-01-16 10:35:56
Ports and shipping businesses and suppliers to meet on board latest P&O ferry, 9th February 2012
Ports and shipping businesses and suppliers are invited to meet on board the latest P&O ferry "Spirit of France" as she sails between Calais and Dover on Thursday 9 February 2012.
The European Interreg IV 2 Seas programme project PATCH (Ports Adapting To CHange) brings together a number of ports in the UK, France, Belgium and The Netherlands to share innovative environmental practices in port related matters.
With assistance from P&O Ferries, the Port of Calais is organising a one day business to business event on the theme of "Eco-innovation in infrastructures and logistics for the future". This event will take place during a return crossing of the ferry 'Spirit of France' between Calais and Dover.
The day commences at 0930 at the Port of Calais ferry terminal prior to embarkation on to the ship. There will be a presentation and discussion on eco-innovation in ports, followed by an opportunity for businesses to showcase their products and services.
Relevant port and shipping related businesses based in the South East are particularly welcome to take part in this event in order to meet possible partners and customers in northwest Europe. A light lunch will be served during the crossing with time for networking. An optional one hour visit of the Port of Calais will follow at 1530 for those who are interested.
Further information can be obtained by contacting Howard Holt at howard@marinesoutheast.co.uk
There is no cost for business representatives to register, which can be achieved via the 'news' section of the website of the port of Calais: http://www.calais-port.fr
Posted 2012-01-10 13:49:01
SMARTA SSN Marketing Masterclass event, 29th February 2012, Hamble
This event is now oversubscribed so we are no longer able to take bookings.
Marine South East, through its SMARTA project will be hosting the next SMARTA Sustainability Network meeting at the Royal Air Force Yacht Club on Wednesday 29th February 2012 from 4.30-6.30pm. The event will feature Ed Gould giving a marketing 'masterclass' on how to make 18 million people aware of your product in 3 months!
Ed's presentation draws on his experience in running the award-winning marketing campaign for the GORE-TEX® Arctic Rib Challenge and shows businesses how they can use similar tools and tactics to market their product or service, whatever their budget.
Ed will cover the essentials of Social Media Marketing and Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) during his presentation of the RIB trip to the Arctic.
In addition, Nigel Stuart, Managing Director of Discovery Yachts, will talk about the benefits and his experiences of using the Designing Demand programme to redefine and redesign the marketing and brand communications of the company.
The SMARTA SSN event is free to attend and will take place at the Royal Air Force Yacht Club, Riverside House, Rope Walk
Hamble SO31 4HD on Wednesday 29th February 2012 from 4.30-6.60pm. The event will conclude with a networking buffet.
Book online using the link or email admin@marinesoutheast.co.uk
http://www.marinesoutheast.co.uk/marenet
Posted 2012-01-17 10:24:11
Challenges for measuring nutrients in coastal waters; interactive workshop, 13th March 2012, ExCel London
An interactive workshop to identify innovation opportunities with leading-edge marine science and technology.
Marine South East and its international partners are holding this event within Oceanology International 2012, to highlight state-of-the-art technologies and roadmap the next breakthroughs in nutrient sensing and monitoring systems.
Management of nutrient discharges is essential to achieve coastal water quality objectives and ecosystem health, and therefore systems for effective monitoring of nutrient levels are essential.
Miniaturisation, low-cost, responsiveness and robustness are key features of measuring equipment, and are dependent on ambitious advances in performance and cost-effectiveness.
This workshop will provide an opportunity for experts (from scientific, engineering and commercial perspectives) to:
* Explore the deficiencies of current state-of-the-art;
* Consider the potential for advances in know-how and technology;
* Identify the major challenges to radical improvements in nutrient monitoring systems.
It is anticipated that a number of embryonic collaborative project ideas will be developed, which can subsequently be refined and extended around the interests of workshop participants.
Who Should Attend
* Engineers & decision-makers from organisations designing and building sensors and monitoring systems
* Scientists involved in research on sensor techniques, telemetry and sensor networks
* Users from public authorities, water companies and coastal survey contractors
The organisers will try to achieve a mix of participants across the above, and with representation from different countries. Everyone will be expected to speak as well as to listen.
Registration
The event can be booked by clicking on the link or by sending an email to admin@marinesoutheast.co.uk stating your name, organisation, contact details, and field of interest.
http://www.marinesoutheast.co.uk/marenet
There is no charge for participation.
Oceanology International 2012 is free to attend ; please visit https://www.oceanologyinternational.com to pre-register online.
This event is being hosted with the support of the Society of Maritime Industries
Posted 2012-01-17 16:22:04
Southampton City College Industry Week 29th March 2012
City College Southampton will be hosting their annual Industry Showcase event for the Faculty of Engineering (Marine, Marine Engineering, General Engineering, Construction and Automotive) on 29th March 2012 from 5.00-7.00pm.
The event provides the opportunity for prospective students and apprentices to visit the College to discuss with employers in the industry they aspire to work within. Current students and apprentices at the College also appreciate the opportunity to talk with employers and sponsors at this event about the College and its successes.
The showcase event comes at the end of the College Engineering and Construction Industry week during which students complete project work, attend guest lectures and take part in industry related enrichment activities. (Marine Apprentices for example will be demonstrating various techniques they have learned during their training and actually building a small boat during the week.)
Opportunities exist for companies to support the event in a variety of ways including guest lectures, provision of projects for students to work on, exhibition 'pop-up' stands and awards sponsorship.
For more information please contact:
Kenneth Cast
Marine Skills Manager
City College Southampton
07944-998-951
http://www.southampton-city.ac.uk
Venue: City College Southampton, St. Mary Street, Southampton SO14 1AR
Posted 2012-01-25 20:53:11
Brockenhurst College and CML GRP laminating course, 13th February 2012
Brockenhurst College in partnership with Composite Mouldings (CML) will be launching a series of 5 day beginners courses in GRP Wet Lay-up using Hand Laminating Techniques, held at Composite Mouldings facility in Marchwood, Southampton. The first 5 day course will start on the 13th of February 2012.
Candidates will be able to see first hand laminating in action from the 32m2 purpose built mezzanine floor overlooking Composite Mouldings factory.
Priced at just £400 Inc VAT, This College Certificate is an inclusive course devised for Industry, Professionals and Enthusiasts, who demand hands-on skills for wet lay-up and repairing GRP.
The 5 day course will cover everything from Health & Safety techniques recommended to handling composite materials, identifying correct formulations of composite materials, resin to fibre calculations, moulding of own model boat hull to specification, GRP repairs and identification of defects. At the end of the course the candidates should be able to describe the methods and limitations of plug and mould manufacturing methods, candidates will also undertake a Brockenhurst College theory and practical examination, supported by a college certificate.
Brockenhurst College has a main site in the New Forest, Hampshire, England providing education in a wide range of courses for many different ages. The college has over 2800 full time students and over 10000 part time adult learners. The college has recently expanded their construction centre to include the marine sector. Lead by Gary Hales and a number of seasoned shipwright lecturers, the partnership with Composite Mouldings came about through a lack of space at the colleges Marchwood facility and an experienced composite company being neighbours. Both parties feel that the combined experience will be a real benefit to students and ultimately will provide a unique learning experience. Brockenhurst plan to further roll out college certificated courses in: Resin Infusion, Gel repairs, Vacuum bagging and prep-pregs.
For more information please contact:
Tommi Buckley
tommi@compositemouldings.com
+44 2380 660770
Tommi Buckley
