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Marine South East Press Releases

Marine engineers of the future? Schools battle it out on the water in this year’s Schools Marine Challenge...

MSE/2008/025

Yesterday, students from schools from across the South East took part in this year’s Schools Marine Challenge Race Day with over 30 craft entered into the competition. Yet again, the standard of entries was outstanding with some really innovative entries that address the need for speed but which also take the environment into account with their engineering.

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Posted 2008-07-15 13:59:29

In-depth report draws record crowd toMarine South East’s Waterfront Strategy event...

MSE/2008/026
Friday, 27th June 2008

The much awaited findings from the Solent Waterfront Strategy study were unveiled this week at Marine South East’s MareNet event on Monday (23rd June 2008) at the National Oceanography Centre in Southampton. A record crowd of over 100 people from the marine sector attended the event to hear the key findings from the study.

Importantly, the study reveals the major contribution the Solent marine industry makes to the UK economy, including future opportunities for growth. This is the first time factual evidence has been gathered to support claims that the Solent marine industry is a driver for economic growth. The Solent is one of the most important areas of water in the country and retention of waterfront access is vital for the future economic security and growth of the Solent marine community.

Jonathan Williams, CEO of Marine South East, spoke at the event and led discussions about how the study can now be implemented. He added;

"The Waterfront Strategy confirms the substantial contribution that the marine sector adds to the Solent economy and also stresses the pressure that is on waterfront land space. We welcome this report as it gives us the evidence to retain waterfront sites for continued and future economic development and wealth creation for the marine industry."

The Strategy was initiated following a call from the marine industry itself which expressed concerns about the lack of available waterfront land space. It is being led by SEEDA, the South East England Development Agency in partnership with Marine South East (MSE), Partnership for Urban South Hampshire (PUSH), Hampshire Economic Partnership (HEP) and British Marine Federation (BMF).

Kathy Slack, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Area Director for SEEDA, said;

“For the marine industry to compete internationally and to secure its future success in the region we need to take action now to ensure that planners and policies makers are aware of the significant contribution the sector makes to the economy. It is essential that the public sector and partners play a major role in influencing policy making decisions to ensure plans are put in place to allow this industry to prosper. We also recognise that significant investment is required in recruitment and skills programmes to address the marine skills shortage."
Next steps - the Solent Waterfront Steering Group will develop an implementation programme that will help unblock the current major constraints to growth, as well as ensuring that strategic consideration is given to the long-term prospects for the marine industry. It will also provide a provision for co-ordinated training and business support measures.

For further information and a copy of the Solent Waterfront Strategy please visit www.solentwaterfront.co.uk

- Ends -

For all media enquiries please contact;-

Harriet Subramanian, Marine South East, Tel: 01628 531646 or Email: harriet@cityandstone.co.uk

Notes to Editors

Interviews will be available with Kathy Slack SEEDA Area Director for Hampshire & Isle of Wight and Jonathan Williams Chief Executive of Marine South East


Key Facts & Figures

• Covering West Sussex to Hampshire including the Isle of Wight, the Solent marine sector currently provides 25,000 direct jobs and makes up 25% of the Solent economy – more than any other sector in the area.
• The Solent sub-region is home to at least 1,750 businesses directly operating within the marine sector.
• Including indirect and induced effects the sector supports a total of 48,300 jobs, of which nearly 80% are safeguarded within the Solent sub-region
• It relies on a diverse supply chain which alone supports around 12,500 jobs including retail, logistics and freight, catering, clothing and specialist equipment
• GDP and GVA contributions of £3.6 billion and £1.9 billion respectively
• The sector makes a direct annual contribution to the National Exchequer of approximately £670 million
• The South East dominates as the region with the greatest revenue share of the marine industry (36.1% ) - £1.1 billion turnover – £380 million value added – it has grown by 5% UK Leisure and Small Commercial Marine Industry – Key Performance Indicators 2006/7 – BMF
• Total UK turnover of leisure and small commercial marine industry is £2.9 billion.

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Posted 2008-06-27 11:37:59

Anchors away as local schools prepare for this year's Schools Marine Challenge...

MSE/2008/023
19 June 2008

As the finishing touches are being added to their entries, schools from across the South East are honing their skills as well as the craft in preparation for the hotly contested Schools Marine Challenge Race Day, which is being held on Tuesday 1st July at Southwater Water Sports Centre, near Horsham.

Local schools have spent the last few months designing and building boats in three categories: solar powered boats, electric powered boats, and bio-fuel engine boats.

The event, which is organised by Marine South East and the British Marine Federation, helps to show students the exciting challenges of working in marine engineering. They learn skills in design, project management, as well as engineering and building boats. It offers a tailor-made package for schools to build into their curriculum and schools have had the opportunity to work with local marine companies, who have been on hand to offer invaluable assistance, advice and experience.

Recently, the Schools Marine Challenge has been integrated into the BTEC Vocational 1st Diploma Engineering, Unit 10: using CAD Drawings. Many schools have welcomed the new engineering diploma and competitions which link with industry also help to drive skills development across the South East.

Schools Marine Challenge helps schools by bringing engineering skills to life with a mapped programme for staff.

Head of Engineering, Paul Beverley-Smith, at Quilley School of Engineering, said, “Quilley School of Engineering students have entered the competition for the last 3 years as part of the Applied GCSE course, it has really motivated students to achieve and been great fun.

“We are currently working in partnership with Eastleigh College in planning the delivery of the Engineering Diploma and are developing the Marine challenge project to fit the specification for individual units in both the higher and foundation courses. “

At Leigh Academy in Kent the whole class has made over 20 solar boats. Pupils have worked in pairs to race the solar boats at school. The construction of the solar boats, combined with the internal races, has been used as part of their fulfilment of the national curriculum. Schools Marine Challenge plays a pivotal role in linking schools, curriculum and the marine industry.

Steve Leahey, Head of Technology at Leigh Academy, is delighted with the progress students have made so far. He said; “By involving all the engineering students in year 9 we have been able to explore in detail both the theoretical and practical issues involved when designing a solar powered vehicle. The students have really enjoyed this project as it serves two purposes, firstly it enables them to complete units of work towards their Engineering Diploma and secondly it has given them the opportunity to see their design being put to the test both in school and against other schools.

“Next year I would like to expand this to the battery powered boats. We are also currently making our own hulls using GRP which again has given the students an opportunity to witness new techniques.”

Schools Marine Challenge would not be the success it is today without the ongoing support of the marine business community. Businesses can come along on race day to see how their company can make a difference and support the schools involved. Sponsorship opportunities are still available so please contact Sarah Dhanda sdhanda@britishmarine.co.uk or Deirdre Williams dwilliams@britishmarine.co.uk at the British Marine Federation.

Participating schools:
Bishop Luffa Church of England School, Chichester West Sussex
Dane Court Grammar School, Broadstairs Kent
Leigh CTC, Dartford Kent
Midhurst Intermediate School, Midhurst, West Sussex
Oaklands Community School, Southampton Hampshire
Quilley School of Engineering, Eastleigh Hampshire
Rainham School for Girls, Rainham Kent
Seaford College, Petworth West Sussex
Springfield Technology College, Portsmouth Hampshire
Carisbrooke High School, Newport Isle of Wight
St Andrew's C of E High School for Boys, Worthing West Sussex
Oxford and Cherwell Valley College, Bicester Oxfordshire
St Birinus School, Didcot Oxfordshire
Manhood Community College, Chichester West Sussex
Newstead School for Girls, Orpington Kent
Applemore College, Southampton
St Lawrence College, Kent
Isle of Wight College, IOW

ENDS

Notes to editor

1. Journalists are invited to come along to race day – please contact Helen Allies on 01326 218756 / 07946 589 472 in advance if you would like to attend on the day.
2. The following companies have all made financial contributions to this year’s competition: The British Marine Federation, Marine South East, BMF South, Hampshire Economic Partnership, Worshipful Company of Shipwrights and Learning and Skills Council South East.
3. Marine South East is the regional marine initiative of the South East of England Development Agency (SEEDA) developed to address the needs of the marine sector in the South East region.
4. The British Marine Federation is the trade association for the UK leisure marine industry.


For further information please contact Helen Allies on 01326 218756 / 07946 589 472/ or email helen@cityandstone.co.uk .

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Posted 2008-06-27 11:25:04

SEEDA’s Waterfront Strategy Research findings to be unveiled at MareNet Open Forum event...

MSE/2008/022
Tuesday, 3rd June 2008

Marine companies from across the South East are invited to attend Marine South East’s Waterfront Strategy MareNet event on Monday, 23rd June 2008, from 4.00pm to 6.00pm at the National Oceanography Centre, Waterfront Campus, European Way, Southampton SO14 3ZH.

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Posted 2008-06-03 13:33:55

Marine South East offers business support to those visiting this year’s Seawork...

MEDIA STATEMENT

MSE/2008/021
June 2008

Companies are always looking for that little bit extra when deciding to visit or exhibit at commercial shows. Well, for the third year running, Marine South East will be at Seawork (10-12 June 2008) with its Business Support stand – offering companies the opportunity to take time out from talking with potential buyers and suppliers to develop other areas of their business.



Marine South East is the regional marine initiative of the South East of England Development Agency (SEEDA) developed to address the needs of the marine sector in the South East region.

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Posted 2008-06-03 10:37:41

Marine South East helps local marine companies build presence in UAE...

MEDIA STATEMENT

MSE/2008/020
February 2008

Marine South East, in conjunction with the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA), is pleased to announce the opening of an office in Dubai to support members’ interests across the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

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Posted 2008-06-03 10:42:16

Cash-injection kick-starts bold campaign to sink a warship in Seaford Bay...

Marine South East has pledged its support to the Sink One 4 Seaford campaign at the recent November launch meeting. To help kick-start the campaign Marine South East has offered 40% of the funding for an initial scoping study.

The study is the first step in a bold regeneration project for Seaford and Newhaven, which aims to boost the local economy by sinking an old warship off the coast to create an artificial reef for divers and marine life. The scoping study will examine how the project could be undertaken and assess its financial viability.

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Posted 2007-11-22 10:24:34

Marine South East success in ensuring the future of waterfront sites for the marine industry...

MEDIA STATEMENT

Office hours: 01326 218 756
07946 589 472

MSE/2007/017
10 October 2007

Marine South East has recently expressed support for plans to include specific reference to waterfront sites in the development of a regional spatial strategy, the South East Plan. An inspectors' report on the South East Plan has recently been published and makes specific reference to Marine South East’s work on representing the marine industry in the development of waterfront sites. The report reflected Marine South East’s work to highlight the particular threats from higher value uses, often mixed uses, to marine industries on waterfront sites.

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Posted 2007-11-09 09:37:00

Weather didn’t dampen spirits at this year’s Schools Marine Challenge...

MEDIA STATEMENT

Office hours: 01273 833901
07946 589 472

MSE/2007/016
July 2007

Schools from across the South East took part in this year’s Schools Marine Challenge yesterday, bracing themselves against thunder, lightening and torrential downpours. But their spirits weren’t dampened as they competed to win prizes for themselves and their schools.

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Posted 2007-07-05 09:08:52

Waterfront event highlights key issues affecting businesses around the Solent...

MSE/2007/014
2 May 2007

Businesses from across the region congregated at Southampton Football Club stadium on Friday 27th April to discuss the way forward in helping marine businesses gain greater access to waterfront facilities in the Solent region. Martin Hendry of Adams Hendry Consultants presented the study they are undertaking to support development of the strategy.

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Posted 2007-05-04 15:34:06

Ground breaking project to help marine companies embrace new technology...

For many years small and medium sized companies have been unable to access high-tech machinery necessary for them to compete on a level playing field with their larger contemporaries.

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Posted 2007-02-27 10:32:01

EDSnet to seek European funding to help deal with environmental disasters...

MSE/2007/011
2 February 2007

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.

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Posted 2007-02-06 09:22:20

Company Press Releases