The South Coast Marine Cluster is set to rebrand this week as part of a new collaboration with Cornwall Marine Network.
The South Coast Marine Cluster is a research partnership dedicated to increasing the marine and maritime economy. The cluster works to promote areas of marine work to identify and build on business opportunities to deliver economic growth for the region. It covers the areas from Cornwall to Hampshire, working to bring together a network of South Coast partners.
The new partnership between Cornwall Marine Network and South Coast Marine clusters will form ‘Maritime UK South West’, becoming part of the national body Maritime UK. Maritime UK works to bring together the UK’s shipping, ports, services, engineering and leisure marine industries.
The new coalition will aim to ramp up its work with businesses and educational establishments. It also hopes to promote the region’s maritime strengths, whilst also creating stronger links between the SW sector and national government
The South Coast Marine Cluster is currently paid for through investment from Local Enterprise Partnerships covering Dorset, The Heart of the South West and Cornwall, the Isles of Scilly, as well as the Universities of Exeter and Plymouth. Following the relaunch to Maritime UK South West, it plans to increase its relationships with business and the marine sector by launching a new sponsorship and partnering opportunities.
Jim Stewart, Chair of Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership, Chief Executive Port of Poole and South Coast Cluster Board Member, said: “The South Coast Marine Cluster has built a valuable regional network across business, research and the public sector. By becoming part of Maritime UK we aim to forge stronger links with national government and stakeholders and create a clear route to sector development in the South West.”
The creation of Maritime UK South West is part of Maritime UK’s programme to create regional cluster organisations in leading maritime regions across the country. Maritime Minister, Nusrat Ghani said: “Maritime clusters have a significant impact on the regional and national economy which is why it’s fantastic to see the launch of this new partnership in the South West.
To find out more about Maritime UK South West and how to get involved, please contact enquiries@southcoastmarine.org.uk or visit the site here.