Please enable JavaScript for this site to run correctly.

Email News December 2018


Welcome to the December 2018 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 sj@mseuk.org


Posted 2018-11-06 18:02:16


Tender for expert consultant role looking at Key Enabling Technologies on Blue Growth

Marine South East is seeking to appoint an expert consultant to carry out some specialist analysis under the European KETmaritime project http://www.ketmaritime.eu/ that is focusing on the role of Key Enabling Technologies (KETs) on blue growth.

This consultant will need a diverse skill-set covering:

1. A range of KETs including micro & nano electronics, industrial biotechnology, nanotechnology, advanced materials, photonics and advanced manufacturing;

2. Broad experience across the blue economy, to understand the potential value to marine and maritime businesses of exploiting KETs;

3. An understanding of innovation management.

Individual consultants or small firms that believe they have the necessary expertise are invited to express interest to Marine South East, by email to admin@mseuk.org no later than 8th December 2018.

More details of the work and tendering process will then be made available. It is anticipated that the work would be completed no later than end of March 2019.


Posted 2018-11-28 18:03:39


Multi-Use Platforms at Sea; OPEC and ENTROPI project updates

The OPEC project has been investigating the technical and economic feasibility of Multi-Use Platforms at Sea to support various combinations of revenue generating applications such as renewable energy generation, aquaculture and security and surveillance. The project completes at the end of December 2018.

By using a range of novel solutions for Multi-Use Platforms at Sea, the project has been looking at ways to achieve a 20% reduction in the cost of energy generated. The OPEC concept is envisaged to be a large floating structure, fabricated cost-effectively using steel modules. The sharing of the construction, installation, operation and maintenance costs between multiple uses is expected to increase the financial viability and return on investment for each use compared to a single-use platform.

The initial summary of findings from the project indicates that the following combinations of uses offer the most benefits and are worth further research:

* Integration of offshore wind generation with shellfish farming - this combination would not only be possible but could also be contained in quite a compact structure/facility

* Integration of offshore wind generation with finfish farming is possible but would need a larger contained volume within the structure, with impacts on platform hydrodynamics

* The most promising route for wave energy in a multi-use platform appears to be in combination with offshore port facilities. The large structural scale and mass of a ship berthing facility would also offer potential for significant wave energy capture

As a result of this short feasibility project, OPEC is planning a follow-up project to look more specifically at the detailed engineering required for two pilot multi-use platforms, one in South Africa and one in the UK.

To be kept up to date with the final findings of the OPEC project and continuing outcomes from the related ENTROPI project which is looking at innovations in design, anchoring and shared uses for Multi-Use Platforms at Sea (including security and surveillance services) please sign up to the Interest Group at the following link:

https://www.offshoreplatforms.eu/interest-group

The ENTROPI project is currently finalising a series of value propositions to potential stakeholders and investors which will be promoted more widely in due course.

For more information and links please visit https://www.offshoreplatforms.eu

OPEC has been co-funded through the Energy Catalyst Early Stage Feasibility fund from Innovate UK.

ENTROPI is co-funded by the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund.


Posted 2018-11-27 14:18:11


OnBoard - Digital Skills for the Port and Logistics Sector

OnBoard is an EU project with partners in Ireland, Portugal and the UK. Focusing on Port and Logistics it is working with employers and training organisations to develop apprenticeships meeting the sector’s future needs.

In early 2018 a study of apprenticeships in the partner countries commenced. Following interviews with sector members 'Digital Skills' was identified as a key area. The growing use of electronic data, autonomous systems and Artificial Intelligence will have a major impact on the way ports and logistics operate in the future.

The supply chain will become more 'transparent' and require company collaboration to use the information effectively. Staff will need to have the relevant IT skills linked with a knowledge of port and logistic operations. This will be vital to the development and operation of the systems.

To meet this requirement OnBoard has produced profiles and training curricula for the following courses which will be validated in early 2019:

* 'Technician on Information Technology applied to ports and logistics' (EQF Level 4)
* 'Specialist Technician on Information Technology applied to port and logistics' (EQF Level 5)

If you are a member of a company or training organisation who would like to assist OnBoard with the validation or require further information, please email David Rae at dr@mseuk.org

OnBoard is co-funded by the Erasmus+ Programme. Further information is available on: http://www.onboard-project.eu/


Posted 2018-11-30 11:31:53


Solent LEP launch new Masterclass series for local businesses

The Solent LEP Business Support Hub has announced a range of new masterclasses, funding application workshops and monthly business clinics for SME businesses within the Solent LEP region.

The SME support will include masterclasses on exporting, digital capability, access to finance, staff management and many more.

The first Masterclass will focus on Exporting and will take place on Friday 14th December 2018 at the National Oceanography Centre in Southampton.

This free-to-attend event will enable businesses to gain a wealth of information and insight from experts who support and facilitate exporting, as well as learning from the first hand experiences of SME exporters within the Solent.

For more information visit: http://www.marinesoutheast.co.uk/news/collection/more/?id=4227&coll=48


Posted 2018-11-27 12:47:56


New Marine Technologies qualifications available from September

Bournemouth and Poole College in collaboration with Bournemouth University have announced the development of a new part time Level 4/5 Engineering Higher Education Programme, which will be available from September 2019.

The programme will be offered as a part time, day release programme over 2 academic years. A further calendar year is required to obtain a Foundation Degree, subject to passing the HNC at Merit level or above.

The new programme will provide opportunities for those working in marine engineering to further their professional knowledge and skills and professional engineering status.

For further details please contact Matthew White, Framework Leader on 01202 205638 or whitemj@bpc.ac.uk


Posted 2018-11-27 13:41:13


New British Marine Expo announced for March 2019

The inaugural British Marine Expo will take place on 26th and 27th March 2019 at St. Mary’s Football Stadium in Southampton.

British Marine Expo, is set to become the associations' flagship trade event and is sponsored by British Marine Trades Association and Superyacht UK.

The Expo will feature some of British Marine's most popular events including the Superyacht UK Technical Seminar, the Supply Chain Conference and the British Marine Trades Association Awards.

This will ensure it offers something for everyone, from leisure marine to superyacht and small commercial.

The two-day event programme will include:

Day 1:

* Supply Chain Conference - focussed presentations and discussions exploring how companies of all sizes can grow and exploit the array of opportunities open to them. The Conference will help companies tackle the very real threats to the supply chain's future

* 'Meet The Buyer' - an annual event offering UK suppliers of marine products and services the unique opportunity to network with a range of buyers including overseas boatbuilders and distributors

* British Marine Trades Association Awards Annual Dinner - an entertaining evening showcasing the best of the UK marine industry

Day 2:

* The Superyacht UK Technical Seminar - returning for 2019, it will host a range of knowledgeable and respected speakers presenting on a wide range of current legislative hot topics

Both days will include:

* Marine Showcase - 30 stands available for companies to showcase products & services with shell scheme panels to be provided. Price on application.

* Stadium tours are available for those who'd like to see behind the scenes of a Premier League club

British Marine regions and group associations will have the opportunity to hold their own sessions alongside the two-day event. This could include meetings, cross-networking, training and membership seminars. Opportunities for product launches, dealer conferences and sponsorship are also available throughout the two-days.

If you are interested in attending, exhibiting, sponsoring and/or holding your own event at the British Marine Expo, email the Expo team on BMExpo@britishmarine.co.uk



Posted 2018-11-06 18:07:19


300 apprenticeship standards and counting….New opportunities for employers to up-skill their workforce

The Institute for Apprenticeships (IFA) has now approved over 300 new apprenticeship standards for delivery. Ranging from intermediate level 2 standards to degree and even masters level qualifications, these standards span a wide range of occupations in sectors from business and hospitality to engineering, transport and logistics.

For SME businesses, there is government funding available for apprenticeships, which is open to all employees, irrespective of age and experience. Unlike previous schemes, this subsidy is not restricted to young people at the start of their careers or to employees new to the business.

As a result, more and more employers are upskilling new or existing staff with higher-level apprenticeships and making a real difference to their productivity.

A project in the maritime sector is paving the way for higher-level apprenticeships by developing new standards in occupations important to employers.

The Maritime SuperSkills Project is partly funded by the European Social Fund (ESF), and is led by Liverpool John Moores University, supported by Mersey Maritime and four local FE Colleges.

Over the past year, the project has worked with Trailblazer groups of employers, including Stena Line, Royal Fleet Auxiliary, Maritime & Coastguard Agency and Peel Ports to develop higher-level standards for Marine Technical Superintendent, Marine Surveyor and Harbour Master, and will be working to complete these standards over the coming months.

Employers on these Trailblazers have had first-hand experience of the IFA development process and have worked with colleagues from other organisations to agree the skills and training needed for the future.

Employers have noted 'The Maritime SuperSkills Project offers employers the opportunity to shape the maritime occupations of the future, whilst contributing to the strengthening of the local economy. It's an effective way of nurturing talent by providing people with the prospect of a high-level occupation and a clear pathway for future career progression.'

SME employers are being urged to get involved with regard to the skills agenda. Increased productivity is the mantra of the times and there is a demonstrable link between skills and increased productivity, but how easy is it to achieve in reality? The Maritime SuperSkills Project wants to hear from SMEs themselves about some of the issues, barriers and challenges they are facing in upskilling their workforce.

To find out more, the Maritime SuperSkills Project is hosting an employer event on Wednesday 5th December 2018 at Sensor City Liverpool, where you can find out about workforce training and development initiatives as well as funding opportunities for SMEs.

To register to attend the event please follow the link:

https://tinyurl.com/ybbmnhrc

To find out more about the Maritime SuperSkills Project please contact Diane Fitch and the project team:
Email: MSS@ljmu.ac.uk
Phone: 0151 231 2790
Or visit the website at https://www.ljmu.ac.uk/microsites/maritime-superskills


Posted 2018-11-27 12:24:49


Have your say in what the skills shortages are in the marine industry before 6th January 2019

The UK marine industry has long dealt with a wide range of skills shortages. And over the years many marine member companies have been unable to fill roles because they don’t feature on the Government’s Shortage Occupation List (SOL).

At the Government's instruction, the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) is undertaking a full review of the composition of the SOL (what roles are listed in it) and has issued a call for evidence that marine companies need to respond to.

The SOL comprises occupations and job titles held to be in shortage either across the UK, or in Scotland only, where it would be sensible to fill through non-EEA migration. Job titles on the SOL are not required to undertake the Resident Labour Market Test or meet the five-year salary threshold for settlement.

To be eligible for the SOL, occupations and job titles must:

* show demonstrable national shortages that cannot be filled from within the domestic labour market
* be skilled to the required level set by the Home Office; and
* demonstrate that it is sensible to seek to fill vacancies with migrant labour from outside of the European Economic Area (EEA)

The MAC is adopting a new approach to its call for evidence and engagement with stakeholders. It is focusing on specific job titles rather than broader occupations and requires evidence that supports this approach. The evidence produced by stakeholders is very important in helping to assess which job titles are in shortage. The MAC ask that all respondents to this call for evidence complete an online form that will comprise their evidence to this review of the SOL.

The Online Survey is quite simple and requires businesses to provide information on the job titles they struggle to fill, salary/wages, experience required, and the issues faced when trying to find the right talent to fill the role. Take part in the survey at the following link:

https://www.homeofficesurveys.homeoffice.gov.uk/s/SOL2018/

The Call for Evidence will close on 6th January 2019.

The Call for Evidence document can be viewed and downloaded at the following link:

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/755892/SOL_call_for_evidence_Final_Version_for_publication_-_revised.pdf

The current rules around the SOL are available to view at this link:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/immigration-rules/immigration-rules-appendix-k-shortage-occupation-list


Posted 2018-11-21 21:48:55


DIT South East; Maximise your Investment at Exhibitions, 4th December 2018, Southampton

DIT South East are hosting this event to 'Maximise your Investment at Exhibitions' which should lead to greater engagement, greater relationships and greater business success. The one-day workshop is taking place on 4th December from 0900 - 1700 in Southampton

Exhibitions are one of the most powerful tools readily available to drive your business to greater exposure and a wealth of potentially lucrative opportunities. Join DIT South East at this highly informative event as they empower you with the vital knowledge and practical tools you need to bridge the gap from commonly recognised exhibition obstacles to even greater success. Attend to gain competitive advantage and learn how to navigate future exhibitions with finesse.

Learn how to reduce the risk of attending exhibitions overseas and maximise your return on investment. 75% of exhibitors believe that they are not exhibiting effectively (AEO Research), this masterclass focuses on how to increase sales and leads, network with other companies and avoid pitfalls such as language, transport and stands.

Other topics that will be covered include:

* The role and benefits of attending overseas exhibitions
* How to determine whether exhibitions/trade missions are right for your company
* Network with other companies
* Create and test a stand pitch

Cost: £50 (exc. VAT)

For more information and registration details please visit:

https://events.newable.co.uk/events/59/maximise-your-investment-at-exhibitions-southampton-041218

Eligibility:

Places are limited to two delegates per company and must have been trading for a minimum of 12 months. You must be looking to increase your overseas market access. Delegates should be exporters or those new to exporting and is not suitable for agencies or intermediaries for example: translation agencies, web developers/agencies, international business development agencies etc.

This event is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund.


Posted 2018-11-27 12:09:02


Danish Embassy Offshore Wind Seminar; 6th December 2018, London

The Danish Embassy in London will host a seminar that offers an overview of current and future developments in UK offshore wind industry. The seminar will provide answers to what we can expect in 2019 in terms of policy developments, market opportunities and technical advances, and will also offer excellent networking opportunities.

Speaker at the event include:

* Lars Thuesen, Ambassador, Royal Danish Embassy
* Yuen Cheung, Head of Offshore Wind Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
* Colin Maciver, Development Manager, Crown Estate Scotland
* Matthew Wright, Managing Director, Ørsted UK
* Julian Garnsey, Project Director, Innogy Renewables UK Ltd
* Rhiannon Mulherin, Head of Valuation, Shell New Energies Wind Development
* Danielle Lane, Vattenfall UK
* Chris Hill, Offshore Renewables Energy Catapult
* Henrik Hansen, Head of Europe, Cwind
* Mona Riis, Operational Excellence, Equinor
* Damon O'Brien, Managing Director, ABPmer

Registration is from 10.00-10.30 with the Danish Ambassadors welcome at 10.30 on Thursday 6th December 2018 at the Danish Embassy, 55 Sloane Street, London SW1X 9SR.

At midday, a buffet lunch is served and the event concludes at 16.00 with networking.

Register: Please register via the DK-UK Associations webpage https://www.dkuk.org/dkuk-event/offshore-wind-2018

For further information, please contact Rasmus Leth Traberg at the Danish Embassy in London on 02073330232/ 07769688703 or rastra@um.dk


Posted 2018-11-16 15:00:45


Solent LEP Masterclass on Exporting - A World of Possibility, 14th December 2018, Southampton

Join the Solent LEP on their first Solent Masterclass for Business; EXPORTING - 'A world of possibility', taking place Friday 14th December 2018 from 10am to 12pm at the National Oceanography Centre, Southampton.

The Solent LEP's first Solent Masterclass focusing on exporting will enable businesses to take away insights, tips, and first-hand experience from a local SME exporter, as well as practical advice from experts, who want to support and facilitate exporting growth in our region, regarding the processes and regulations.

Are you thinking of exporting? Preparing to enter into new markets? Interested to see the opportunities for exporting within your business? Then come along and join the Solent LEP in being inspired to export together.

The LEP are excited to be able to offer a tour of the National Oceanography Centre (NOC) as part of this masterclass. The NOC is based within the Port of Southampton, where around 14 million tonnes of cargo is handled each year, so being part of this exclusive event will give business the opportunity to see first-hand the environment where your products might be passing through as you grow your business.

Come along - all you have to do is bring yourself and the ability to be inspired! This event is free to attend.

The event details are as follows:
Friday 14th December 2018, 10am - 12pm, at the National Oceanography Centre, European Way, Southampton, SO14 3ZH

To register your place please follow the link:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/exporting-a-world-of-possibility-tickets-52613071112



Posted 2018-11-27 12:36:05