This in from the Solent LEP, in their own words. Ed
The Solent LEP has today (May 27) announced it will establish an accountable group, made up of public and private sector experts, to drive the long-term sustainable growth of the sector.
Securing the future of the marine and maritime industries
It follows the publication of a report by BIS (The Department for Business Innovation and Skills) in April to identify the steps that should be taken to secure the future of the marine and maritime industries across the Solent.
Today the Solent LEP published its official response to the report and its commitment to back the ‘Marine and Maritime Working Group’ with £75,000 in the first year forms part of the document. The response also endorses the Ben Ainslie Racing Team proposal and plans for a feasibility study into the creation of a Large Structures Composites Centre in the Solent. It has urged central Government to fund these projects at the earliest opportunity.
Vital economy for the Solent
Gary Jeffries, Chairman of the Solent LEP, said:
“The marine and maritime sectors have always been, and will continue to be, vital to the Solent’s economy so it is important that public and private sectors work together and seize every opportunity for their growth.
“We fully endorse BIS’s proposal of a group whose primary function is to drive the long-term, sustainable growth of these sectors. So much so that we are willing to back it with our support and funding.
“We hope that central government will follow suit, with real action and funding to bring the Ben Ainslie Racing Team proposal and Large Structures Composites Centre feasibility study to fruition.”
Marine and Maritime Working Group
The Marine and Maritime Working Group will fall under the Solent LEP and be chaired by an independent marine expert from the private sector.
A LEP director will sit on the group, which will be bolstered by other senior figures from the Solent’s public and private sector. In addition, a Marine Sector Manager will be seconded from Hampshire County Council to oversee the delivery of the group’s strategy in year one.
Applications for the role of group chair, as well as nominations to sit on the board, will be invited by the LEP in coming weeks.
Solent LEP’s response to the BIS report was informed by comments from Solent businesses and public sector organisations. Among those who responded to the consultation were Business South, Isle of Wight Council, Hampshire Chamber of Commerce, City College Southampton, the British Marine Federation and both universities in Southampton.
Image: Images of Money under CC BY 2.0
