News: Showcasing our Maritime Nation - Maritime Minister visits Southampton Boat Show
The Minister for the maritime industries, Rt Hon John Hayes MP today visited the Southampton Boat Show to meet with representatives of the industry coalition Maritime UK and witness first-hand the depth and breadth of the UK maritime and marine offering showcased at the Southampton Boat Show.
During the visit, Maritime UK members outlined key priorities for the UK marine and maritime sectors in light of the decision to leave the EU, and stressed the continued need to pursue an ambitious agenda for growth across the sector. Alongside visiting several British Marine member companies and touring the Boat Show, the Minister and Maritime UK also visited the UKTI Export Hub, and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency Headquarters.
Speaking at the Show, Minister for Transport, Rt Hon John Hayes MP said: “Britain has world-class marine industries which play an important role in our economy. It is only just a year since the publication of the Maritime Growth Study and already we are seeing our industry partners taking major steps forward in how they market and grow this industry. Shows like this are a key to supporting and increasing export growth and showcase the leading UK companies who are pushing the boundaries in innovation and emerging technologies. With Government and industry working together we can continue our proud history as a powerhouse of marine industries.”
On the EU
Maritime UK, in consultation with member organisations across the industry, has identified three key priorities in the discussions ahead as the UK moves to lead the European Union: Ensuring an attractive business environment, taking a global approach to global issues and championing British skills, services and goods.
David Dingle CBE, Chairman of Maritime UK commented;
“The maritime industry is the engine of British trade, supporting over 500,000 jobs, contributing £22.2bn to UK GDP and driving exports and inward investment throughout the UK.
“In light of the decision to leave the EU, the UK must now, more than ever, capitalise on our global reputation as a world class maritime nation, embrace trade opportunities and deliver prosperity across the country.
“There are now huge opportunities to be seized and the industry recognises the significant responsibility it has in ensuring that Britain is open for business, and is committed to working in partnership with government to ensure that our voice is heard in the discussions ahead.”
On maritime growth
The visit also provided an opportunity for industry and government to reflect upon progress made in the year since the launch of the Maritime Growth Study, which set out an ambitious agenda for growth in the sector.
Maritime UK, as the “promotional body” called for in the Study, has significantly increased its membership to encompass the breadth of the sector, is working with government and stakeholders to develop and deliver upon the study recommendations and building an ambitious sector-wide strategy for growth.
The Maritime UK Chairman commented;
“There is no doubt that the UK is a world-leading destination for maritime businesses and that our maritime offering is world-class. The Maritime Growth Study set out a truly ambitious vision and a great deal of progress has been made towards delivering upon Lord Mountevans' recommendations by both industry and government.
“Industry and government are united in their conviction and ambition for the future, the UK will continue to provide the world-class leadership as that future creates new challenges and opportunities.”
On the Boat Show
Commenting on the success of the Southampton Boat Show, Mr Dingle added;
“As Britain’s biggest boating festival, the Southampton Boat Show is a spectacular showcase of the diversity, scale and innovation present right across the UK Maritime sector.
“Southampton itself is a microcosm of this flourishing sector, from the high-tech port operators, innovative technology companies and specialist training centres. As an island nation, our industry is a vital part of our heritage and of our modern economy – supporting jobs, driving innovation and enabling trade. Our industry also enables millions of people to enjoy the recreational benefits of the UK's coastal and inland waterways.
***
About Maritime UK
Maritime UK brings together the UK's shipping, ports, marine and business services sectors, to drive forward an ambitious agenda for growth, to promote the UK as a world-class maritime centre and to unite the maritime community in meeting the challenges of tomorrow.
As the engine of British trade, and with a world leading marine manufacturing sector, the UK maritime industry supports over 500,000 jobs, contributes £22.2bn to UK GDP, and drives exports and inward investment.
****