News: Solent LEP joins Maritime UK

Solent LEP, the economic development organisation in the Solent, has joined Maritime UK, the promotional body for the maritime sector.

The maritime sector is the Solent’s most obvious and significant sectoral strength, with its maritime businesses and research assets competing internationally. The sector contributes over 20% of the Solent's economic output, with world-leading knowledge and test facilities, and a thriving, future-facing maritime community.

The LEP is a partnership between the business community, Further and Higher Education, three unitary authorities, eight district councils and one county council, all of whom are actively working together to secure a more prosperous and sustainable future for the Solent area.

Maritime UK and Solent LEP have already been working together on a number of projects – including research into the economic impact of the maritime sector, and the sector’s response to the government’s industrial strategy. As full members, Solent LEP will join the Board of Maritime UK and help shape the future of the UK’s maritime sector.

Welcoming Solent LEP to Maritime UK, Chairman David Dingle CBE, said:

"We are delighted to welcome Solent LEP into Maritime UK membership.

“The Solent is home to one of the largest maritime economies in the UK, with world-leading businesses and in particular, cutting-edge research and test facilities, so crucial to ensuring the country’s competitive maritime future.

“As a cluster, the Solent effectively brings together industry, academia and strategic local government, to foster innovation and drive growth.

“I know Solent LEP will play a key role within Maritime UK’s regional cluster group, as well as in supporting important national programmes, such as the industrial strategy.

“We look forward to working together.”

Maritime UK brings together the UK’s shipping, ports, marine and business services industries to promote the sector, influence government and drive growth.