Dorset's maritime sector receives government funding boost

The Great South West - the powerhouse that covers Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, Devon, Dorset, and Somerset – has been chosen as the country’s Marine and Maritime Launchpad.

As part of the programme, the region is set to receive up to £7.5 million of investment to drive innovation and business growth, building on its strengths in marine and maritime.

Karl Tucker, Chair of the Great South West, said: “It’s fantastic to see the region recognised for its leadership in maritime innovation. The Great South West is the blue capital of the UK, where 21st century innovation meets a legacy of maritime expertise.

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"From marine manufacturing and ocean science to maritime transport and defence, we are leading the way, with a robust infrastructure and supply chain network, world-class research institutions, test sites for cutting-edge technologies, and a unique coastal environment.

"We look forward to continuing to support key players in our maritime sector to seize new opportunities, create jobs and support economic growth.”

Innovate UK’s Launchpads programme recognises industry clusters with the potential to deliver jobs, growth, and productivity, and unlocks funding from £25,000 to £1m, to support SMEs driving innovation in their area.

The Marine and Maritime Launchpad has been developed by the Heart of the South West LEP and Innovate UK in partnership with Maritime UK South West, the Universities of Exeter, Plymouth and Bournemouth, the Dorset and Cornwall LEPs, and the Plymouth and South Devon Freeport.

The Launchpad builds on work undertaken by the Ocean Futures Partnership to establish the Great South West as a global centre of excellence and supercluster in the testing, development and manufacture of autonomy, digital and clean ocean technologies.

Kevin Forshaw, Chair of Maritime UK South West, Chair of the Plymouth and South Devon Freeport’s Innovation Advisory Board, and Director of Industrial and Strategic Partnerships at University of Plymouth, said: “The Marine and Maritime Launchpad represents a fantastic opportunity to boost levels of innovation across the Great South West.

"It will enable us to expand on what is already a world-class ocean economy cluster, creating commercial solutions to the challenges facing our marine and maritime sector. This funding will also unite government, industry and academia in the development of the regional economy, creating a cleaner, high growth and digitally enabled sector right here in the South West.”

Cecilia Bufton, Chair of the Dorset LEP, said: “Innovate UK’s Marine and Maritime Launchpad funding is very welcome news for Dorset, and an important milestone for our partnership with the Great South West. The maritime sector makes an extremely important contribution to jobs, skills and our local economy.

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"With Dorset businesses leading in a wide range of marine and maritime specialties, from clean propulsion, security and design to the manufacture and repair of yachts and boat building, we would strongly encourage and support Dorset-based businesses to bid for a £25,000 to £1m slice of this funding.”

Indro Mukerjee, CEO of Innovate UK, said: “Innovate UK is building strong regional partnerships across the UK to support local innovation and commercialisation.

"Our new Launchpads will help to attract further private sector R&D investment into innovation clusters, growing local economies and delivering societal and economic benefits to local communities.”