Solent LEP announces developments to support Solent Economy

The Solent LEP, through working with ExxonMobil and the University of Southampton, has has established The Solent Cluster as part of the effort to secure the future economy of the Solent.

This new cluster is defined by Solent LEP as ''a new partnership between the public, private, academic and research communities designed to spearhead the Solent in becoming a leading centre for low carbon investment that will grow the regional economy, protect skilled jobs, and create new employment opportunities in the energy technologies and industries of the future''.

Having already delivered close to 14,000 new homes, 6,000 new jobs, skills support for over 22,000 new learners and nearly £1 billion of additional investment, Solent LEP believes that The Solent Cluster guarantees the continued success of their operations going forward.

Solent LEP Chair, Rachel Randall, "The vision is for the Solent to be a globally leading maritime cluster and at the forefront of innovations to adapt to climate change, with towns and cities that are fantastic places to live, trade and with opportunities for all our communities to flourish. Our work with partners through The Solent Cluster and ensuring we have the right skills across our communities to enable our businesses to prosper will be critical to achieving this vision moving forward.

''These are the first of a number of positive announcements we plan to make for the Solent economy in the coming months and we believe that there is a very bright future ahead for our economy as we look forward to continuing to work with partners across the area to deliver this."

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Alongside the Cluster, Solent LEP has also secured £1.2 million of investment from the Department for Education (DfE) to support skills bootcamps in the Solent. Said bootcamps will on areas including Digital Marketing, Software Development, Maritime Transport and Logistics, Care Services, Creative Business Management and Administration, Green Skills and Catering and Hospitality.

Changes to Solent LEP's senior management team have also been announced, with the retirement of current Solent LEP Chief Executive Anne-Marie Mountifield taking effect in August 2023. Anne will continue to support the LEP's vision through other founding partners and will also continue in her role as Chair of Maritime UK Solent.  Stuart Baker, LEP Business Development Director and Managing Director of Maritime UK Solent, will be the LEPs nominated director on The Solent Cluster.

Anne said: "I started my career with Solent LEP in 2010 and I have had a wonderful journey here working with a hugely supportive and inspirational board, great team members, a truly brilliant senior management team and of course fantastic local partners. As someone who was born in the local area, I recognise how privileged and lucky I have been to be given the opportunity to work in a leadership role for an organisation that has led a programme of transformational activity that has undoubtedly improved businesses and communities across the Solent.

''It is with a great sense of pride that I view the LEPs local growth programme and the investment in jobs, homes and skills that will benefit our community in the years ahead. I am very much looking forward to leading the development of Maritime UK Solent and supporting The Solent Cluster in the next phase of our work to strengthen the Solent economy. Our world-leading marine and maritime sector and our aspirations for decarbonisation are critical components of the vision for the area and I am delighted that we have the strong backing of industry partners in the area to take forward this work in the Solent."

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