The sectors’ key opportunities and challenges have been presented by stakeholders at a Great South West event at the University of Exeter on Thursday 4th May.
The event was held by Great South West and Maritime UK South West, to understand the priorities for the region’s leading marine and maritime economy.
The Great South West is a Pan-Regional Partnership covering Cornwall, the Isles of Scilly, Devon, Dorset and Somerset. It aims to promote the region’s ‘blue and green’ economies, as part of its ambition to be the first region to become net zero.
Stakeholders including Princess Yachts, Cornwall Marine Network, Celtic Sea Power, and PML Applications came together to understand how the region can contribute to the Government’s key priorities, including increasing inward investment and exports, establishing the country as a science superpower, and transitioning to net zero.
Karl Tucker, Chair of the Great South West, said: “This event was a fantastic opportunity to really understand the challenges facing our marine and maritime sectors. Our region’s long-established history in the sector, and unrivalled marine assets, offer a fantastic opportunity to contribute to the country’s economic and net zero ambitions. We must work with Government to tackle the challenges facing our marine and maritime sectors, and unlock the potential of our blue economy.”
Kevin Forshaw, Chair of Maritime UK South West, said: “The Great South West provides a hugely significant opportunity for the region at a time when the blue and green economies are front and centre of thinking, both nationally and internationally.
“Maritime UK South West are delighted to be able to bring together R&D active businesses with leading academic researchers in our networks, to crystallise the Transformational Economic Opportunities that will enable safe and sustainable exploitation of the ocean economy. This will create wealth in the region, while safeguarding our natural capital and providing global export opportunities for our thought leadership and USPs.”
Find out more about the Great South West.
