Solent LEP recognised in maritime awards

THE SOLENT Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) is celebrating making the final of the Maritime UK awards for its work to secure a more prosperous and sustainable future for the Solent region, with winners due to be announced later this week during a special ceremony.

The Solent LEP is a finalist in two huge categories: Coastal Powerhouse – in recognition of organisations driving growth within a coastal community; and Clean Maritime Enabler which recognises the support given to green innovation in the UK Maritime Sector.

Brian Johnson, Chair of the Solent LEP said: “Like many coastal communities, the Solent has seen major changes in response to de-industrialisation, trends in tourism, and globalisation. Positioning the Solent as the UK’s capital of coastal renaissance is of paramount importance to Solent LEP and we will continue to champion our maritime sector, harness new technologies and work with our partners to revitalise our important coastal communities to secure a brighter future for our young people.

“The Solent LEP has been at the centre of the development of the Solent Freeport bid – one of only eight freeports in England and a once-in-a-generation opportunity for our region.  It will unlock investment, boost productivity, create jobs and support Net Zero ambitions in a global Britain.

“I’m delighted that our work in promoting green innovation in maritime has also been recognised in the Maritime UK Awards shortlist.  The maritime industry is of vital importance to our region – making up around 20% of the total economic output, and our investment is helping the sector to decarbonise.  To date, results include the iconic Horizon Cruise Terminal complete with solar generation and ‘shore power’ facilities, an Enzyme Innovation centre to develop green recovery solutions for the breakdown of plastics and a project to remove nitrate pollution from the Solent marine ecosystem.”

Graham Barnetson, the Solent LEP Board’s Maritime Lead and Maritime UK Solent Vice-Chair, said in a recent statement: “It’s great to see such a strong representation from the Solent at these national awards, showcasing our region and our world-leading maritime sector.  Organisations across the Solent are represented in a wide range of categories, demonstrating the strength, innovation and opportunity our Solent marine and maritime sector offers.”

Alongside the Solent LEP, finalists in the Maritime UK Awards 2022 from the Solent include:

• Jamie Bamforth, BAE Systems – Apprentice of the Year

• Falcon Tenders Limited – Start-up of the year award

• Cowes Enterprise College – Future Skills Award

• Carisbrooke Shipping – Clean Maritime Enabler

• ABP Southampton – Innovation Award

• ABP – Clean Maritime Operator

• Wightlink – Clean Maritime Operator

• SERCO – Diversity Champion

• Ecomar – Diversity Champion

• Gabriel Verne (Warsash Maritime School newly qualified cadet) – Bevis Minter Award

The Maritime UK awards focus on a wide range of areas including business growth, innovation, sustainability and diversity. They recognise the very best of the UK’s maritime sector.  The winners will be announced on 10 March 2022 at the Glasgow Science Centre. More information can be found by visiting this link.

PICTURED: Marketing graphic for awards ceremony scheduled for later this week.