Nearly £1m allocated to boost UK coastal economies
The UK government is investing nearly £1m to support nine maritime clusters across the country. The government says this funding aims to enhance local economies, foster skills development and connect businesses with the maritime sector. It forms part of a broader strategy to stimulate regional economic growth by addressing barriers to opportunity and driving innovation in coastal communities.
The funds will support various initiatives, including training programmes, education outreach, and infrastructure for local industries. In Tees, £117,000 will fund maritime training and careers events, benefiting schoolchildren, school leavers, students and job seekers. Similarly, Maritime UK South-West will use its £85,000 allocation to establish four innovation hubs and host five events reaching 500 participants, providing a pipeline for future maritime employment.
Other projects include Mersey Maritime’s £100,000 plan to launch an annual innovation showcase aimed at attracting foreign investment to the North West and Cornwall Marine Network’s £124,100 initiative to develop a business tool for SMEs to enhance productivity, profitability, and job creation. Cornwall Marine Network has already contributed £630m to the local economy and secured £42m in private investment for skills development.
Maritime Minister Mike Kane highlights the significance of the investment, stating: “The UK is a proud maritime nation, with our coastal communities being vital in unleashing our full potential and unlocking economic growth across the country. By investing in our excellent maritime clusters, we can deliver jobs, skills and training for local communities and turbocharge growth by delivering investment into the sector.”
This initiative is managed by Maritime UK on behalf of the government. The Maritime Cluster Development Fund supports established clusters while also providing resources for emerging ones to build capacity, foster networking, and increase regional activities.
Chris Shirling-Rooke MBE, chief executive of Maritime UK, describes the funding as a milestone for the maritime sector. “The Maritime Cluster Development Fund will create real impact and make a tangible difference to our most precious of places – our coastal communities. Having been on this incredible journey with partners at the Department for Transport for more than six years, this labour of love for all of us is testament to the power of collaboration and partnership. I look forward to seeing all of our maritime clusters thrive and creating those vital jobs and growth where they’re needed most.”
The funding announcement coincides with the Maritime UK National Council meeting and the introduction of new Maritime UK chairman Tom Boardley, who will begin his role in the new year.
The nine maritime clusters receiving funding are:
- Tees Maritime Cluster (£117,000)
- Humber Marine & Renewables (£85,000)
- Short Straits Maritime Cluster (£85,000)
- Cornwall Marine Network (£124,100)
- Mersey Maritime (£100,000)
- Northern Ireland Maritime & Offshore (£100,000)
- Scottish Maritime Cluster (£85,000)
- Maritime UK South-West (£85,000)
- Maritime UK Solent (£85,000)
The total funding, £866,100, will be distributed among the clusters, with Maritime UK receiving an additional £135,000 to administer the grants on behalf of the Department for Transport.
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