Mersey Maritime, the representative body for the maritime sector in the Liverpool City Region, is reporting record growth in 2016 after membership levels grew to more than 200.
A total of 23 businesses have so far joined forces with the trade group in 2016, either as Sponsors, Executive Club or Standard Level members, taking total membership to 203.
Mersey Maritime CEO Chris Shirling-Rooke said the group has developed a reputation as one of Europe’s most successful maritime cluster organisations, representing the interests of more than 1700 marine, logistics and energy businesses.
He said its role promoting Liverpool’s maritime industry as a world class centre of excellence has benefited from long-term support from regional powerhouses including Peel, Bibby and Cammell Laird.
However, it is continuing to gain major traction both regionally and internationally with a collection of high profile names joining or upgrading this year including Liverpool John Lennon Airport, RS Clare, Royal HaskoningDHV, Bibby Financial Services and Denholm Wilhelmson.
“Mersey Maritime has recorded its most successful year to date in terms of membership levels which have exceeded 200 for the first time,” said Mr Shirling-Rooke. “It’s been a landmark year with the launch of the Maritime Knowledge Hub, a joint venture between Mersey Maritime, Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) and Wirral Council on behalf of the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority. We are looking to match the commitment shown by the local business community through this ambitious joint partnership.
“The state-of-the-art facility is designed to help manufacturers design, test and build products or services. We can offer business start-up space and support, as well as conference space. Our focus is fixed firmly on Merseyside’s core strengths in manufacturing, research and development, innovation and education and training. However, we are keen to remain flexible so we can shape our offer to meet employer demand and maximise new opportunities.”
Mr Shirling- Rooke said opportunities in the maritime sector are abundant, with cross over into professional services, construction, transport, engineering and hospitality. Already the sector drives 13pc of Merseyside’s GDP and is worth more than £3.4billion.
“Firms are keen to join Mersey Maritime to identify how to grow and diversify in the maritime industry,” he said. “There are four key benefits to membership including networking, business support, lobbying support and finally training and education. We have staged more than 25 events so far this year, including our monthly Face-2-Face networking events, attracting more than 800 delegates.
“One way we can support business growth very effectively is to provide access to industry focused events and key decision makers. For many smaller businesses, this is exactly the kind of leg-up they need to build strong effective networks and be able to reach the right people quickly when opportunities arise. Another key area is exporting, encouraging local businesses to export for the first time or extend their reach into new overseas markets. Our core aim is to create the right conditions for business growth. Now more than ever, as the UK begins the process of exiting the EU, the benefits of being part of a strong, dynamic cluster are readily apparent. We want to send a clear message – our doors are open and we are encouraging ambitious companies, large and small, to get in touch.”
Jamie Gray, associate director at Royal HaskoningDHV, said his firm had upgraded membership with Mersey Maritime to Executive Club level. “Royal HaskoningDHV is a global engineering and project design consultancy with 6500 staff working in 150 companies, but we’ve been something of a sleeping giant in Liverpool,” he said. “We decided to upgrade our membership this year because we want to be fully engaged in the cluster, with a place at the table. Moreover, we want to be positioned as a first choice company for new business opportunities within our areas of expertise.”
Another new member Sally Crotty, client services director at Incorporate Travel Management, said: “Around 30pc of our turnover comes from the maritime travel market including crew and security business, so we were extremely keen to be part of something with a specific maritime industry focus. We don’t currently have a Liverpool base however we do have significant business interests in the region. A Liverpool base is part of our future business plan. Membership therefore is a great way for us to grow our business in the area and stay in touch with what’s going on.”
Fellow new member John Bean, managing director at Geo Data Systems said: “As a fledgling business with big aspirations for success, joining Mersey Maritime has been absolutely the right move for us. It’s meant we haven’t had to start from scratch, knocking on doors and trying to get access to the right people. Through Mersey Maritime, we’ve attended business events like Face-2-Face. It’s the best investment we have made this year.”
Businesses wanting more detail on joining Mersey Maritime and its activities at the Maritime Knowledge Hub should contact Annette Parker or any member of the team Tel: 0151 647 4747 Email: info@merseymaritime.co.uk Web: www.merseymaritime.co.uk Twitter: @Mersey_Maritime
Notes to Editor:
About Mersey Maritime
Mersey Maritime is the private-public sector partnership that represents the interests of one of the largest UK clusters of marine and maritime businesses outside London within the following main sub-sectors: Shipping, Ports and Logistics; Maritime Services; Advanced Engineering; Offshore Energy; Professional Services. Mersey Maritime operates as a not-for-profit entity and funds its work on behalf of the cluster with income raised through membership, industry events and consultancy services. www.merseymaritime.co.uk