Marine industries are major contributor to the UK economy
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Issued 08
February 2011 - BIS
Figures revealed to MPs and Peers at parliamentary
event
The UK’s marine industries
contribute £3.7 billion to the UK economy each year, according to
figures released today by the Marine Industries Leadership Council.
Comprising well over 5,000 companies, the marine industries employ
around 120,000 people across the UK and have a combined turnover of £10
billion. With more than 20 per cent growth in shipbuilding and marine
leisure between 2006 and 2008, future growth in the marine industries
is expected to amount to billions of pounds for the UK through
expanding international markets and marine renewable energy. {source:
see note 1}
Speaking at a parliamentary
event to promote the findings of the economic research in his capacity
as co-chair of the Council, Minister of State for Business and
Enterprise Mark Prisk MP said:
"These figures highlight the
importance of the marine industry to the UK economy and to the skills
and jobs market.
“It's an industry worth
several billion and the Marine Industries Leadership Council will play
a vital role in helping industry to secure more work for the UK.”
Alan Johnston Managing
Director of BAE Systems’ Maritime organisation and co-chair of the
Council, said: “It is not true that these industries are in decline -
nothing could be further from the truth. The high technology marine
engineering industry makes a major contribution to the UK economy.
“By working together we have
the potential to further increase revenues, boost jobs and our
collective value to the economy. Areas of focus include innovation,
promoting British expertise in international markets, and skills
development. I would encourage companies in the UK marine supply chain
to take an active interest in the wider sector and to explore
opportunities for collaboration and engagement.”
Case studies demonstrating
the breadth of the UK marine industries were presented at the
parliamentary event:
Exportability is a key
aspect of the Royal Navy’s Type 26 Global Combat Ship design. Potential
partners are being engaged in the Assessment phase of the project –
with 158 different equipments/tasks resulting in 224 separate
engagements with 101 different suppliers from academics to small
engineering firms across every major region. Exports of this ship would
generate significant income.
Offshore renewables presents
the marine industry with an unprecedented growth opportunity.
RenewableUK recently showed the sector doubling direct UK employment to
over 10,000 between 2007 and 2010. UK companies making the most of
this, like Alnmaritec and South Boats, have used their specialist
expertise and innovative approach to become major manufacturers of
workboats for the offshore wind sector.
UK expertise in Commercial
Marine Science and Survey has been exported all over the world. With
marine renewable energy we find ourselves once again at the forefront
of providing world class marine science and survey capability and are
investing in the necessary skills and training to support this expected
growth.
The Council aims to maximise
the potential of the marine industries and, by June 2011, will develop
a UK marine industries growth strategy, building on the UK’s
globally-recognised engineering skills and capabilities. The figures
announced today will be published as part of this document.
The vision for the UK marine
sector is that, by 2020, it will be renowned globally for the quality
and value for money of its high technology products, systems and
services. The UK is already the fourth largest shipbuilder {note 2} and
one of the largest boat builders in Europe {3}, with a worldwide market
and reputation for the quality of its marine equipment {1}. In certain
niche markets such as warships and superyachts, the UK has a
world-beating position. The UK is also leading the world in developing
sustainable offshore wind, wave and tidal energy generation {2}. The
aim of the strategy under development by the Council is to ensure that
the UK’s share of global market continues to increase across a broad
front of marine products and services.
The coming months will see
even wider engagement with all the stakeholders in the sector, the
emphasis being very much on a business development agenda. The analysis
phase has provided a picture of the current landscape and the next
phases of the strategy development will set out what, when and how the
Council will enhance the future of the industry.
Notes:
Sources:
- Strategy development team analysis
- Eurostat, Structural Business Statistics
- British Marine Federation
- DECC
For further information:
The Council’s Strategy Manager, Patrick Carnie, 07917 577124,
pkcarnie@marineuk.com
Interviews
are available with leading organisations in the Marine Industries:
Alan Johnston, Managing Director BAE Systems Maritime
Contact: Kristina Crowe, 02392 896232
kristina.crowe@baesystems.com
Mark Prisk, MP, Minister for Business
Contact: Ashley Rogers 020 7215 5971,
ashley.rogers@bis.gsi.gov.uk
Representing leisure marine companies
Rob Stevens, Chief Executive, British Marine Federation
Contact: Rebecca Jackson, PR manager, 01784 223627
rjackson@britishmarine.co.uk
Representing marine renewables companies
Peter Madigan, Head of Offshore Renewables, RenewableUK
Contact: Peter Madigan, 020 7901 3000, P.Madigan@renewable-uk.com
Representing Naval and Commercial shipbuilding and
equipment companies, and marine science
John Murray, Chief Executive, Society of Maritime Industries
Contact: Johanna Proctor, 0207 448 7020,
Johanna.Procter@maritimeindustries.org
Representing shipbuilding and ship repair companies
Ash Sinha, Director, Shipbuilders & Shiprepairers
Association
Contact: Julie Robson, 0191 567 8965 julie@ssa.org.uk
About the UK marine industries
The UK’s marine industries encompassed by the Council’s
strategy include Shipbuilding & Repair, Leisure Marine, Marine
Equipment, Marine-related Services, and Marine Renewable Energy. These
sectors have come together, and committed cash and people to developing
the strategy. They are open in the long run to contributions from
related sectors, such as marine science, ports, maritime security, oil
& gas and shipping. Links are being established with these
sectors, and their contribution to the UK is recognised.
About the Marine Industries Leadership Council Established
in 2009, the Council includes a comprehensive
range of stakeholders from the marine industries, including trade
bodies, professional institutions, unions, appropriate government
departments, economic development agencies and devolved
administrations. Its role is to provide a focal point and a coordinated
voice for stakeholders in industry and government, and to develop and
implement strategies to enhance and promote the contribution of the
marine sector to the economy. The Council’s working groups are already
addressing the themes of technology and innovation; skills; environment
and regulation; international trade and export; and the industry’s
image. Its role includes helping to ensure that the UK becomes even
more competitive in the global market place for ships, boats, marine
systems and equipment and marine renewable energy devices.
About the Author
© Crown Copyright. Material taken from the BIS Department for Business, Innovation and Skills. Reproduced under the terms and conditions of the Click-Use Licence.
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Article Published/Sorted/Amended on Scopulus 2011-02-08 13:40:52 in Economic Articles
