15.03.06
Historic opportunity for Isles of Scilly marine firms

A helping hand for far west marine companies has embraced Isles of Scilly operators with a special presentation day at the Scillonian Club in Hugh Town.

Existing and prospective members of Cornwall Marine Network (CMN), the specialist marketing and training support body, had the chance to meet Tim Bowerbank, marketing manager, and Paul Wickes, training manager. CMN is targeting a massive boost for the industry following the award last year of a £1.25 million Objective One led investment package.

"The Isles of Scilly is a vitally important part of our territory and we are anxious to ensure that all the islands' marine companies have every opportunity to enjoy the huge range of support services now available through CMN," said Mr Bowerbank.

CMN is already working closely with several Isles of Scilly companies, notably Blue Boats and its Powercat 525 motorised catamaran, which recently won the 'Innovative Boat of the Year' category in the Europe-wide inaugural IPC Media Marine awards.

Other member companies include St Mary's Boatmen's Association (representing ten companies), Rat Island Sail Boat Company, The Sailing Centre and Hicks and Sons Boat Hire. Mr Bowerbank said he was encouraged by the number of attendees who had indicated their willingness to join CMN following the presentation, which was supported by Objective One.

As well as working with individual companies, CMN is now devising a programme of further activities with Isles of Scilly companies, including tailored workshops. Mr Bowerbank commented: "The clear aim is to assist in ways which have not previously been possible in driving these businesses forward with structured marketing programmes and expanding the skills base through enhanced training programmes."

Mr Wickes said the industry had a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to transform itself with the aid of a major new programme of training initiatives. The funds and expertise were now in place to tackle skills shortages and to provide significantly improved training opportunities and structures.

For further information please contact Tim Bowerbank on 01326 211382.

The Objective One Programme for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly has invested in the Cornwall Marine Network through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

Editor's notes:

Clare Morgan
Media Relations Manager
Objective One Partnership Office
Castle House
Pydar Street
Truro TR1 2UD
Mobile: 07973 813647
Telephone: 01872 223439

cmorgan@cornwall.gov.uk

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