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£1 Million Marine Sector Boost for SW England
01 Nov 2003
South West England has the fastest growing marine sector in the country, with 25% of the marine leisure business. Research has shown that the sector comprises 2,700 companies, represents around 5% of the region’s economy and has a workforce estimated at 32,000.
<$>The region is also home to marine resource based industries, marine system design and construction, marine operations and shipping, marine equipment and service providers, and boat building companies. An estimated 70% of the UK’s marine biologists and 50% of the country’s oceanographers are based in South West England. Investment is also underway to extend the resources and support infrastructure for marine businesses.
In August of this year plans were announced for South West England’s first marine science and technology park. A study will recommend the best way in which to establish a marine science and technology cluster in Plymouth. The city already has 270 marine companies and has a strong scientific base including the University of Plymouth, the Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Marine Biological Association and the Sir Alister Hardy Foundation for Oceanic Science.
For further information, Tel: 0870 442 9100 or visit www.southwestengland.com
