Plymouth Employment and Skills Board (ESB) have welcomed the government’s new strategy for the marine and maritime industry launched this week.

The Marine Industries Growth Strategy, (MIGS), was introduced by Business Minister, Mark Prisk. It aims to bring together business, academia, industry and government to create a plan for long-term growth.

Dr Graham Stirling, Chair of Plymouth ESB said: “We are pleased that the government has recognised the importance of the marine industries to the UK economy.

“However, it leaves us doubly shocked and disappointed that Plymouth missed out on Enterprise Zone status given that the bid was based around our marine and renewables sectors.”

The strategy advocates expanding marine renewables and export opportunities for the sector. In addition, it calls for close working partnerships with academia and co-operation across marine industries.

Dr Stirling continued: “The city is way ahead. Plymouth made the marine and marine renewables industry one of the six priority sectors in the 2006 Local Economic Strategy. We have already forged strong relationships between the University, the marine industries sector and local government.

“Plymouth has the ambition to be the centre of marine industry and expertise in the UK. We have built strong partnerships and developed the skills to create a sustainable future for the sector.”

The government believes the strategy, supported by effective collaboration, could lead to an £8 billion growth in the sector resulting in a £25 billion marine industry by 2020.

ENDS