Boat comes in for marine centre as agency invests in old skills; NORTH EAST REGIONAL BUSINESS FAIR.

Byline: Peter McCusker

NEW money is being injected into a ground-breaking project to boost its work putting the North East at the forefront of marine design.

Funding of pounds 900,000 has been provided by One North East to meet future running costs at the International Marine Design Centre (IMDC) in Newcastle, bringing its total investment in the centre to pounds 2.4m.

The centre markets the combined strengths North East marine industry to the world in an effort to land major design contracts in defence, commercial shipping and offshore energy markets.

This funding is part of the agency's Real Help for Businesses Now campaign, which is being supported by The Journal, to highlight measures being taken to help regional businesses prosper and survive during the recession.

ONE director of business and industry Ian Williams said: "North East England is still rich in marine design skills which are highly valued around the world.

"Recent years have seen a decline in the fabrication of ships - but the design skills are still here and the International Marine Design Centre provides a focal point for companies to win new work and boost their skills base.

"The facility has fast become an internationally recognised centre of excellence showcasing the North East's marine design skills and technology."

The IMDC already has a membership of 24 companies which collectively offer more than 600 designers in the marine sector access to training and business advice.

The centre showcases regional marine design capability, substantially raising the chances of North East marine sector firms landing lucrative work.

Business development company Northern Defence Industries (NDI) runs the centre, which links closely with the expertise of established regional bodies including Newcastle University's School of Marine Science and Technology.

NDI chief executive Trevor Harrison said: "I am delighted that One North East has agreed this important investment in the Marine Design Centre.

"It is a clear indication of the RDA's support for the marine sector and engineering in the North East of England, which will enable us to continue to develop an exciting programme of support, training and business development at a pivotal time for the industry's future."

Marine Design Centre director David Hewitt said: "We have come a very long way in a short space of time. We have built up a dynamic regional membership base and put strategies in place to help the sector move forward. This extra funding will enable us to build on our successes so far."

For guidance on using the region's range of business support, contact Business Link on: 0845 600-9006 or go to www.businesslink.gov.uk/northeast

CAPTION(S):

PIVOTAL Northern Defence Industries chief executive Trevor Harrison.