Help for new Marine Businesses

26 May 2006:

Business support service Business Link has announced the launch of the Marine Business Start-Up pilot programme, which supports the local marine industry, in Dorset and Hampshire, UK.

Starting in June 2006, the pilot aims to give people thinking of starting a business in the marine sector a real insight into the needs of the local industry, as well as training on how to survive as a new business.

Jan Field, enterprise development manager in Wessex, commented: "Marine businesses in the area are well-situated to benefit from tourism and support services required for the Olympics, many of which will have a sustainable future after the event."

"We believe that the launch of a business start-up programme specifically for the marine industry is a vital step forward in the support offered to the sector. It is hoped that the programme will embed best business practices and increase business survival rates. This will result from providing these embryonic businesses with a sound base of
information, skills development and access to the ongoing support that Business Link and organisations such as the British Marine Federation can provide."

The programme will begin with a free training needs analysis and awareness session to give an overview of starting up in business in the marine industry. This will take place in Dorset on June 2, and in Hampshire on June 8, from 10am-3pm.

This will be followed by a three-day course on business planning, finance, marketing and legislation. There will also be an introduction to marine industry support organisations and networks, and presentations by local marine entrepreneurs and organisations such as Marine South West, the British Marine Federation, and Paragon and ITE Training Group.

The Marine Start-up Course will take place on the June 13, 14 and 15 in Dorset and on June 20, 21 and 22 in Hampshire, from 9am-4pm.

For further information on the project please contact:

Name: Jan Field, Enterprise Development Manager
Email: [jan.field@businesslinkwessex.co.uk]
Tel: 01329 223274
Web: [www.businesslinkwessex.co.uk]