Clyde Marine Training were delighted to act as headline sponsors of the 4th UK Chamber of Shipping summer lunch, held again at the magnificent Mansfield Traquair in Edinburgh.
Members of the shipping and supply sector gathered together to hear a speech from the Scottish Government’s Cabinet Secretary for Rural Economy, Fergus Ewing, who reiterated the Scottish Government’s support for the maritime sector in Scotland, and the ongoing consultation with the chamber and its members to devise a Maritime strategy – focused primarily on the areas of education and training – that will ensure Scotland remains a world leader in this sector.
Unfortunately, Scotland and the UK’s unique ‘summer weather’ meant that the events other keynote speaker, UK Chamber President Sir Michael Bibby, was unable to make the event as no trains were able to pass from Scotland to England, due to high winds blowing over trees onto the rail track.
Chamber Director of Policy, David Balston, gamely stepped into the breech to deliver Sir Michael’s speech, which focused on the issue of greater collaboration.
“The ‘cluster’ model is the future of the UK maritime industry. Bringing academics together with businesses, shipowners, ports, innovators, entrepreneurs and manufacturers to identify challenges to overcome and opportunities to exploit.
“And the Scottish Maritime Cluster deserves recognition and support. Because we know it is an extraordinary way of growing the maritime economy, and the national economy.”
Sir Michael’s speech also touched upon the UK Government’s upcoming Maritime 2050 strategy.
“Now I know people are understandably suspicious of government strategies. We’ve seen many of them over the years and not all have achieved much. But Maritime 2050 is not just a piece of paper formed by officials in a Whitehall office. It’s has been shaped by you and your maritime colleagues, through ongoing discussions, regular meetings with industry and through the contribution of an expert panel.”
Commenting on the event as a whole, Clyde Marine Training Director Colin McMurray, stated: “We are delighted that Clyde Marine Training was able to act as headline sponsor of this event, providing a fantastic opportunity for delegates from all strands of the maritime sector, to come together and hear updates from senior figures important to the future of industry.”
“It was also particularly heartening to hear the renewed commitment from both the Scottish and British Governments to strengthening and growing the sector in the years to come, with particular emphasis on the education and training required to ensure our workforce continues to be the envy of the world.”
And there was also a poignant moment for one member of the Clyde Marine Training team, with Administration Manager Christine Cultrera being brought on stage by David Balston to receive flowers to mark her 30th Anniversary working for the company. Many congratulations Christine!