UK maritime businesses can access new funding to attend international trade shows

Marine and maritime businesses from the south coast of England can now apply for funding to allow them to showcase their businesses at international trade shows and to build their export market.

With The Solent generating a 10% of the marine sector’s UK GDP, and the area encompassing more than 3,000 businesses and providing more than 48,000 jobs, a share of £100,000 is now available through the GREAT UK Challenge Fund. The funding became available for new and existing companies after Portsmouth Council placed a successful bid for the scheme. 

Supported by the Invest in Hampshire, it’s hoped that the new funding will assist marine and maritime businesses to fund their presence at some of the key international trade shows and events in order to grow their business and build their export market. 

John Poyner, managing director of Marine Data Systems, a marine business based on the Isle of White said, “We are delighted to be attending Marintec China as part of the South Coast Marine Cluster. One of our biggest challenges is marketing to an overseas audience. We operate in a niche market as a third tier supplier, often re-labelling our products for our partners and, as a result, we don’t benefit from organic brand recognition. 

“I find the best way to promote the Marina Data brand beyond our existing network is through attending international events and exhibitions but as every small business knows this can be costly.”

Branded as the largest and most authoritative maritime trade fair in China, Marintec China is set to take place in Shanghai in December. John continued, “Marintec China is a new event for us and I think it will be hugely beneficial exhibiting as part of the group.”

For more information, or to apply for funding, contact Amanda Beable at [email protected].

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