Solent's maritime sector invited to share business news with peers

Maritime UK Solent, the transformative industry-led body that promotes a thriving maritime sector within the Solent, is building on the hugely successful virtual Breakfast Network Sessions, which flourished throughout the pandemic, by announcing a programme of monthly face-to-face Breakfast Network Briefings held in high profile maritime venues across the Solent, where attendees will be able to meet in person.

Stuart Baker, Managing Director at Maritime UK Solent said: "We responded to calls from business and have brought Maritime UK Solent together to provide the voice of the Solent's outstanding maritime sector. Throughout the pandemic and lockdowns, we provided a virtual environment where connections were made, relationships struck and news shared through regular online briefings. Moving to face-to-face events will allow our network to share best practice, showcase business excellence, identifying new opportunities for growth, and look at creating collaborations more easily.

"Together, we work to champion the Solent's maritime cluster, and that the area continues to be at the forefront of pioneering developments in the sector. We are open to all and convene the area's maritime stakeholders to promote the Solent as a leading maritime cluster; and even during the pandemic were able to hold constructive monthly meetings, with presentations on a wide range of topics so our network could hear from local and national speakers and discuss key issues on an online basis.

"Moving to meeting in person will help embed the networking and collaboration ethos that we have initiated in our virtual world. I would encourage anyone who is associated with the Solent's marine or maritime sector to join us in taking part in this wider, ongoing conversation among the region's maritime sector."

The next Maritime UK Solent's Breakfast Network meetings are:

• 21 April at Fareham College’s Centre of Excellence in Engineering, Manufacturing and Advanced Skills Training (CEMAST)
• 19 May at National Oceanography Centre, Southampton
• 23 June at Seawork, Southampton

The meetings are open to all businesses involved in any way with the maritime sector in the Solent; people wishing to attend simply need to book online in advance.