We celebrate RS Aqua relocation to the region

We accompanied local politicians and business leaders this month to welcome RS Aqua, suppliers of high-specification marine instrumentation and submersible systems, to Portsmouth. The high-growth business relocated to the region after we provided them with funding to support their move and expansion.

RS Aqua, are part of the marine science technology space, one of the key priority sectors that we have identified for funding. The move is a coup for the region as maritime industries are on a significant growth trajectory, and RS Aqua have grown 85% in revenue in the past three years. By relocating from North Hampshire to the Solent region, not only is the business closer to relevant supply chains and to its customers, it contributes to the area's overall economic productivity.

Martin Stemp, Managing Director at RS Aqua explained: "To sustain our growth, RS Aqua had to relocate; and this meant a move to Port Solent in Portsmouth, within the Solent LEP area. Investment in the new premises and facilities have enabled expansion of the RS Aqua Technical Services division which provides new research and development (R&D) capacity, product innovation and systems integration capabilities. This in itself has meant that we have created 3 new jobs this year, plus an additional one in 2020 along with two engineering apprenticeship posts."

Penny Mordaunt, Member of Parliament for Portsmouth North was unable to attend due to obligations at Westminster, and instead sent a video message and in it said:
"Congratulations on your new growth plans - I know that the move is part of that. Welcome to Portsmouth and to Port Solent - it's a wonderful place to live and work. As your new local MP I really look forward to working with, and supporting you to achieve your ambitious plans."

At their new Port Solent site RS Aqua have two separate premises including a workshop and a double office unit within 50 metres from each other. Their office accommodation is triple the size of their last one, and comfortably allows for up to 18 desks, a large meeting/training/board room, private directors office, a collaborative working space, plus staff breakout areas. The new Workshop space will be able to comfortably accommodate 5 members of Technical / Engineering staff. This multi-functional team will work jointly on customer projects e.g. calibration and equipment maintenance, and on R&D, product innovation, and Systems Design and Systems Integration offerings.

Photo caption:
Left to right - Kira Coley, Senior Editor, ECO Magazine, Deputy Lord Mayor Councillor Ben Dowling, Martin Stemp, Managing Director, RS Aqua