SOUTH Shields MP, Emma Lewell, was guest of honour at UK Docks Marine Services headquarters on River Drive in a meeting aimed at boosting business across maritime and defence sectors .
Emma led and facilitated high-level discussions that brought together multiple agencies and organisations united by a desire to develop the area and drive the maritime sector forward.
South Shields MP, Emma Lewell, (in red jacket), along with UK Dock directors and key leaders in maritime and defence.
This was an important opportunity for UK Docks, with Managing Director Jonathan Wilson, Director Chris Wilson, Director Gary Wilson, Operations Director Stephen Lee, Business Development Director Ben Mason and Finance Director, John Armstrong all taking part.
As well as Emma, UK Docks welcomed Thomas Knowles, the Royal Navy Regional Commander for Northern England and the Isle of Man, Tom Chant MBE, Chief Executive Officer of the Society of Maritime Industries (SMI), Lesley Hawke MIEx (RTC/North East Regional Defence and Security Cluster NERDSC) and Susie Izumi, from the Office for Investment.
The meeting explored the role of the maritime and defence sectors in supporting regional prosperity, creating high-quality jobs and apprenticeships, and enhancing the North East’s position as a key hub for industrial and defence-related activity.
Discussions included the Defence Investment Plan (DIP), the UK Industrial Strategy, and opportunities to strengthen investment, skills development and economic growth across the North East region.
UK Docks business development director, Ben Mason, said: "The visit provided an opportunity for representatives from UK Docks, the Royal Navy, the Office for Investment (OfI), Society of Maritime Industries (SMI) and regional stakeholders to discuss current activities and opportunities within defence and the maritime sector.
"It was great to see the local MP doing such an excellent job in bringing everyone together.
Managing Director, Jonathan Wilson, said: “We were delighted to welcome such prestigious guests to River Drive, where we could showcase our headquarters in South Shields, plus our new 80,000 square foot facility further along River Drive, as well as our capabilities across the country and global reach.
“We are all working towards the same goal, wanting the UK maritime sector to reach its full potential and to grow and develop in a way which would be of huge benefit to the region.
“We’re all working hard and investing in this sector and when you’re able to get people from all the different organisations in the same room, exciting things happen.
“You learn about everyone’s expertise and knowledge and also what we all might achieve when we’re able to work together, all of us working together will be stronger than any one organisation working on its own.”
Pictured, left to right, are John Armstrong, Stephen Lee, Susie Izumi, Jonathan Wilson, Lesley Hawke MIEx, Emma Lewell, MP, Tom Chant MBE, Gary Wilson, Thomas Knowles and Ben Mason,