Although coastal communities have their fair share of challenges, not least social deprivation, their unique asset – the sea – offers many possibilities. I once heard Steve Fothergill, of Sheffield Hallam University who had studied the coalfields and coastal communities summarise it like this, ‘nobody wants to visit or retire to the coalfields’. The coast has huge attractions as highlighted by a recent Bluehealth study on coastal visits and its potential for renewable energy, Cornwall are clearly grasping this opportunity.

The coast as an attractor – 270 million visits made to English coastlines each year

BlueHealth 2020 Alex Smalley A newly released study has, for the first time, estimated the number of visits made annually to marine and coastal environments in England. Conducted by BlueHealth researchers at the University of Exeter and published in the journal Marine Policy, the research has found that approximately 271 million recreational visits are made to coasts and beaches each year, and that the most common activity on these visits is walking. The study also revealed that most people head to these ‘blue’ environments for relaxation and social reasons.

Marine Hub Cornwall has launched a new website which showcases the region’s unique resources and expertise for marine technology businesses. The aim of Marine Hub Cornwall is to encourage ambitious marine businesses to locate to the area, as well as helping businesses already based in Cornwall to grow to their full potential.

Cornwall has played a leading role in the maritime industries for centuries, and as a result has a highly developed supply chain, excellent marine facilities and a strong talent pool. It is estimated that the marine industry in Cornwall is already worth £500 million per annum and that it supports more than 14,000 jobs. Over recent years, Cornwall has been playing a leading role in new developments in the marine renewable energy industry.

The recent creation of a Marine Enterprise Zone within Cornwall has made a mix of development land and purpose-built industrial and office space available to businesses for immediate occupation and at very competitive rates. With over 400 miles of coastline, Cornwall also offers easy access to deep waters for the trialling of new marine technologies.

Matt Hodson, Operations Director at Marine Hub Cornwall explains:

“With Marine Hub Cornwall, we now believe we can offer a complete package to marine technology businesses who are looking for the perfect place to grow their operation successfully. Marine Hub Cornwall is built around four exceptional strengths. First, we have an excellent marine infrastructure, which includes the Marine Enterprise Zone and access to some of the best marine testing facilities in the world. Secondly, we offer a comprehensive range of funding support and financial incentives which can help businesses get their products to market faster. Thirdly, we can connect businesses with some of the world’s top researchers and thought-leaders in marine technology. And finally, we have outstanding marine companies, with highly skilled workforces, who are delivering products and services to the global marine industries.”

The new website gives full details on the range and depth of Marine Hub Cornwall’s offer, including a detailed specification of the premises available in the Enterprise Zone and a range of case studies from marine technology companies who are already operating successfully from the region. Businesses can register their interest via the site and open up a dialogue with the Marine Hub Cornwall Team in order to explore the opportunities open to them.

The new website can be viewed at www.marinehubcornwall.co.uk.