Cornwall Marine Network has reached a regional milestone with the creation of 5,000 new jobs in the marine sector. The organisation supports marine businesses in Cornwall through innovation services, training, apprenticeships and access to grant funding.
Since 2005, it has drawn significant investment into Cornwall’s marine industry, enabling businesses to expand their operations and workforce. Its work with national partners and European project groups has also helped share practical approaches across the sector.
Companies in Cornwall report direct benefits. Inyanga Marine Energy Group has used network support to progress its tidal energy technology, including deployment at Morlais in Wales and plans for projects in Southeast Asia, Canada and France.
Keynvor MorLift received a capital grant in 2016 that allowed it to purchase Falmouth Wharves, a rare deep-water site in the harbour. This enabled substantial growth, leading first to 39 new jobs and later to a further 50 as operations expanded.
Local representatives note the broader economic contribution, with Cornwall Marine Network’s activities generating notable added value for the regional economy. Its pre-apprenticeship scheme, delivered at marine workplaces for school-age learners, is viewed as a way to build future skills.
Cornwall Marine Network is owned by its business members, and any surplus is reinvested into programmes for the sector. The organisation plans to work with partners to explore the wider application of its model in other parts of the UK and beyond.
