New ₤1.5 million training facility to support growing Maritime industry

MERSEY Maritime and Wirral Council have confirmed an exciting inward investment from Glasgow based company, Stream Marine Training, which will establish a training facility for the offshore sector in the Mersey Waters Enterprise Zone and create up to 25 new jobs within the growing network of business members in Wirral's Maritime Knowledge Hub.   

Stream Marine Training (SMT) will invest up to ₤1.5m in this first phase, opening up new training facilities at Tower Quays and a new fire training ground along Duke Street, both in Wirral Waters. The investment could have a significant broader economic impact with the potential of up to a further 5,000 bed nights in Wirral per annum. 

Using the Wirral Waters Investment Fund established to support development within the Enterprise Zone, Wirral Council have put together a compelling package of support as part of the strategy to strengthen the Maritime and Low Carbon sectors. It provides further critical mass when considered alongside the Wirral Waters programme, the DONG Energy investment, and the Wirral Well Made theme.

George Davies, deputy leader of Wirral Council, said:- "It was only Monday this week when we announced our ambition to create thousands of jobs in Wirral through a ₤1 billion regeneration programme. It's fantastic that, just a few days later, we are already talking about new businesses opening their doors in the borough - it's a sign of confidence in Wirral, and it's great news for residents.  Maritime businesses such as Stream Marine Training are exactly the type of company we are trying to attract to Wirral; fast growing, ambitious and able to invest in the area and create jobs and I am delighted to be able to welcome SMT to Wirral. On behalf of the Council I pledge to do all we can to continue to support them." 

Asif Hamid, Chair of the Liverpool City Region LEP and member of the Mersey Waters Enterprise Board said:- "The maritime and low carbon energy sectors are of massive strategic importance to the future growth of our economy as set out in the City Region Growth Strategy: Building our Future.  We have world class expertise, capability and fantastic natural assets in these sectors on which we will build our economy over the coming years. This investment by SMT in the Mersey Waters Enterprise Zone recognises this expertise and will directly contribute to and support the growth of these sectors in addressing the skills needs of our local businesses. I am delighted with their decision to invest here and its great credit to Mersey Maritime, Wirral Council and Peel Land and Property in securing this important investment." 

Mersey Maritime has been key to securing the investment, introducing the company to Seatruck, Cammell Laird, Bibby Line, Atlantic Container Line etc. Mersey Maritime CEO Chris Shirling Rooke said:- "The signing of the agreement today between Stream Marine Training and Wirral Council is the culmination of 18 months' hard work behind the scenes. Mersey Maritime has been at the heart of the discussions during that time as part of our agenda to drive forward inward investment and help create the right conditions for business growth. SMT's decision to set up its first base outside of Scotland in Wirral is a mark of confidence in the region and the opportunities available to ambitious business owners looking to expand.  This type of investment is perfectly aligned with Mersey Maritime's vision for the cluster, promoting growth, innovation and new jobs." 

The nearest offshore facility is in Lancashire and is heavily oversubscribed so the catchment for SMT is considerable and they are confident there is a real demand that can be served from this area.  

Stream Marine Training CEO Martin White said:- "The range of support available to maritime businesses moving to the Liverpool City region is outstanding. We have been welcomed with open arms and are excited to be setting up our new operation here in Wirral. I'm immensely grateful to Wirral Council, Mersey Maritime and Peel Land and Property for their work in getting us to this point and look forward to being part of this regional success story." 

Paula Basnett, CEO Wirral Chamber said:- "It is great news, but just the start of our journey with SMT. They do already have relationships with major companies who have committed to using Wirral facilities when they open. We are now working closely with them to ensure they are fully aware of the quality of our other local suppliers as they operationalise."