Wirral based Marine Specialised Technology secures �6m support from NatWest

MARINE Specialised Technology (MST Group), a leading designer and manufacturer of high speed and rigid inflatable boats (RIBs) primarily for military, coast guard, and law enforcement sectors, is expanding to meet record demand after securing a �6 million funding package from NatWest.

Founded in 2002 and headquartered in Bromborough, between:- Ellesmere Port and Birkenhead, the company has grown to become a major employer in the Wirral area, with approximately 135 staff.

The �6m funding package will allow the business to manage working capital requirements as it looks to fulfil a record order book and increased demand for its products and training services, primarily supporting the likes of:- coast guard, special forces, law enforcement, paramilitary, and industrial services.

MST Group's vessels are considered best in class and provide enhanced operational capabilities to perform effectively in the most challenging of environments. The business works closely with clients during the development process to understand their specific needs before any manufacturing begins. The firm also offers wrap around services such as:- bespoke training on vessel operation, technical support, craft maintenance and repair, as well as:- spare parts and vessel upgrades as technology advances.

MST's services and operations also tie in with Metro Mayor Steve Rotherham's stated aim to grow the economy through 3 key clusters within the Liverpool Combined Authority Region, 1 of which is Advanced Manufacturing.

Ben Kerfoot, Group Managing Director of MST Group said:- "We are extremely pleased to be working with NatWest, who has created this major funding package for us in an efficient, thorough, and flexible manner. Working in a specialist industry as we do, NatWest really took the time to understand our business, and we look forward to having this enhanced financial capability to scale our operations and meet rapidly accelerating demand. This is a milestone moment for us."

Daniel Hyland, Relationship Manager, NatWest said:- "We are delighted to be providing this �6m funding package to MST Group. We were impressed by its hi-tech, bespoke approach to serving clients, including:- crucial defence and search and rescue forces internationally, and the team's significant potential for growth. We look forward to continuing to support them on their journey."

NatWest, as 1 of the UK's biggest banks for small businesses, works collaboratively with customers to understand their needs and help them find solutions to support their businesses as they grow.

VE Day boost for veterans' healthcare

ARMED forces veterans and their families will benefit from improved and targeted healthcare, the Government has announced as the nation marks the 80th Anniversary of VE Day.

A new training programme will ensure NHS staff across the country are supported to meet the unique health needs of:- veterans, serving personnel, and their families.

The new programme will see NHS staff across England receiving dedicated training to help them identify and support patients with military backgrounds. GPs, Doctors and NHS nurses will work with Regional trainers to make sure they embed this support into their services.

Veterans can require specialised care for injuries sustained in combat, as well as mental health support for conditions like:- post raumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression.

Many also struggle to navigate civilian healthcare systems and may not self identify as veterans to NHS staff, putting them at risk of missing out on the additional services and bespoke services that are already available.

Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said:- "As we mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day, we're honouring our Armed Forces not just with words, but with action. Too many veterans face a system that doesn't fully understand their needs; that changes today. This new training programme will help NHS staff across England give our veterans the personalised care they deserve. Through our Plan for Change, the NHS will deliver for those who have delivered for Britain."

As of April 2025, every NHS Trust in the country became officially:- 'Veteran Aware,' a status which means they have been recognised for demonstrating their understanding of military healthcare needs. The 3 year training programme will build on this success and will be rolled out from:- October 2025 across England.

The programme, backed by �1.8 million, will support NHS bodies to demonstrate their commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant, which ensures those who serve or have served, and their families, are treated fairly and not disadvantaged because of their military service.

The training will support healthcare providers to improve identification of Armed Forces personnel, deliver more personalised care, and ultimately improve health outcomes for veterans and their families.

Kate Davies CBE, National Director for Armed Forces Health, NHS England said:- "On the 80th Anniversary of VE Day, we honour the extraordinary legacy of our Armed Forces; and reaffirm the NHS's commitment to those who've served. As part of the Armed Forces Covenant, we're launching our most comprehensive training programme yet to meet the unique healthcare needs of veterans. Developed with frontline experts in veterans' health and those with lived experience, this national initiative ensures those who've served receive the high-quality, specialised care they deserve."

Carol Betteridge OBE, Deputy Services Director at Help for Heroes said:- "We're pleased to see this important step forward in supporting veterans' healthcare. Help for Heroes has already been delivering similar training through our Veteran Champion programme in NHS settings, and we look forward to working with NHS England to share our experience and help improve care for veterans and their families. The announcement follows a �50 million boost in funding to ensure veterans across the UK will have easier access to essential care and support under a new UK-wide veteran support system, called:- 'VALOUR.'"

Through the Plan for Change, the Government has delivered an extra 3 million appointments since July to cut waiting lists and provided the biggest boost to GP funding in years; an extra �889 million, and on:- Tuesday, 6 May 2025, the Government announced a further major cash injection of over �102 million to upgrade and modernize GP practices.

The Government is also bringing back the family Doctor, recruiting an additional 1,500 GPs, since October 2024, and cutting red tape so GPs spend more time caring for patients.

Responding to the launch of Valour, a new national support service for veterans, Cllr David Fothergill, Chairman of the Local Government Association's Community Wellbeing Board, said:- "Investment to improve support for our veterans is positive. It is important that this new service strengthens; but does not duplicate; the vast experience Councils have of creating partnerships with local veteran's services. We look forward to collaborating with the Office for Veterans Affairs and the MoD on a service model that recognises the expertise already in place across Local Government and directs much needed resources where it is needed the most. Councils are committed to supporting the Armed Forces communities, and work hard to deliver duties under the Armed Forces Covenant to ensure they have access to housing, health and community services. This is despite not receiving any specific funding from central government for this. The Spending Review must adequately fund councils so they can fully support our veterans."

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Wirral based Marine Specialised Technology secures �6m support from NatWest

VE Day boost for veterans' healthcare