The significant value of A&P Falmouth to the Cornwall economy and barriers to the port growth was the focus of a ministerial visit yesterday.
Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, the Rt Hon Dr Vince Cable heard firsthand the ambitions A&P Falmouth and partners have to secure the future prosperity of the port, as one of the largest employers in the county.
A&P Falmouth has a 400-strong skilled workforce with a £13 million annual wage bill; handles over 100 projects a year and the majority of the company purchasing is spent in Cornwall and the south west region.
Dr Cable was briefed on the economic value of A&P Falmouth to Cornwall and how vital the Port of Falmouth Development Initiative is to ensure the port growth potential is achieved. He also met A&P Falmouth adult trainees and heard how the company is successfully creating local skilled apprenticeship jobs for local people.
Following the visit, the Business Secretary said: “Engineering and our marine sector are a very important part of our economy and have a great deal of growth potential, so I’m pleased to have been able to see that potential being realised here at A&P Falmouth.
“It’s unfortunate that the full potential of Falmouth harbour isn’t being realised, because of excessive bureaucracy in relation to the marine environment but I’m working with my colleagues in Government to overcome that.
“The Government, in partnership with the sector, has already published a strategy to help our marine industries grow and I hope that the businesses here at Falmouth continue to go from strength to strength.”
