More than a thousand new jobs have been created with a regional economic benefit to Cornwall worth more than £100 million, thanks to Cornwall Marine Network (CMN).
The Cornish marine trade organisation is celebrating this landmark achievement while continuing to attract national and international recognition for its business model which supports sector growth.
CEO, Paul Wickes, said: “It is fantastic to be in a position to have helped some 1,100 people into work since CMN began operating in 2005.
“This milestone has been achieved through an excellent team who provide a range of specialist business support programmes which are focused on promoting the prosperity of the Cornish marine industry.”
CMN is a not-for-profit membership-owned organisation which has attracted substantial project funding into Cornwall through regional, national and EU projects within the past decade.
This success has enabled it to deliver specialist schemes that help member companies to expand and employ more staff, while also running programmes such as the Cornwall Apprenticeship Agency.
MP for Truro and Falmouth, Sarah Newton, met teenager Kaelan Dunbar, who recently secured work as a marine engineer through one such scheme.
Newton said: “Kaelan’s career progression is a great example of how Cornwall Marine Network is helping to stimulate growth and employment in the region.
“The organisation has a strong track record of delivering skills and training programmes and responding to businesses’ needs. It is particularly recognised for brokering opportunities for the micro-businesses that make up the majority of marine companies in Cornwall and who most need the support services provided by CMN.”
