A fantastic evening at the UK House of Lords last night, celebrating 25 years of the Society of Maritime Industries (SMI).
We were delighted to sponsor the occasion, bringing together people from across British maritime to reflect on the industry's achievements and more importantly, what comes next.
We heard from SMI Chief Executive Tom Chant MBE , Minister for Aviation, Maritime and Logistics Keir Mather MP, the Rt Hon. Lord Beamish, Chairman of the Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC), and our own Chairman, Alan Donnelly.
A clear message ran throughout the evening: Britain needs consistency, long-term commitment and above all, delivery.
We have the yards, the people and the capability to deliver. As a British-owned maritime engineering group, we're putting that capacity to work, strengthening British supply chains and developing the next generation of skilled workers.
Britain's industrial capability is already here. What's needed is the confidence to back it, the commitment to invest for the long term and the determination to follow through.
It was great to spend time with our local Truro and Falmouth MP Jayne Kirkham and Baroness Julie Elliott, Chair of the The Northern Powerhouse Partnership.
Jayne has been a strong advocate for Falmouth and its maritime sector. With our shipyard and port operations playing an important role in the local economy, her commitment to investment, skilled employment and the future of Falmouth is greatly valued.
Baroness Elliott's work championing economic growth across the North is particularly relevant to our Birkenhead and Tyne shipyards. Both are major industrial assets, employing skilled workforces, creating opportunities for apprentices and contributing to their regional economies.
Congratulations to Tom and the whole SMI team on 25 years, and thank you for an excellent evening.
Balaena Chairman - Alan Donnelly
Balaena Chairman - Alan Donnelly Speech
