Education, training, collaboration and cake top the agenda as BMF South West welcomes new Directors

SOUTH PETHERTON, U.K. - March 18, 2013 - PRLog -- March 2013 - Two leading figures from the training and education sector have been appointed as Directors of the South West region of the British Marine Federation.  Adrian Bevin of South Devon College and Adam Corney of Plymouth University were voted onto the board at the region’s AGM, which also celebrated the Federation’s 100th anniversary with a special cake.  

Adam Corney is the Marine Commercial Director at Plymouth University, and is responsible for creating, maintaining and developing partnerships with commercial marine sector businesses on behalf of the University.  This requires understanding company and individual’s needs and matching those with the skills and facilities within the University and its 3000 staff.  Formerly employed by the British marine Federation, Adam brings a wealth of knowledge, experience and contacts to the board.

Adrian Bevin is responsible for the development of South Devon College’s marine academy at Noss Marina, Kingswear.  This centre of excellence for water-based outdoor education and training offers a range of nationally recognised courses including marine engineering and boat maintenance.   Talking about his appointment he said, “I hope to benefit the local community and marine industry by raising awareness towards the fantastic career opportunities and training available in the South West region.”

Apprenticeships, training, collaboration and communication were amongst the key topics discussed at the BMF South West’s AGM and annual conference.   Delegates from over 40 marine companies benefitted from round table discussions about key matters affecting those already working in or training to join the marine sector including marine conservation zones, commercial marine sector opportunities, and the growth of tourism and its effect on the marine industry.  The event was held at South Devon College, and the day concluded with two apprenticeship students presenting details of their training courses to the audience.

Howard Pridding, Chief Executive of the British Marine Federation, said, “BMF South West are one of our most active regional associations  and they staged an excellent networking opportunity on 8 February. My colleagues and I welcomed the opportunity to be involved and engage with so many of our members on the day. The workshops were relevant and informative and particularly the outcome of the one on Marine Conservation Zones will greatly inform the BMF’s response to the Government consultation on this issue. Finally, it was delightful to end the conference with a cake to celebrate the BMF’s centenary year.”

The conference welcomed notable speakers including Malcolm Bell, head of Tourism and Visit Cornwall, Nicholas Ames from Supacat and representing the Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and Dr Gillian Glegg, lecturer in marine environmental management teaching from Plymouth University.  It was supported by sponsors Bartons Solicitors, Hayes Parsons Marine, Boatshed Dartmouth and South Devon College.