Maritime & Marine
From left - Ric Elkington (Intermarine UK), James Martin (Marine People), Natalie Desty (STEM Returners) and Nick Mansell (Intermarine UK).
Published: November 4, 2024 | Updated: 4th November 2024
Two Hampshire-based businesses dedicated to helping people find their next job have received investment from Intermarine UK, a workforce solutions provider.
One is STEM Returners, which runs 12-week placement programmes with some of the UK’s leading engineering, tech and defence firms for those on career breaks.
The Fareham firm has so far helped more than 500 people return to the STEM sector.
Founder and director Natalie Desty said: “When I started STEM Returners six years ago, I wanted to support more people back to the industry they love.
“Through this investment, we’ll be able to increase our capacity to run more returner programmes, as well as develop our policy and research output that will lead to positive and lasting change.
“There’s a misconception that a career break means the end of someone’s career, which couldn’t be further from the truth.
“We’re looking forward to working with Nick and the Intermarine team to ensure returners are not put at a disadvantage because of their career break.”
The other investee is Fareham-based Marine People, which provides recruitment services and advice to the marine and shipbuilding sectors around the world.
James Martin, founder and director of Marine People, said: “With Intermarine’s support, we’re entering a new phase of growth at Marine People.
“Having worked very closely with Nick and the Intermarine team over the years, this partnership feels like a natural step forward.
“This investment will help us strengthen what we already do, extend our reach and explore new ways to serve our candidates and clients better.
“We remain committed to maintaining the high standards that have shaped Marine People, and we look forward to the positive changes this will bring for both our teams and the wider industry.”
Nick Mansell, chief executive of Intermarine UK, added: “The incredible work of our people has always been at the centre of our companies, as we address skills shortages and support the delivery of complex programmes.
“We’re thrilled to be investing in both STEM Returners and Marine People, which are both proven and ambitious businesses, working to improve recruitment and career prospects for STEM and marine professionals around the UK and abroad.”
