‘Unless we galvanise, we have no voice’ – South’s business leaders talk talent retention at boat show

Marine industry executives from across the South came together at Southampton Boat Show last week for Business South’s Business Leaders Breakfast.

Led by Lee Peck of Lee Peck Media, the panel covered everything from the long-term effects of Brexit to issues surrounding the retention of talent in the region.

British Marine CEO Lesley Robinson said that of her organisation’s 1,500 members in the leisure marine market, many manufacturers are having serious talks about moving operations beyond the UK due to talent shortages.

Her concerns were echoed by Ashley Highfield, CEO of Oyster Yachts, whose yards in Southampton and Hythe are struggling to find boat building talent.

“We’re hiring the best quality of staff from a relatively small pool,” he said.

Hannah Prowse, CEO, Portsmouth Naval Base Property Trust, highlighted the importance of working together to encourage people into the maritime and marine sector.

“Unless we galvanise, we have no voice”, she explained.

“We need to pull together across the Central South. Collectively we have the power to speak to government.”

Cllr Satvir Kaur, Leader of Southampton City Council, agreed that the sector was a key focus among her colleagues, playing a crucial part in making Southampton a sustainable destination city.

Leigh-Sara Timberlake, Group CEO of Business South, summed up the session: “Southampton International Boat Show is a key event in the Central South and we were delighted to bring together business leaders from across our geography to hear from our panel of speakers.

“Talent retention in the region and flexibility when it comes to the apprenticeship levy remain important topics for us to champion – together we’re stronger.”