Seawork gets the Royal stamp of approval
HRH Anne, Princess Royal, gave Seawork the Royal stamp of approval as it opened for its 25th year of business.
She officially opened the exhibition after taking a tour with chief executive, Andrew Webster, and speaking to some of the exhibitors.
“Thanks to Mercator Media for its constant support in bringing together this sector in such an important way,” she said during the opening.
”The number of you here today and that have been coming for the last 25 years rather indicates that this is an important exhibition and conference, not just for this particular workboat section, but for the whole maritime sector.”
Forward thinking
HRH spoke about how busy the commercial marine sector is, how much it’s changing and how much innovation, research and design is done in the UK.
She explained that over the years she has seen plenty of small boat activity across the UK andwatched how things have evolved.
“There’s a long way to go and the challenges of fuel and what will happen in the future to affect design means that this is a very busy sector to be involved in,” she said.
HRH also praised Seawork in its efforts to bring new blood and young talent into the sector.
“You have to go out of your way to attract new people to the sector and for your last day to bring in school children to show them what is on offer is equally important.”
She also praised Seawork for promoting some of the organisations and charities that she supports – namely National Coastwatch and Mercy Ships, which is a charity partner of the exhibition.
Addressing exhibitors and delegates she told the crowd before cutting the ribbon, “thank you very much for the work that you do and for continuing to innovate and for your support to all those who rely on the sea.”
