Seawork and the MoD

Seawork offers a unique service to exhibitors and industry visitors to support business in the military and public security sector:

MoD Presence at Seawork

The UK MoD is divided into a number of sectors which are as follows:

1.  The Requirements Manager
     This department states what equipment the MoD needs and is based on performance, time and cost. The department is based at the MoD main building in London.

2.  The Provider / Project Manager
     This department is called the Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) and is based at the MoD DE&S Abbey Wood in Bristol. They are responsible for meeting the requirements, purchasing and supporting the equipment. The department is divided into a large number of equipment areas. Those present at Seawork are lead by the Boats and Sea Safety Project (BASS). They are supported by:
     *  Marine Propulsion Services (MPS) - supply boat propulsion systems.
     *  Marine Salvage & Operations Services - running the marine services.
     *  Diving equipment
     *  Special Forces Equipment

3.  The User
     The Fleet who operate the equipment and comment on it's performance. They also input into the requirement.

At Seawork, representatives from all of these departments are available to discuss their needs with industry; both exhibitor and visitor. Seawork make appointments under the heading "Meet the MoD" and the booking forms and information sheets will be available nearer Seawork 2010. There will be a team present on a stand throughout the exhibition to advise industry.

Conference

In addition to this, a morning conference is arranged on the first day of the exhibition and briefings are provided by the MoD to help industry better understand their requirements.

The briefings cover:

• The projected requirements over the next 2 years.
• How to undertake business with the MoD.
• The role for innovation and transfer of commercial ideas into military ones.
• A briefing on how the Defence and Security Organisation within the UKT&I can help small companies in export bids for military and security equipment is included.

Places on these conferences proved very popular in 2009 and will be booked in advance for 2010. There may be an opportunity for a networking lunch afterwards and details will be provided nearer the time.

Overseas Attaches

Seawork invites a number of overseas Naval Attaches which are based in London to visit the exhibition. Companies can apply to have a meeting with these Attaches to give a short presentation detailing their products and services. This is a fantastic opportunity to find out how to conduct business with their country.There will be a list of the attending Attaches nearer to Seawork 2010 but for your information in 2009 we had the Attaches from:

• Chile
• Ghana
• Mexico
• Nigeria
• Saudi Arabia
• South Africa

Royal Navy Presence

Seawork also try to arrang a visit by an RN Patrol Boat to support Maritime education and to provide short 30 minute trips around Southampton Docks.

Maritime Security

Seawork provides opportunities to meet companies and organisations involved in maritime security; in particular with port security from the seaward aspect, and inshore / short sea operations.

There is a pavilion for Maritime Security companies which is supported by the UK EEZ Industry Group with a strong backing from UKT&I.

There is also a morning of themed conferences for Maritime Security. In 2009 we covered the following issues:

• Overview of Maritime Security around the UK - ACC David Price, Hampshire Constabulary.
• Developments in research for the Home Office in Maritime Security equipment and opportunities for companies - Inspector Alexander Greaves, Home Office Science and Development Branch.
• Export opportunities for industry in the EEZ Security market - Ian MacLaren, EEZ Industry Group
• Piracy in the Indian Ocean - Nigel Watson Clarke & Simon Osborne, Protection Vessels International Ltd

We plan to continue and expand on these conferences in 2010.