Mersey Maritime is seeking a new figurehead as John Mutch, chief executive,
steps down as planned at the end of this month (October).
John, who has been the main driving force behind Mersey Maritime since its
inception, returned from retirement on a one-year contract to help establish
the organisation, which aims to raise the profile of the regions maritime
sector and act as a catalyst for business growth and investment.
Since its launch in February 2003, Mersey Maritime has secured funding of
£1.8 million from the North West Development Agency, European Objective One
Programme, Mersey Waterfront, and the Single Regeneration Budget, with
support from The Mersey Partnership. The organisation is now committed to
working closely with the Northwest Development Agency to ensure the needs of
the maritime sector are taken into account within regeneration strategy,
ensuring that investment in new facilities and services takes into
consideration developments in world shipping.
Over the last 12 months, John has overseen the creation of an international
maritime marketing campaign, a business development network across the
region, the appointment of an executive team and the opening of new offices
in the waterfront Port of Liverpool building, including meeting rooms and
exhibition space which members can use for the benefit of their own
businesses.
Thomas O'Brien, chief executive of The Mersey Partnership said: "John has
put great energy and dynamism into the launch of Mersey Maritime. In his
short time as sector director he has succeeded in raising the profile of the
maritime sector as one of vital importance to the future economic growth of
our City Region as well as raising profile for the whole Sector Development
programme."
Other major achievements for the maritime sector include: the launch of a
members' newsletter and maritime website with direct links to member
companies through a comprehensive directory and up-to-date information on
maritime developments throughout the region, and the creation of 136 jobs
within the sector.