Yacht building and renewable energy technology, including offshore wind farms and tidal power generation, are among the industries driving growth in the UK, according to a poll of England’s nine Regional Development Agencies (RDAs).

Photo:  Solent Refit in Marchwood, Southampton Water. The site now forms part of Hythe Marine Park, one of the area’s newest marine business parks, home to Palmer Johnson UK and a host of other UK marine companies.

The marine industries in Dorset and the Solent were highlighted as ‘particular sectors within their regions that have demonstrated considerable growth over the last few years’ by the Association of Colleges, an organisation that represents general and tertiary further education colleges in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Northumberland is at the forefront of the green revolution, with the New and Renewable Energy Centre (Narec) in Blyth developing the largest offshore wind turbine in the world.

For the full story see the Association of Colleges website