The Marine Design Centre (MDC) will establish an internationally recognised Marine Design Centre in the region. The aim of the project is to secure the future of existing knowledge-based marine companies operating in the commercial, defence and offshore energy sectors, attract new investment, safeguard skills and provide career opportunities for graduates. It will also leverage local economic value by engaging more effectively with local SMEs. The Marine Design Centre (MDC) plans to deliver the following:

• to increase opportunities for business growth by creating influential routes to market and supporting collaborative trading;
• to reduce business costs by providing supporting infrastructure in the form of a Common User Facility;
• to create an internationally recognised Marine Design Centre (MDC); and,
• to retain and grow regional capability in knowledge-based marine design skills

The Marine Design Centre (MDC) operated an open-door policy to universities and colleges allowing them to work hand in hand with the business sector, including the potential for student work placements and graduate employment. In addition the organisation will develop links with other trade bodies and specialist organisations which are associated with the marine design sector

The Marine Design Centre reflects the new confidence, dynamism and entrepreneurial spirit that exists in the North East of England and which is now stretching out to the rest of the world. The Marine Design Centre – located at Central Square South in central Newcastle and the first of its kind in the UK - has been set up as a subsidiary business of Northern Defence Industries (NDI), to which around 200 regional companies are affiliated.

The website project will focus on promoting the activities of the Marine Design Centre and its Common User Facility while supporting collaboration between partners and members. Both design and functionality of the website, including secure member areas, will be fundamental in supporting the ambitions of the organisation. Calm will provide ongoing support once the initial website is launched to measure and develop the strategy and embrace opportunities that as the changing digital horizon develops.

For more details please visit www.marinedesigncentre.com or www.calmasylum.com