We hand over this blog to Propeller Club, Liverpool.
"It has been an incredibly busy summer in Liverpool – not least the Maritime, Logistics and Energy element of the International Festival for Business 2014, but now also a local Propeller Club chapter.
The International Propeller Club of the United States is an international business network dedicated to the promotion of the maritime industry, commerce and global trade. Having so much attention on Liverpool has served as an amazing opportunity to shout about the enormous benefits the shipping industry brings to the local area, UK and to international trade. Indeed starting a Propeller Club chapter here is both a reflection and recognition of the incredible positive changes the city is experiencing.
Shipping is an industry with such a deep history in Liverpool, and it is wonderful to be in the city at a time when there is such a passion and vibrancy around maritime business and enterprise. There is recognition of the role and importance of the industry and this is fuelling hope for the future.
While the local shipping industry has been through lean and difficult times, there are clear signs the area is resurgent once again. There have been landmark achievements, such as Cammell Laird building the flightdeck for HMS Queen Elizabeth, the amazing growth of the Liverpool Cruise terminal, and KVH Media developing Crewtoo, the world's biggest international network of seafarers, from the city. There has also been mega-investment in new port facilities, while a number of local companies keep seafarers protected from pirates. It is clear to see there is an incredible wealth of talent, investment and maritime related growth.
It is not only businesses which are doing great things, there is education too. Both Liverpool and Liverpool John Moores Universities are producing some of the brightest maritime talent, and the new Port Academy Liverpool is a focal point to translate the promise of skills, training and employment into reality.
We hope that the Propeller Club will serve the city, and the whole region with a means of promoting the great things which are happening. Thanks to Spinnaker for the chance to tell you more of the success stories which are shaping so much progress.
We hope to see you to the city in the near future – and there is always a warm welcome on the First Thursday of each month when we have our maritime networking meeting. Follow us on Twitter @propellerists to find out more."
Pictures (from top): Liverpool in silhouette, Liverpool Propeller Club members (L-R) Gianna Molica Franco, Ed Hill, Sue Henney, then (below) Richard Horswill, Ian Millen, Jim Bellew
