“Our MTAG Summer Lunch, kindly sponsored by Paris Smith, was a great opportunity to talk through what we want to achieve over the next few months, particularly with a new Prime Minister coming in and new priorities for business. For our sector, there have been some great successes through the MTCP group, especially as we start to see those who have engaged with us at Careers Fairs move through to work experience and actively look for apprenticeships in the industry, which is really exciting. We also have several new members joining, bringing a wider range of experience, more opportunities to get involved and more work to do around lobbying Government, particularly on electrification, the provision of skills in the sector and how we can support the region’s economy by focusing on areas of deprivation in the Central South.”
– Fran Collins, CEO of Red Funnel and Chair of MTAG
Business South’s Maritime and Transport Action Group (MTAG) held its annual Summer Lunch at Harbour Hotel, Southampton, kindly sponsored by Paris Smith. The working lunch provided a valuable opportunity to stay updated on the group’s actions, network and connect with industry leaders from across the Central South.
Inspiring the next generation
A major focus of the meeting was the continued success of the Maritime Transport Careers Programme (MTCP), which is helping to raise awareness of the wide variety of careers available across the maritime sector.
Katie Bruce (MTCP Coordinator) updated attendees on the programme’s recent activity, highlighting support for 15 careers events, including the Festival of Industry and Southampton: Your Future, which engaged around 900 young people. Preparations are also well underway for this year’s MTCP Careers Day, which will take place on Thursday 19 November 2026, 09:00–15:00, at ABP Ocean Cruise Terminal. Book here: https://www.mtcp.uk
Attendees emphasised the importance of providing young people with meaningful, hands-on experiences, recognising that direct engagement with employers and apprentices remains one of the most effective ways to inspire future careers.
The group also explored how MTCP can help businesses respond to new expectations around work experience by developing more flexible opportunities that benefit both employers and students. Ideas included shorter placements across multiple organisations, in-school industry projects and greater involvement from apprentices who can share their own career journeys with young people.
Growing the programme’s reach
Kate Johnston (Carnival PLC) provided an update on MTCP’s communications activity, with strong growth recorded across social media and the programme’s website. This included increased engagement across LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram, with video content continuing to prove particularly successful in reaching new audiences. MTCP members are encouraged to continue sharing apprentice stories, behind-the-scenes videos and company updates to further raise awareness of the diverse opportunities available within the maritime sector.
Strengthening the sector’s voice
Fran Collins (CEO of Red Funnel and Chair of MTAG) updated the group on recent engagement with Government, parliamentarians and regional stakeholders, reflecting the Action Group’s continued commitment to ensuring the maritime sector’s priorities are represented at both regional and national level.
Recent activity has included participation in ministerial roundtables covering skills, electrification, regional poverty and the UK Emissions Trading Scheme, alongside continued engagement with the Children’s Commissioner and local MPs.
A recurring theme throughout these discussions has been the need to better connect young people with employment opportunities, particularly within communities experiencing high levels of deprivation, which was discussed at the most recent All-Party Parliamentary Group.
Looking ahead
The lunch provided a valuable opportunity for attendees to look ahead and explore opportunities and challenges for the maritime and transport sector under a new Prime Minister.
Maintaining strong relationships across Government despite changing ministers remains one of the group’s main priorities, ensuring the Central South continues to receive investment and recognition for its strategic industries.
Members also explored the opportunities presented by devolution, planning reform, apprenticeship incentives and continued investment in green maritime technologies, including shore power and alternative fuels.
The Summer Lunch concluded with a shared commitment to continue strengthening collaboration between industry, education and Government, while helping the next generation discover rewarding careers across our region.
