A natural location for marine enterprise

The south coast is the UK’s number one location for marine and maritime capability.

Oceansgate was the site of the first naval dockyard in Plymouth and one of the first stone-built dry docks in the world, completed in 1698 and remaining largely unchanged until the 19th century. The dockyard continued to expand to the north covering four miles of waterfront and is now the largest naval base in Western Europe. Its strong maritime heritage and cutting-edge research and development attracts a growing network of scientific, advanced engineering and high-tech manufacturing companies.

This exciting industry cluster, allied to world-leading universities, boasts a highly skilled workforce, significant business support and attractive relocation sites.

Successful companies such as ASV, Babcock, Burgess Marine, Magma Structures, Princess Yachts International, Rolls Royce Marine Electrical Systems and Valeport choose the area for their operations. There is also a significant Ministry of Defence presence which also offers supply chain opportunities.

You can find further information on the South Coast Marine Cluster on their website.

Excellent connections:

• UK top 10 for superfast broadband and coverage
• Regular ferry crossing to France and Spain
• 16 daily rail services between Plymouth and London with travel times of three hours
• International flights from Bristol, Exeter and Newquay
• Close to Plymouth City Centre and the A38

Visit Plymouth’s official investment site here.

Living and Working in Plymouth

Plymouth is Britain’s Ocean City and is the largest port city on the south coast of England. With a spectacular waterfront, it offers an outstanding quality of life. The city is framed on one side by its harbours and marinas, and on the other, the dramatic Dartmoor National Park. A vibrant and dynamic city that has a track record of success, Plymouth is clearly on the up as it becomes a city that is recognised as one of the finest, most vibrant waterfront cities in Europe.

Plymouth benefits from a vibrant mix of innovative, globally leading businesses ranging from marine and high tech manufacturing, healthcare to research, digital, arts and creative industries.

Read our Living and Working in Plymouth brochure here.

• Plymouth is a globally recognised centre of excellence for marine science with research institutions such as Plymouth University, Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Marine Biological Association and Sir Alister Hardy Foundation for Ocean Science providing world-class research facilities.
• Plymouth’s marine sector employs over 13,000 people
• University Technical College (UTC) Plymouth specialises in engineering and advanced manufacturing
• Plymouth Marine Academy; the UK’s first marine academy for 11-18 year olds

“We welcome the redevelopment of Oceansgate as a centre for marine production. This provides Babcock with the opportunity to work closer with key suppliers and innovative marine businesses to complement and improve our delivery performance”

Chris Tomkins, Director, Devonport Operations, Marine Naval Bases, Babcock International Group

“Plymouth is the perfect base for Princess Yachts. The city has provided us with a rich supply of skills and expertise, therefore it was important for us to be able to expand our operations here”

Chris Gates, Princess Yachts International Managing Director