The core Maritime UK South West team work alongside expert associates to deliver project management services for businesses, clusters and local government. We have access to a wide range of experts with experience in project management, technology transfer, supply chain mapping, funding applications, event management, PR and training. With a continual program of technology events Maritime UK South West are also well placed to disseminate the results of R&D projects to a wider audience. The Maritime UK South West team are knowledgeable, trusted, professional and passionate about the work they carry out. Please contact enquiries@maritimeuksw.org to find out more.
Sheldon has 25 years of experience managing teams and projects in innovation, via roles in motorsport, scientific publishing, The South West Regional Development Agency and at Plymouth City Council where he worked on the redevelopment of the Devonport Dockyard and established the £7M+ Marine Business Technology Centre. Sheldon has managed and developed various European and UK funded innovation projects. Sheldon set up Maritime UK South West in recognition of the need to support business and help to stimulate sustainable economic growth in the sector. In order to link Maritime UK South West and it’s members into the national maritime agenda he also delivers a national innovation program working with the Society for Maritime Industries.
Sheldon is a father of two and a keen sailor/boater and surfer, and holds a degree in Psychology and Business Management from Leeds University.
Kate is an experienced Project Manager with a strong track record of delivering complex, high-value projects within the maritime sector. She brings extensive experience in leading multi-partner collaborations, with a focus on innovation across the South West. As lead partner on a number of strategic projects, Kate has successfully delivered support programmes that help marine businesses grow and innovate. She has demonstrable expertise in managing projects within the rigorous compliance frameworks of European funding, including the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
Kate is deeply passionate about economic development and is committed to supporting the growth of the maritime sector as a driver of regional prosperity. Her collaborative approach, attention to detail, and focus on delivering measurable impact make her a valued partner in both public and private sector initiatives.
Paul Singer is a Business and Qualification Development Coordinator at South Devon College with overall responsibility for business development and programme at South Devon College Marine Academy.
In his role, he spearheads the creation and enhancement of courses and training programmes while also driving engagement with local, national, and international employers. Paul’s efforts have been instrumental in managing a thriving business partner engagement programme, contributing significantly to the success of the business and partner collaborations. Paul is the skills representative on the National Shipbuilding Office Shipbuilding Skills Delivery Group.
Prior to joining South Devon College, Paul had a successful career in the commercial maritime sector including a position of Vice President Business Development for an international maritime security company.
Paul holds a first-class honours degree in Leadership and Management.
Prof Chris Smith established the Centre for Future Clean Mobility at the University of Exeter, which became one of the leading centres for innovation in low and zero emissions powertrains. His work there encompassed novel simulation methods for optimised powertrain configurations and control systems, automated methods for techno-economic analysis, and primary faced the Maritime, Heavy Vehicle (NRMM) and Defence sectors. The National Shipbuilding Office recognised CFCM as a national centre of excellence for maritime propulsion in 2025. He currently holds leadership roles in a number of academic, industrial and advisery bodies, including academic chair at MarRI-UK, co-chair of the SMI Hydrogen Fuels Group, member for SMI Council, Maritime Associate at Connected Places Catapult, SMI AUKUS team member, is a founder member of the Canadian Maritime Accelerator for Sustainable Technology (MAST), and has Director roles in 6 businesses including in the Maritime and Defence sectors.
His experience and focus is on technical innovation, and how to bring that into commercial reality.
Ian is a chartered mechanical engineer with 19 years’ experience of innovation in the marine sector, working in wave and tidal energy, offshore wind, low carbon ship propulsion and autonomous systems technology.
Ian has a proven track record managing multi-disciplinary teams to deliver complex research and development projects for private and public sector clients.
Ian is passionate about the marine environment, its stewardship and sustainable development.
Anthony has a wide and extensive career. He was the Strategic Director for Place at Plymouth city council (2011-2024), responsible for front line services such as waste and highways through to climate change, planning, transport, environment, regeneration, culture and economic growth. Anthony played a key role in supporting the city’s marine economy, leading its “City Deal”, Marine Enterprise Zone and Freeport and was the first Chair of Maritime UK South West.
Previously, Anthony worked for the East Midlands Regional Development Agency (EMDA) covering Regeneration and Development as well as sustainable development.
Prior to EMDA, Anthony led a European network of cities – the European Sustainable Cities & Towns Campaign, based in Brussels. This network grew to over 2400 European municipalities from more than 40 countries over the 9 years, he led this network, which promoted local sustainability planning and Local Agenda 21 across Europe.
Jim is former Head of Business Development in Cornwall for the University of Exeter and presently Director in a company providing business services in project development, bid writing, feasibility studies and project evaluation. Jim brings 30+ years as a creator and leader of high-quality research, development and innovation projects, economic development projects and higher-level skills programmes in the Southwest.
He is an excellent Partnership developer, working with SMEs, large companies, HE and public stakeholder clients, and has created collaborative projects from Regional to European level focusing on business innovation, product creation and skills development. He is experienced in recruiting and managing delivery teams across a range of projects including in marine and maritime themes.
Jim has been a contributor to regional strategic development and is passionate about the creation of higher-level skills programmes designed to meet the needs of employers and employees and this is coupled to an enthusiasm for developing programmes which deliver net zero outcomes, and focus on clean energy, sustainability and circular economy principles.
