Maritime UK South West was set up in 2016 in recognition of stakeholder feedback in the South West Maritime sector, reporting a need for strategic leadership, network creation and greater take up of skills and innovation support.
Maritime UK South West is mission led – to create sustainable economic growth for its members and for the region. We focus on the geography of the South West; covering Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, Dorset and the West of England area.
For the first 8 years MUKSW existed as part of the Local Enterprise structures across the south West and in 2024 set up as a not for profit company, M(UK)SW Ltd in order to more effectively deliver its mission on behalf of its members. Maritime UK South West operates with strong regional governance to Nolan Principals in order to maintain the ability to bid for and deliver Government funded projects in line with its strategy.
Maritime UK South West is governed by a board of strategic partners who share in the delivery of our annual plan. Together the board provide strategic oversight and cover the breadth of the industry and the region. Together we represent the world class ocean technology offer of the South West of the UK.
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.
