As part of our spotlight on experts within the Plymouth and South Devon region we spoke to Sheldon Ryan, Chief Executive of Maritime UK Southwest, about the organisation’s role in the region, how it turns collaboration into tangible economic impact, and what the future holds for the South West’s maritime and defence cluster.

Plymouth and South Devon Freeport recently hosted a webinar bringing together businesses from across the region to hear from Mark Albon, Director of Maritime Defence and Security at the Society of Maritime Industries (SMI). With over 34 years of Royal Navy experience and a front row seat to how defence procurement actually works, Mark offered a frank and compelling picture of where the market is heading and what it means for businesses right here in the South West.

The next few years will see marine autonomy and the technologies associated with it move fully from emerging to being squarely in the mainstream. Defence is currently leading the way and civil applications will inevitably follow. Just recently the First Sea Lord marked his first year in office by setting out again how the Royal Navy is transforming its operations to embrace the concept of a fleet of crewed, uncrewed and autonomous platforms. The Navy’s approach also demonstrates how such technology has wide ranging impact on broader issues such as styles of leadership, skillsets, tactical and strategic approaches.