Enterprising student Liam Finch has been putting his summer days to good use by working on an important survey for the Isle of Man Shipping Association (IOMSA).
Liam, 20, is involved in a project aiming to shed light on the value of the marine industry to the island. He has based himself at the premises of Bibby Ship Management Group Ltd on the Isle of Man Business Park.
Bibby commercial director Mark Robertshaw is also vice chairman of the IOMSA and welcomed Liam onboard to undertake the work.
Liam, from Derbyhaven, is studying Viking Studies at the University of Nottingham. His work is linked to the STEP scheme which is backed by the Isle of Man Government and aims to match undergraduate interns with ‘the specific needs of small organisations to undertake a skill-centric project to improve the business.’
The scheme itself takes place during the summer over a period of six to 12 weeks depending on the size of the project and needs of the business / organisation.
Liam said: ‘My specific project is to assist the IOMSA in gathering information via an online survey so as to best present what the shipping and maritime sector means to the Isle of Man’s economy. ‘In addition, the project aims to identify new players directly involved in, or on the periphery of, the maritime cluster.
‘Once the results from my project are collected, the IOMSA will then in turn pass the information to the Isle of Man Government who will quantify the data and turn it into a published report.
‘Armed with accurate and comprehensive information, it is envisaged that the project will bring near-term benefits to the Isle of Man and its businesses and in addition paint an accurate picture of the Manx maritime sector thus attracting more businesses from overseas.’
Executive members within the IOMSA such a Lars T. Ugland and Mark Robertshaw have also expressed a desire to see an increase in membership of the IOMSA, firmly believing that for the Manx maritime industry to reach its full potential it has to be representative, unified, and have a clear direction.
With such goals in mind, the IOMSA is well positioned to play an ever more prominent role in the island’s maritime cluster.
Mr Robertshaw said he was delighted with Liam’s willingness to crackon with the work. Liam said he loved the friendly atmosphere at the Bibby office in Compass House.