A RARE high-performance car was on display as Wirral Maritime Knowledge Hub opened its doors today for a major networking event.
More than 100 delegates from across the region’s maritime sector were welcomed to 'Face-2-Face' by Merseyside-built BAC Mono high performance road car - described by the Sunday Times as 'the lovechild of an F-22 Raptor fighter jet and a Formula One racing car.'
The MKH is jointly operated by Mersey Maritime, representative body for the maritime sector in the Liverpool City Region and Liverpool John Moores University.
Alan Smith (from B.A.C), Cathy Robinson, Chris Shirling-Rooke Chief Exec, Suzanne Fulton, Hazel Walker and Annette Parker, Comunications manager (in car). Picture: Geoff Davies.
Mersey Maritime's chief executive Chris Shirling-Rooke said the mission of the Hub is to make the new facility a global 'centre of excellence' within the UK, generating knowledge-led growth and innovation.
He said: "This is the first opportunity we have had to host the monthly Mersey Maritime networking event at the hub.
"The hub has been set up to bring together the Liverpool City Region’s key maritime assets, creating a focal point for innovation, research and development, education and training and business support.
"We are also very keen to develop strong, market-responsive supply chains."
"It is fundamental to our role to promote aspects such as engineering apprenticeships which will cross-fertilise the wider industrial skill-base, with companies such as BAC.
"The presence of the BAC Mono at today's event signalled the MKH's driving ambition to match the world-class industry expertise across our region.
"It further demonstrates our desire to work in collaboration to promote Merseyside’s rich and diverse maritime sector."
The Mono's bespoke nature has been highly praised by Britain's best known motoring journalist Jeremy Clarkson.
The car also has strong appeal in the Far East, where drivers appreciate its custom-made fitment program with individually-made seat and steering wheel. The options for personalised trim and paint are almost infinite.
Annette Parker, comunications manager, and Chris Shirling-Rooke, chief exec, with the car. Picture: Geoff Davies
Mark Rayner, chief operating officer for Briggs Automotive Company, said: "We are impressed by how connected Mersey Maritime is to the community.
"The Maritime Knowledge Hub is a vision we signed up to and it will help us to work out how we shall increase our apprenticeship offering, as Mersey Maritime can provide answers for us going forward.
"The trade body has been a great advocate for us and one of our best investments in time and resources."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here