Global Underwater Hub opens North England regional office in Newcastle upon Tyne

The Global Underwater Hub (GUH), which represents the thriving £8 billion underwater industry in the UK, has opened a new regional office in Newcastle upon Tyne.

This strategic move signifies the next step in GUH’s mission to bolster the growth of this diverse, world-leading sector and the broader blue economy. With financial support from the UK and Scottish governments, this facility will function as a central hub for GUH members in the North of England.

The opening event saw industry and regional leaders come together to find out more about GUH and how it will benefit the region. There was a technology demonstration from SMD featuring its latest development, SMD Horizon, which enables remote control of autonomous vehicles from any device with an internet connection.

Significant investments are already underway, both in the UK and globally, to harness the potential of our seas and oceans for power generation, enhanced connectivity and improved food security, all contributing to the ongoing energy transition. Through its new northern hub, GUH aims to empower its regional members with market insights and business growth support, enabling them to seize these opportunities. This, in turn, will promote revenue growth, job creation, exports, and foreign investments.

Ricci Boston, who has recently taken on the role of regional manager for the north of England and is based at GUH’s Newcastle office, said: “The Newcastle office isn’t just a new location; it’s a statement of our commitment to improving opportunities for the underwater industry, and all those businesses and organisations connected to it, in the north. From Merseyside, The Humber and up to the Scottish Borders, I’m looking forward to helping our members and partners drive innovation, foster connections, and open doors to new opportunities. It’s a great time to become a part of the GUH journey.”

The Newcastle office is poised to welcome international trade delegations, fostering global partnerships and collaborations. Over the past year, GUH has hosted delegations from countries such as Barbados, China, Estonia, France, Latvia, and Lithuania. These visits have served as platforms for sharing knowledge, technology, and expertise possessed by UK companies operating within the underwater supply chain.