There is a current shortage of good quality waterfront access and many local companies are having to face the prospect of relocating within the UK or even abroad to get the facilities they need, says Marine South East (MSE).

The meeting was part of a pilot study to develop a waterfront strategy initially covering the Solent coastal strip from Littlehampton in the east to Barton-on-Sea in the west and including the Isle of Wight. If this pilot activity is successful the development of a waterfront strategy may be extended to other areas in the south east.

The strategy is being developed by Marine South East in partnership with the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA). It will highlight the competition facing the marine industry as it fights to gain development sites ahead of other industries, such as residential development. It will identify the prospects and needs for each sector, including the requirements of supply chains. It will also look at the changing business climate, including issues such as the increased need for water transport to take the pressure off land transport.