Hill Dickinson joins Mersey Maritime docks initiative

Merseyside firm Hill Dickinson has signed up to a new initiative to promote Liverpool's docks as a world-class maritime centre.

Mersey Maritime (MM) is an association of Birkenhead docks-based businesses, including shipowners, shipbuilders and ship agents, which aims to raise the profile of the area and attract more investment.

Hill Dickinson partner John Hulmes said MM would unite businesses in the area.

'The association will draw together various companies involved with the shipping industry, with similar aims and issues, and give them a focused voice.'

Although associations already exist for shipowners and freight companies, MM will work on a multi-disciplinary level.

It was formally launched last week, and a secretariat will be set up in the next six weeks.

Initial projects include setting up a dedicated shipping academy in the docks.

Mr Hulmes said: 'By being involved with MM and promoting the shipping industry, we hope to increase the amount of work and hence money flowing through the Merseyside docks area.'

Victoria MacCallum