More than 60 representatives from Southampton port related companies attended the latest Breakfast Club meeting to be organised by city based, Williams Shipping Group.

Usually held three times a year, the Breakfast Club brings businesses and organisations, which have a direct connection with Southampton Docks, together to discuss the latest developments in the marine and maritime sectors.

A family company, founded in 1894, Williams Shipping Group, which is involved in environmental and port services, warehousing and transport, has been organising the events since 1997.

Speaker at the latest meeting, held at the Royal Southampton Yacht Club in Ocean Village, was Rear Admiral Michael Stacey, life vice-president of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, who was introduced by Colin Williams, the company's joint managing director.

Retiring from the Royal Navy in 1979, after a career of 37 years, Rear Admiral Stacey was recruited into the Department of Trade to set up the UK government response to marine oil spills and to run HM Coastguard.

Retiring for the second time in 1988 Rear Admiral Stacey became an international consultant in marine pollution.