ENTREPRENEURS with an innovative business idea for the marine sector that needs funding to get it off the ground are being invited to learn more at a dedicated seminar in Southampton this week.

Business Link Wessex is holding a series of free awareness seminars aimed at specific industry sectors and on Wednesday the spotlight falls on the marine sector.

Due to be held at the Southampton Oceanography Centre, it focuses on helping those seeking funding for development in the marine industry.

Geoff Warde, treasurer of the British Marine Federation who is chairing the seminar, said: "Marine businesses are currently not winning a sufficiently large share of Smart money to help develop ideas within this growing industry. It is vital that we start tapping into this funding and this seminar is an excellent opportunity to do so."

Speaking at Smart on the Water about her experiences and to show how the system works practically is Anne Duncan, innovator and managing director of Yellowfin - a company developing marine propulsion systems.

After working with Business Link Wessex, Anne successfully won a Smart Award development grant for £150,000. Yellowfin has since used the funding to develop a pre-production prototype and to complete critical research and test trials.

Also speaking at the seminar is Dr Sue Lewey, a director of Copperbot. Copperbot has been granted £60,000 for a Smart feasibility award to develop a range of environmentally benign anti-fouling coatings that will work in a range of geographical and operational situations for the marine industry.

Dr Lewey used to be the head of the Maritime Research Centre at Southampton Institute and has also been a research and development provider for Smart award projects in the past.

As well as showing you how to unlock the funding, the free seminar provides an opportunity for you to meet other local innovators and inventors in the marine sector.

Business advisers from Business Link Wessex who specialise in unlocking the Smart funding will be available at the seminar to provide impartial advice and guidance.