The Tees Maritime Cluster has welcomed two new appointments to drive forward the agenda for this new government-backed initiative to support maritime skills in Teesside.
Supported by industry body, Maritime UK, the Tees Maritime Cluster launched in December 2024. The cluster was founded by Teesside businesses including, AV Dawson (Port of Middlesbrough), Clive Owen LLP, Elite Consult, PD Ports, Steel Benders UK, Tees and Hartlepool Port Users Association (THUPA) and Womble Bond Dickinson LLP.
Richard Booth has been appointed as strategic director for the cluster and Jo Vinton-Bullwinkel as operational delivery manager. These appointments are hugely important to ensure the cluster delivers its ambitions and supports the region.
With over four decades of shipping expertise, Richard has a wealth of knowledge in the maritime sector. He has strong experience both globally and locally, having worked for one of the biggest shipping companies in the world and also for leading ships agencies on the Tees, including as general manager for Cockfield Knight & Co, which is part of the AV Dawson Group.
In his role for the Tees Maritime Cluster, Richard will oversee the strategic direction of the cluster and foster partnerships with other key stakeholders to deliver the cluster’s aims to accelerate economic growth in Teesside, by harnessing the strength and vision of the region’s burgeoning maritime sector and championing efforts to become a leading hub for the UK’s Net Zero ambitions.
Richard will work on a part-time basis alongside his current role as chartering manager at Cockfield Knight & Co.
Jo brings a wealth of knowledge in operations with over twenty years’ experience in managerial roles across a number of sectors including technology and finance. She will work on a full-time basis managing the day-today operations of the cluster.
Richard said:
“Since I moved to Teesside in 1990, I have always been passionate about the area and the opportunities maritime related industries can offer.
“I have been part of the maritime industry my whole career and see this as an excellent opportunity to use my skills, knowledge and enthusiasm to encourage the next generation into maritime industries and ensure school children and college students are aware of the opportunities and career paths available to them.
“This is the perfect opportunity to put Teesside and the maritime sector on the map. We need to ensure we future proof the maritime industry, by giving organisations and individuals across the region a framework for us all to work together.
“I look forward to working with Jo, the strategic board and other key stakeholders to bang the drum for the region, create more opportunities for skills, training, inward investment and leave a real legacy from my time on Teesside.”
Jo commented:
“I’m delighted to have been appointed to this new role which has the scope to really support the maritime sector.
“I think with Richard’s wealth of knowledge of the maritime sector and my focus on delivery we’ll make a great team.
“I look forward to working in this vibrant sector and with Maritime UK to drive forward opportunities for young people on Teesside.”
Find out more about the Tees Maritime Cluster by contacting Richard Booth, executive director on richard@teesmaritime.com.