Over the last few years there has been growing interest from the offshore oil and gas industry in the potential energy reserves available off the South West of England. The location of Europe's largest on-land oil field at Wytch Farm in Dorset has helped stimulate a great deal of speculation about further offshore deposits.

Whether these deposits prove large or not, the opportunities for underwater contractors and their technical support suppliers are numerous in this picturesque part of England. The Royal Navy used this area to develop underwater weapons for many years and the infrastructure that supported this research and development still exists today.

Several high tech companies operate in this area, both as suppliers of services to the Ministry of Defence and to the civilian underwater sector. Ultra Electronics, based in nearby Weymouth are a world leading producer of Side Scan Sonar, having evolved from Waverley Electronics, the first British company to produce and market Sidescan. With Martech Systems Ltd, and the Defence Research Agency offering support facilities to companies operating in the underwater arena, Portland offers a good deal more than waterside accommodation.

British Gas Exploration & Production use Portland......

This February, 'British Gas Exploration & Production' started drilling in Block 97/19 in a position 12 miles east of Portland Bill using the Great Yarmouth based Santa Fe Drilling Company and their rig Britannia. Santa Fe are also supplying full logistic support for the operation planned to take forty days. Portland Port Ltd, operators of Portland Harbour are working with Wood Group Offshore Ltd, also of Great Yarmouth to provide shore support and vessels. It is hoped that this is the first of several such uses for Portland Harbour.

For over 150 years, Portland has been a centre for marine and defence activities now this beautiful harbour, set in one of the most attractive parts of the South West, is fully open for commercial and recreational uses. In other parts of the UK, naval heritage has taken up the space made available by the departing warships. In Portland the plan is different. The harbour has long been recognised as a superb commercial asset, with deep water berthing protected by an extensive breakwater and only a 2 metre tidal range.

Buildings To Let............

A substantial range of former MOD properties are being offered to let by Portland Port Ltd as part of a major regeneration project, through appointed agents Goadsby & Harding. Around 200,000 sq. ft (18,850 sq. m.) are ideal for a variety of business uses. Deep water wharfage and berthing facilities are available with several jetties giving convenient access to neighbouring buildings. Short or long term leases are available on low rents without premium and for further information you should contact Goadsby & Harding Business Space Department on + (44) 1202 299300.

Financial Assistance To Re-locate........

Portland was designated Intermediate Area Status by the DOT in 1993. A number of grants are available for a wide range of industrial or commercial activities which stimulate employment or capital investment. Portland is also a Rural Development Area and is eligible for EU KONVER funding.

Regional Selective Assistance may also be provided to assist with capital expenditure and Innovation Grants can be sought to support research and development, feasibility studies and design & manufacture of prototypes. For full details about grant availability contact the South Dorset Economic Partnership on + (44) 1305 767274 or by FAX on + (44) 1305 767152.

Future Developments...........

Portland Port Ltd plan to develop Portland Harbour and to realise its potential as one of the largest and most strategically placed harbours on the south coast of England. Plans include uses for commercial cargo, passenger shipping, RO-RO ferries, marina, leisure, marine trades, fishing and boat repair industries. In short a real marine business community is developing which will be well placed to take any advantages developing offshore. Portland is at the starting point of an exciting future, it presents a unique opportunity for those businesses that have the vision to take advantage of it!