New stakeholder manager unveiled by Humber Marine & Renewables after funding success

Dave Dawson, left, is welcomed by Humber Marine and Renewables chair Andrew Oliver.

Humber Marine & Renewables has appointed its new stakeholder manager as it looks to increase its activity.

Dave Dawson has been welcomed to the team, having been introduced to members and industry at the organisation’s Offshore Wind Connections conference and exhibition earlier this month.

The business development role was made possible after HM&R successfully secured Maritime UK funding, aimed at allowing coastal communities to thrive. 

Mr Dawson brings a strong collaborative approach to the regional trade body, having most recently worked for the University of Hull at the Aura Innovation Centre, matching research with industry in the Net Zero space, and university spin-off Lampada, an intellectual property and commercialisation consultancy.

He said: “I’m familiar with working with stakeholders and I have always enjoyed working across sectors, and networking with decision makers at the highest level. I like to collaborate and bring people and projects together – particularly when there are meaningful deliverables.

“I look at all the changes taking place across the sectors we service, the supply chains, government, mayoral authority, and look forward to demystifying this for the businesses, and helping them navigate the way ahead.

“For me, the only thing holding us back is the timescales for decisions being made. People driving the agenda from a business perspective are so engaged, and can see the positives from a societal point of view.”

Dave Dawson, business development manager at Humber Marine & Renewables.

Born in Scunthorpe, he has spent most of his life in the area, and still lives in North Lincolnshire. Mr Dawson has worked in banking, asset finance and community intervention and engagement – the latter as part of a Home Office project targeting knife and gun crime - before immersing himself in the energy and decarbonisation brief.

Humber Marine & Renewables tapped into the Department for Transport-backed scheme, securing £85,000 as part of the £1 million Maritime Cluster Development Fund, announced in December. It is an initiative to grow economies and help local businesses through the delivery of skills, training and educational programmes.

Mr Dawson intends to meet with all members over the coming months, to understand priorities so support can be tailored to needs. 

Andrew Olliver, chair of HM&R, said: “We are delighted to have Dave on board, having had some exceptional applications for the role. Together with my fellow directors, I look forward to seeing how we can now further develop the organisation and support new and existing members to thrive, building on the momentum of the excellent annual conference and Humber Renewables Awards.”

Organisations keen to understand the benefits membership can, or explore future opportunities, should email davedawson@humber-marine-renewables.co.uk