THE Government's Marine Management Organisation (MMO) employs over 140 people in Newcastle and manages the seas around the UK. The new body, which was created as part of the Marine and Coastal Access Act of 2009, opened for business in 2010 and possesses a wealth of world leading expertise in marine management.

The decision to locate the agency in Tyne and Wear was a major coup for the area and one that was made possible by Tyne and Wear Development Company, which fronted a regional investment bid to bring the project here.

Tyne and Wear Development Company – alongside key partners - spent several months outlining the region's strengths, providing detailed information and hosting fact finding visits for civil service personnel. This was pivotal in securing the investment ahead of competing UK bids which included other centres of marine excellence.

Janice Kerr, project lead for the MMO location, said: "Tyneside actively considered the particular requirements of the MMO and submitted a comprehensive bid that excelled across all of the areas of assessment. This included a skilled workforce, coastal location, transport links and quality of life for staff. The support we received from Tyne and Wear Development Company was greatly valued."