Society of Maritime Industries Welcomes Develop Consulting as Newest Member

A leading operational improvement consulting specialist has joined the Society of Maritime Industries (SMI), strengthening the organisation with the addition of a member focused on driving growth and operational excellence across the UK’s vital maritime sector.
Develop Consulting brings Toyota-trained Lean manufacturing expertise and proven transformation capabilities to the UK’s maritime community, which plays a critical role in the British economy.
As specialists in low-volume, high-value manufacturing and maintenance, Develop Consulting works with some of the world’s leading organisations across rail, aerospace, automotive and maritime. The company has extensive experience supporting major rail programmes, aerospace operations, automotive manufacturers and vessel refit projects, adopting a practical, hands-on approach to delivering sustainable improvements in complex operational environments.
The new membership follows meetings between Develop Consulting’s Maritime Director Darren Jones and Tom Chant MBE, Chief Executive of the Society of Maritime Industries
Mr Jones said:
“Joining SMI is an exciting step for us. We specialise in low-volume, high-value manufacturing and maintenance, working with some of the biggest names globally across rail, supercars and aerospace. The UK maritime sector has tremendous potential, and we’re bringing this proven expertise to support its growth. Our hands-on approach to Lean transformation has delivered significant results on major projects across these sectors, and we look forward to bringing this expertise to benefit the wider SMI community.”
Mr Chant added:
“We’re pleased to welcome Develop Consulting to SMI. Their experience in Lean manufacturing and operational improvement is directly relevant to the challenges the UK maritime sector is working through. Members like Develop Consulting bring valuable cross‑sector insight that strengthens the wider community and supports improved productivity, competitiveness and long‑term growth for industry”
Develop Consulting’s expertise will support SMI’s mission to strengthen the competitiveness and performance of the UK maritime sector on the global stage.
For more information, visit: www.develop-consulting.co.uk or contact Darren Jones at darren.jones(at)develop-consulting.co.uk
News
From Ambition to Operational Advantage: SMI Welcomes the First AUKUS Pillar II Signature Project Announcement
SMI warmly welcomes the announcement of the first AUKUS Pillar II signature project, focused on delivering cutting-edge payloads and enabling systems…
Become a member
We promote the interests of UK based companies in the international market place and to governments
Join US See the BenefitsNewsletter Signup
Keep up to date with all the latest news and events with our regular newsletter delivered straight to your email box.
Sign Up NowPOSIDONIA 2026
Posidonia brings the whole shipping world to its exhibitors. The international shipping community attends in strength with national pavilions and thousands of visitors.Seawork 2026
In 2026, we are once again partnering with Seawork, Europe’s largest commercial marine and workboat exhibition, to host a dedicated SMI Hub within the exhibition.Defence Attaché Lunch
Join us for our Defence Attaché Lunch on 7 July – a valuable opportunity to engage directly with the international defence network based in London.SMM 2026 (Shipbuilding, Machinery and Marine Technology trade fair)
When it comes to meeting up with all the leading protagonists of the global maritime industry, there’s no place like SMM, one of the leading international maritime trade fairs.Sea Asia 2027
SMI will once again organise the UK Group Pavilion at Sea Asia in its role as the official Country Pavilion organiser.NorShipping 2027
SMI will once again organise the UK Group Pavilion at Nor-Shipping. The event will return, bigger and bolder in 2027.DSEI 2027
SMI will be organising and managing a POD Showcase Stand at DSEI 2027 within the Naval Zone.Kormarine 2027
Join SMI in the UK Pavilion at Kormarine a leading international marine exhibition held biennially in Busan, South Korea. Kormarine highlights cutting-edge advancements in shipbuilding, maritime...Member Zone
If your company is a member of the Society of Maritime Industries a number of resources are available for which a log-in is required.
LoginResources
Access a wide range of documents, consultations and newsletters which we feel will aid your business activities.
Become a member
We promote the interests of UK based companies in the international market place and to governments
Join Us See the BenefitsNewsletter Signup
Keep up to date with all the latest news and events with our regular newsletter delivered straight to your email box.
Sign Up NowMarine Autonomy Challenge (MAChallenge)
This exciting biennial challenge is open to teams of students studying at UK universities.
Learn more