The Society of Maritime Industries (SMI)
Member Zone Newsletter Signup
  • Home
  • About
    • SMI Team
    • What We Do
      • Business Overseas and in the UK
      • Research, Technology & Innovation
      • Improving the Business Environment
      • Networking Opportunities
      • Marketing & Other Services
    • A Brief History
      • The Award Fund
      • Donald Maxwell Student Award
      • Marine Science & Technology Business Person of the Year
      • Past Presidents and Chairs of BMEC/SMI
    • Governance
      • The Board and Honorary Officers
    • Testimonials
    • Maritime Partners
      • Privacy
      • SMI Team
      • What We Do
        • Business Overseas and in the UK
        • Research, Technology & Innovation
        • Improving the Business Environment
        • Networking Opportunities
        • Marketing & Other Services
      • A Brief History
        • The Award Fund
        • Donald Maxwell Student Award
        • Marine Science & Technology Business Person of the Year
        • Past Presidents and Chairs of BMEC/SMI
      • Governance
        • The Board and Honorary Officers
      • Testimonials
      • Maritime Partners
      • Privacy
    • Membership
      • Membership Benefits
      • Membership Types
      • Member Zone Registration
      • Join Us Enquiry
      • Membership Benefits
      • Membership Types
      • Member Zone Registration
      • Join Us Enquiry
    • Directory
    • Specialist Groups
      • Commercial Marine Group
        • CMG Council
        • CMG News
      • Digital Technology Group
        • DTG Council
        • DTG News
      • Maritime Autonomous Systems Group
        • Understanding and Valuing the MAS industry
        • Shaping the Future MAS Workforce
        • Influencing the Maritime Regulatory Framework
        • Providing value to MASG members
        • MASG Council
        • MASG News
      • Maritime Defence & Security Group
        • MDSG Council
        • MDSG News
        • AUKUS
      • Marine Science & Technology Group
        • Biennial Review of UK Marine Scientific Industries Survey
        • SMI MSTG Business Person of the Year
        • MSTG Council
        • MSTG News
      • Ports & Terminals Group
        • PTG Council
        • PTG News
      • SMIFutures
        • SMIFutures Board Members
      • Commercial Marine Group
        • CMG Council
        • CMG News
      • Digital Technology Group
        • DTG Council
        • DTG News
      • Maritime Autonomous Systems Group
        • Understanding and Valuing the MAS industry
        • Shaping the Future MAS Workforce
        • Influencing the Maritime Regulatory Framework
        • Providing value to MASG members
        • MASG Council
        • MASG News
      • Maritime Defence & Security Group
        • MDSG Council
        • MDSG News
        • AUKUS
      • Marine Science & Technology Group
        • Biennial Review of UK Marine Scientific Industries Survey
        • SMI MSTG Business Person of the Year
          • SMI Marine Science & Technology Business Person of the Year 2025 Nomination Form
        • MSTG Council
        • MSTG News
      • Ports & Terminals Group
        • PTG Council
        • PTG News
      • SMIFutures
        • SMIFutures Board Members
    • News
    • Events
      • Marine Autonomy Challenge (MAChallenge)
        • Commercial Events
        • All Events
        • Defence Events
        • Marine Science Events
        • Ports Events
        • Marine Autonomy Challenge (MAChallenge)
        • Commercial Events
        • All Events
        • Defence Events
        • Autonomy Events
        • Marine Science Events
        • Ports Events
      • UK Maritime Sector
        • GREAT World Class Marine Capability
        • National Shipbuilding Strategy
        • Maritime 2050
        • National Shipbuilding Office (NSO) Centres of Excellence Playbook
      • Resources
        • UK Export Support
        • Document Library
          • Maritime Sector Newsletters
          • Public Consultations & Reports
          • Society of Maritime Industries Annual Members' Directory & Reviews
          • Braemar Seascope Sale & Purchase Reports
          • Clarkson's Monthly Shipbuilding Report
          • SEA Europe Documents
        • Diversity in Maritime
        • Frequently Asked Questions
        • Useful Links
        • Terms of Use
        • Maritime Autonomous Systems Regulatory Working Group (MASRWG)
        • UK Export Support
        • Document Library
          • Maritime Sector Newsletters
            • EMSA Newsletter
            • ISCO Newsletter
            • ICE Newsletter
          • Public Consultations & Reports
            • UK Consultations and Reports
            • EU Consultations and Reports
          • Society of Maritime Industries Annual Members' Directory & Reviews
        • Diversity in Maritime
        • Frequently Asked Questions
        • Useful Links
        • Terms of Use
        • Maritime Autonomous Systems Regulatory Working Group (MASRWG)
      • Home
      • About
        • SMI Team
        • What We Do
          • Business Overseas and in the UK
          • Research, Technology & Innovation
          • Improving the Business Environment
          • Networking Opportunities
          • Marketing & Other Services
        • A Brief History
          • The Award Fund
          • Donald Maxwell Student Award
          • Marine Science & Technology Business Person of the Year
          • Past Presidents and Chairs of BMEC/SMI
        • Governance
          • The Board and Honorary Officers
        • Testimonials
        • Maritime Partners
        • Privacy
      • Membership
        • Membership Benefits
        • Membership Types
        • Member Zone Registration
        • Join Us Enquiry
      • Directory
      • Specialist Groups
        • Commercial Marine Group
          • CMG Council
          • CMG News
        • Digital Technology Group
          • DTG Council
          • DTG News
        • Maritime Autonomous Systems Group
          • Understanding and Valuing the MAS industry
          • Shaping the Future MAS Workforce
          • Influencing the Maritime Regulatory Framework
          • Providing value to MASG members
          • MASG Council
          • MASG News
        • Maritime Defence & Security Group
          • MDSG Council
          • MDSG News
          • AUKUS
        • Marine Science & Technology Group
          • Biennial Review of UK Marine Scientific Industries Survey
          • SMI MSTG Business Person of the Year
            • SMI Marine Science & Technology Business Person of the Year 2025 Nomination Form
          • MSTG Council
          • MSTG News
        • Ports & Terminals Group
          • PTG Council
          • PTG News
        • SMIFutures
          • SMIFutures Board Members
      • News
      • Events
        • Marine Autonomy Challenge (MAChallenge)
        • Commercial Events
        • All Events
        • Defence Events
        • Autonomy Events
        • Marine Science Events
        • Ports Events
      • UK Maritime Sector
        • GREAT World Class Marine Capability
        • National Shipbuilding Strategy
        • Maritime 2050
        • National Shipbuilding Office (NSO) Centres of Excellence Playbook
      • Resources
        • UK Export Support
        • Document Library
          • Maritime Sector Newsletters
            • EMSA Newsletter
            • ISCO Newsletter
            • ICE Newsletter
          • Public Consultations & Reports
            • UK Consultations and Reports
            • EU Consultations and Reports
          • Society of Maritime Industries Annual Members' Directory & Reviews
        • Diversity in Maritime
        • Frequently Asked Questions
        • Useful Links
        • Terms of Use
        • Maritime Autonomous Systems Regulatory Working Group (MASRWG)
      Newsletter Signup

      Two More Solar Solve Long-Service Awards

      In mid-April, employees at Solar Solve took time out from their busy production schedule and held a small party to congratulate and celebrate two of their colleagues receiving Long-Service awards.

      The company’s three business owners/directors, John, Lilian and Julie Lightfoot, attended and presented the ‘Thank You’ cards and gifts.

      In 2001, Operations Manager, Carl Johnson had been made redundant as a result of the demise of the Reyrolle Works in Hebburn. He was looking for a new challenge and considering all of his options. After two interviews Carl was offered the vacant position at Solar Solve but kept them waiting for a few weeks until he had attended all of his final interviews, reviewed his offers and finally decided to say “Yes” to Solar Solve.

      The directors said Carl has been a great benefit to the company throughout his 20 years of loyal service and they are delighted that he did eventually opt to join Solar Solve way back in 2001 and that he has stayed with them ever since.

      Company Secretary, Lilian Lightfoot proudly presented Carl with a ‘Congratulations & Thank You’ card and a Gift card in appreciation of his 20 years of Super Service to Solar Solve.

      John and Lilian then recounted how Julie had helped in the business, especially from the age of 16 to 22, when she was a Saturday Girl in the Showroom and then she worked 1 evening a week doing the accounts.

      In 1991, John and Lilian were asked to visit Malaysia for a week to promote the new Solar Solve sunscreens. They were keen to go but didn’t have anyone to run the business whilst they were away.

      By that time Julie had ‘A’ levels, completed a 2-year Trainee Course with IBM and was a Management Trainee at Marks & Spencer but the programme had been put on ‘hold’ due to the recession and she wasn’t happy.

      Lilian comments, “Our business was not doing brilliantly and I was concerned about asking Julie to move from a secure but frustrating job with M&S. However, John was so confident that the SOLASOLV products would become a success, we decided to make Julie an offer.”

      Julie readily accepted her parents offer and has been a great asset to the business. Although Julie has always made financial control her major responsibility, she has many other business skills and talents and is considered the ideal person for the role of Managing Director.

      Julie’s father, Solar Solve’s Chairman, John Lightfoot said:

      “It is with great pride and a lot of pleasure, that I have the honour of presenting Julie with a ‘Congratulations & Thank You’ card and a gift card, from her mother and I, in appreciation of her 30 plus years of exceptional service to Solar Solve.”

      Full details of Solar Solve Marine and its product range are available from the company website at www.solasolv.com, email info(at)solasolv.com or by telephone on +44 191 454 8595.  

      News

      SMARTPILOT_MOTORBOAT_AERIAL.jpg
      24 June 2025

      Robosys Automation Launches New Software Autopilot, VOYAGER AI SMARTPILOT™

      Robosys Automation has unveiled its new VOYAGER AI SMARTPILOT™ software autopilot at the Autonomous Ship Expo in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

      24 June 2025

      Briggs Marine Signs Landmark £182m Contract with UK Ministry of Defence

      19 June 2025

      Scott Aerospace Secures Strategic MOD Contract to Support Royal Navy Submarines

      SEE MORE NEWS

      Become a member

      We promote the interests of UK based companies in the international market place and to governments

      Join US See the Benefits

      Newsletter Signup

      Keep up to date with all the latest news and events with our regular newsletter delivered straight to your email box.

      Sign Up Now
      15 Jul
      15 Jul 2025, 12:30 – 15:30

      Defence Attaché Luncheon

      The Society of Maritime Industries will once again be hosting the overseas naval attachés & advisers based in London for a reception and buffet luncheon.
      09 Sep
      9 Sep 2025 – 12 Sep 2025

      DSEI 2025

      Held at the easy to access ExCel exhibition centre every two years SMI has secured space in DSEI’s Naval Zone to support member companies.  The Naval Zone at DSEI is an interactive...
      16 Sep
      16 Sep 2025, 10:00 – 13:30

      Navigating the Future: Maritime Autonomy, Innovation & Opportunity

      MASG Council LISW Autonomy Event
      18 Sep
      18 Sep 2025, 10:00 – 16:00

      Global Maritime Connections Meet the Buyer

      The Department for Business and Trade (DBT), in partnership with the Society of Maritime Industries (SMI) and Seatrade Maritime, is pleased to present Global Maritime Connections, a high-impact Meet...
      21 Oct
      21 Oct 2025 – 24 Oct 2025

      KORMARINE 2025

      KORMARINE is the largest and most prestigious marine trade exhibition, fully supported by the world’s biggest Shipbuilders in Korea as well as leading international shipowners and offshore...
      04 Nov
      4 Nov 2025 – 6 Nov 2025

      Indo Pacific 2025

      Attracting industry professionals from around Australia, the region and the world, Indo Pacific 2025 will see key players from the maritime and naval defence communities come together for three days...
      07 Nov
      7 Nov 2025 – 10 Nov 2025

      Europort 2025

      Europort, organised in the world port city of Rotterdam, is the international maritime meeting place for innovative technology and complex shipbuilding. With an average of 25,000 professional...
      02 Dec
      2 Dec 2025 – 5 Dec 2025

      Marintec China 2025

      Launched for over 40 years, Marintec China has become renowned as one of the most authoritative B2B platform for the International Maritime Industry. The 2023 edition of this biennial event...
      25 Mar
      25 Mar 2026 – 27 Mar 2026

      Asia Pacific Maritime (APM) 2026

      APM (Asia Pacific Maritime) is the premier exhibition and conference in Asia showcasing a complete overview of the vessel sectors services and solutions, technology, vessel equipment, supplies, and...
      31 Mar
      31 Mar 2026 – 1 Apr 2026

      Ocean Connect Asia 2026

      Ocean Connect Asia presents a regional meeting point to bring together the converging worlds of autonomy, robotics and uncrewed based solutions for the ocean and coastal economies. As the...
      01 Jun
      1 Jun 2026 – 5 Jun 2026

      POSIDONIA 2026

      Posidonia brings the whole shipping world to its exhibitors. The international shipping community attends in strength with national pavilions and thousands of visitors.
      01 Sep
      1 Sep 2026 – 4 Sep 2026

      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. 
      16 Mar
      16 Mar 2027, 09:00 – 18 Mar 2027, 17:00

      Sea Asia 2027

      SMI will once again organise the UK Group Pavilion at Sea Asia in its role as the official Country Pavilion organiser. The event will return, bigger and bolder on 16-18th March 2027. To register...
      SEE MORE Events

      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.

      Login
      • Specialist Sectors
      • Council Minutes
      • Member Events
      • Register

      Resources

      Access a wide range of documents, consultations and newsletters which we feel will aid your business activities.

      • Document Library
      • Consultations
      • Newsletters
      • FAQ's

      Become a member

      We promote the interests of UK based companies in the international market place and to governments

      Join Us See the Benefits

      Newsletter Signup

      Keep up to date with all the latest news and events with our regular newsletter delivered straight to your email box.

      Sign Up Now

      Marine Autonomy Challenge (MAChallenge)

      This exciting biennial challenge is open to teams of students studying at UK universities.

      Learn more
      The Society of Maritime Industries (SMI)

      Society of Maritime Industries Limited 28 - 29 Threadneedle Street, London,
      EC2R 8AY

      what3words location - outfit.simple.smashes

      UK Reg. No: 00883132

      T: 020 7628 2555
      E: info(at)maritimeindustries.org

       

      Privacy Policy

      Maritime UK

      © 2025 Society of Maritime Industries Limited

      Hosting, Design and Development by TM Designs using ConcreteCMS