AN ISLE of Wight marine firm has celebrated its first anniversary — and the saving of 20 Island jobs.

It was one year ago that Diverse Marine bought the assets of its former owner, South Boats, based at Medina Yard in Cowes.

The company has since providing boat designs for organisations including the RNLI and Border Force.

Diverse Marine director Ben Coleman said: “We have been truly humbled by the support we have received from our staff, clients and suppliers and are proud to work with each and every one of them.”

“One year ago, we started with some equipment, a loyal team, a very modest business plan but with our ethos of delivering high quality, cost effective refits and repairs to clients that valued an integrated approach to complete each project.”

Diverse Marine continued to provide services offered by South Boats, including commercial vessel repair and refit services.

It has also started developing a new portfolio of commercial vessel designs including RIBs, fishing boats, work boats and wind farm crew transfer vessels.

Fellow director Matt Floyd said: “We have worked for over 12 months to understand the requirements of the industry.

“Working with Chartwell Marine Design, we have produced the Catchwell 10m and 12m fishing vessels, featuring a high buoyancy hull to enable high catch payloads, yet retaining high raft height and high levels of seakeeping and comfort."

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