A GROUP at the forefront of the town's offshore wind ambition is to be opened up to businesses across North East Lincolnshire.

Grimsby Renewables Partnership was established five years ago, bringing together a few companies alongside the local authority's economic development team, with all members keen to play a part in the burgeoning industry.

It has been commended for acting effectively by those in the sector, and was one of the first geographic groups in the UK to exhibit on a national and international level.

Since then, the industry has moved on at pace and several major players have established operations and maintenance (O&M) bases in Grimsby, including Centrica, Siemens and RES.

Grimsby Fish Docks has also been renamed Port Of Grimsby East, reflecting the multiple operations that now co-exist.

Estimates put capital expenditure projects that could revolve around Grimsby at a value of £66,000 million, with £1.3 billion in operations and maintenance alone.

Responsibility for 843 turbines could sit in the town.

More than 50 representatives of businesses and organisations attended a meeting to discuss the future direction of the group, held at The Innovation Centre on Europarc.

Winston Phillips, chairman of Grimsby Renewables Partnership (GRP) and managing director of Cosalt Wind Energy, said: "With O&M gaining momentum and with our ports ideally positioned to service the existing and emerging offshore wind farms Grimsby has the potential to be the Aberdeen of offshore wind.

"The purpose of the meeting was to open up GRP to all the businesses in the area that think they have something to offer this industry, and I am delighted not only with the number of people who attended, but also with the level of interest shown."

Mr Phillips presented alongside David Hughes of Siemens and Chris Holden of RES, and the chairman thanked them for making it such a success, with real motivation shown and momentum underlined.

He said: "GRP is a true public/private organisation which has the active involvement and backing of North East Lincolnshire Council who see the partnership as taking the lead role in the area for supporting the private sector to drive this key economic opportunity.

"While GRP is fully supportive of the various regional and national organisations such as Team Humber Marine Alliance and the Humber Renewables Network, it is worth pointing out that we are clearly and firmly focused on promoting the benefits and the businesses within Greater Grimsby.

"To this end, I would encourage any organisation with an established base in the area, however large or small, to register an interest in joining.

"Whether you are a large engineering company, a taxi company, an hotel or a law firm you all have something to offer this growing industry."

A deadline of February 10 has been given to register interest, with no obligation to become a member.

The exact set-up and financing will be set once the amount of interest has been gauged.

Mr Phillips said: "This is a unique opportunity where we can all work together to make sure that Greater Grimsby gets its share of the future potential."

To register, visit www.grimsbyrenewablespartnership.net