Marine Autonomy and Plymouth Opportunity
20/11/2025, 08:30 (GMT) Add To Calendar
Global Underwater Hub - Bristol
The world is rapidly evolving, with growing focus on security, resilience, and technological innovation driving major advances in autonomous maritime systems. Many of these technologies, first developed for the energy sector, are now creating exciting dual-use opportunities in defence.
Join the Global Underwater Hub for a breakfast networking event on Thursday, 20 November at our south of England office in Bristol, where we’ll explore how Plymouth’s designation as the UK’s National Centre for Marine Autonomy is opening new pathways for collaboration, innovation, and business growth.
Speakers
- Andy Liddell, Head of Maritime Uncrewed and Offboard Systems at the Ministry of Defence (MOD), who will outline the national trajectory and future requirements for maritime autonomy within defence.
- Eifion Jones, Business Growth and Investment Director at Plymouth and South Devon Freeport, who will share how the Freeport’s expertise, facilities, and investment opportunities can support companies, particularly from the oil and gas sector, looking to diversify into defence.
This event offers valuable insights into the cross-sector potential of maritime autonomy and provides an opportunity to network with industry peers, innovators, and policymakers shaping the future of the UK’s defence and marine sectors.
Speaker profiles
Andy Liddell, Head of Maritime Uncrewed and Offboard Systems, Ministry of Defence
Andy Liddell holds a Master Mariner's qualification, a maritime law degree, and has extensive experience in commercial and defence maritime sectors. He has had a leading role in the introduction and use of uncrewed systems in UK defence, starting with their use for salvage and wreck management tasks before moving into wider defence tasking. Andy is now head of the organisation responsible for the procurement and support of maritime uncrewed systems for UK Defence.
Andy Liddell holds a Master Mariner's qualification, a maritime law degree, and has extensive experience in commercial and defence maritime sectors. He has had a leading role in the introduction and use of uncrewed systems in UK defence, starting with their use for salvage and wreck management tasks before moving into wider defence tasking. Andy is now head of the organisation responsible for the procurement and support of maritime uncrewed systems for UK Defence.
Eifion Jones, Business Growth & Investment Director, Plymouth & South Devon Freeport
Eifion is Business Growth & Investment Director with Plymouth & South Devon Freeport, which helps businesses to expand in the marine, defence, advanced manufacturing, net zero and space sectors.
Passionate about the South West's prosperity, Eifion’s career combines a background in economic development across the region along with blue chip companies in the motor industry. Prior to joining the Freeport, Eifion worked at the Heart of the SW Local Enterprise Partnership leading delivery of its £250 million investment programme, building on extensive experience in European funding preceding that. Eifion made the switch into economic development after more than 15 years in the motor industry, primarily at Toyota where he held roles in product and market planning, marketing programmes and communications.
A keen supporter of Exeter Chiefs and Eifion also closely follows the trials and many tribulations of the men’s Welsh rugby team.
Eifion is Business Growth & Investment Director with Plymouth & South Devon Freeport, which helps businesses to expand in the marine, defence, advanced manufacturing, net zero and space sectors.
Passionate about the South West's prosperity, Eifion’s career combines a background in economic development across the region along with blue chip companies in the motor industry. Prior to joining the Freeport, Eifion worked at the Heart of the SW Local Enterprise Partnership leading delivery of its £250 million investment programme, building on extensive experience in European funding preceding that. Eifion made the switch into economic development after more than 15 years in the motor industry, primarily at Toyota where he held roles in product and market planning, marketing programmes and communications.
A keen supporter of Exeter Chiefs and Eifion also closely follows the trials and many tribulations of the men’s Welsh rugby team.
Booking details
| GUH member individual ticket: | Free | |
| Non-member individual ticket: | £20 + VAT |
Booking for this event will close on Tuesday, 18 November at 12:00.
Please note that ticket prices on the booking page are inclusive of VAT. For details of our event booking terms and conditions, click here.
Venue information
The venue for this event is the event studio at Global Underwater Hub's south of England regional office in Bristol. Situated in Emersons Green, to the north-east of the city, the office is located close to junction 19 of the M4. Car parking is available at the office, although spaces are limited. On street parking can be found nearby. The office is a 15-minute drive from Bristol Parkway Train Station and a 25-minute drive from Temple Meads Train Station (city centre). Taxis are available from both train stations. Regular bus services are accessible within a short walk.
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Global Underwater Hub
1 Brook Office Park
Folly Brook Road
Emersons Green
Bristol
BS16 7FL
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About Global Underwater Hub
Global Underwater Hub is the leading trade and industry development body for the UK’s underwater sectors. A member-led organisation, GUH represents the diverse range of businesses operating across the UK’s £9.2billion underwater industry, facilitating cross-sector collaboration and growth.
Find out more about becoming a member.
Global Underwater Hub is the leading trade and industry development body for the UK’s underwater sectors. A member-led organisation, GUH represents the diverse range of businesses operating across the UK’s £9.2billion underwater industry, facilitating cross-sector collaboration and growth.
Find out more about becoming a member.