HARWICH has moved a step closer to becoming a big name in the offshore renewable industry after the confirmation of it achieving Centre for Offshore Renewable Engineering status.

The South East Local Enterprise Partnership (SELEP) has agreed with the Government to give Harwich the special title.

The partnership has also pledged funding to this new larger South East CORE, which will bring jobs and investment to the area.

Centres for Offshore Renewable Engineering (CORE) are designated by the Government as the areas of England best able to service the international offshore wind industry.

There are only six nationwide.