A radio communications system aimed to connect the East of England's growing offshore industry has been given a funding boost.

WaveCom, a custom-built two-way radio network being developed by Fern Communications, has won a £50,000 grant from the Supply Chain Innovation for Offshore Renewable Energy scheme.

The Lowestoft-based company initially won the contract to provide a system for the Galloper Offshore Wind Farm, located between 34km and 55km off Suffolk's coast. Fern has developed the design of the system to be used by multiple operators and sub-contractors across a wider area.

Fern managing director Jennifer Cushion said: 'Instead of each company and subcontractor having to set up their own radio network, ours will be readily available and fully operational.'