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Equipment Distribution and Retail

The UK marine industry is served by an excellent supply chain of distributors, agents and retailers selling a plethora of marine equipment, from personal watersports kit, to marine electronic and electrical equipment, rope and mooring tackle, safety gear, lighting, boat accessories, interior furnishings, galley equipment and much more besides. 

Find a British Marine equipment distributor, agent or retailer here >

The British Marine Trades Association is the primary association for marine equipment distributors and retailers. It harnesses the talent and ambition of more than 390 businesses that provide a wide range of supply, support and specialist marine services. Key activities include networking opportunities, dinners and a prestigious annual awards event to highlight the achievements of its members.

Marine equipment distributors and retailer members of British Marine benefit from a wide range of benefits, including discounts to exhibit at the London and Southampton Boat Shows, assistance with export activity, access to market reports and networking opportunities.

Open quote for member endorsementBy being an active part of British Marine I have a greater understanding of what is going on in the industry and am able to guide my businesses more effectively. Attendance at events has made it easy to meet a number of new customers.
Ian Cooke, Managing Director, C-Quip and Onward Trading

Group associations for this sector

British Marine Trades Association
Equipment Distribution and Retail Benefits
AB Test 3 - title

AB TEST 3 - Summary for the calendar page

Apprentice Mentoring Workshop

British Marine with support of the Solent Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) are offering two workshops (one full day followed by a one half day) for those people who have an active role in mentoring apprentices.

Apprentice Mentoring Workshop - follow-up

British Marine with support of the Solent Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) are offering two workshops (one full day followed by a one half day) for those people who have an active role in mentoring apprentices.

Apprentice Mentoring Workshop - Initial

British Marine with support of the Solent Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) are offering two workshops (one full day followed by a one half day) for those people who have an active role in mentoring apprentices.

Apprenticeship FAQs

Frequently asked questions about marine industry apprenticeships

Apprenticeship FAQs

Question and answers about marine industry apprenticeships.

Apprenticeships

Grow your Business and grow the skill you need by recruiting apprentices. Apprenticeships are the perfect way to boost productivity, support innovation and aid your company’s expansion. Apprentices learn the culture and unique needs of your business and there is considerable financial support in place to help both you and them.

Boat Show Benefits for Members

Along with the boat show discount available to British Marine members, we have additional benefits for members to take advantage of at the shows;

Boat Show Discounts

British Marine members are entitled to receive discount off their stand space at our Shows

British Marine Industry Trends Survey - June 2018

British Marine conducts a survey bi-annually to measure current business performance and trends in the marine industry over the last six months and future expectations. The latest version of this report for the period November 2017 - June 2018 is now available to download.

ICOMIA Environment Guide 2017

The ICOMIA Environment Guide features clear and concise outlines of the latest environmental legislation affecting the EU, US, Asia and Australia plus international organisations such as IMO. The Guide explains – in simple terms – what the legislation is; why it has been imposed; when it will take effect; who it may affect and how it may affect them – making it an invaluable tool for businesses, associations and organisations operating in the global recreational marine industry. The Guide is FREE to British Marine members.

ICOMIA Half Year Trends Report 2016 (July-December)

ICOMIA’s Half Year Trends Report provides a snapshot overview of the economic performance of national marine industries across the globe for the past 6 months - 1 July 2016 to 31 December 2016 - compared to the same period of the previous year - 1 July 2015 to 31 December 2015. Although no quantifiable data is gathered; the survey acts as a barometer to indicate recent economic trends in the global recreational boating industry as well as the general outlook for the coming year. This publication is an exclusive member benefit and is only available to full members of British Marine.

ICOMIA LOGOS Quarterly Report Oct 2020

The latest ICOMIA LOGOS Quarterly Report Oct 2020 has been released.

ICOMIA SCIP Factsheet

ICOMIA SCIP Factsheet for EU exports

ICOMIA Small Craft Standards Bulletin 14

The latest ICOMIA Small Craft Standards Bulletin has been released.

IMEC LOGOS Quarterly Report Oct 2020

The latest IMEC LOGOS Quarterly Report Oct 2020 has been released.

IMO - Current Awareness Bulletin August 2020

The latest IMO - Current Awareness Bulletin August 2020 has been released.

Marine Job Vacancies

British Marine have constant postings of vacancies from its 1600 members for jobs in the leisure marine industry. From Boat building, apprenticeships, boat fitting, brokerage, design, engineering and marina staff to watersports instructors, on board staff, shipwrights, sailing instructors and skippers.

Social Media

British Marine is pleased to offer a full day of Social Media training in August. The day will be split into two sessions and delegates can either attend the morning or afternoon session or they can attend both.

Superyacht UK Annual Report 2018

Superyacht UK has carried out its twelfth annual survey for 2017/18 to determine year-on-year trends in the UK superyacht sector. Superyacht UK, a dedicated association of British Marine, represents over 250 members and 70% of the total UK industry, operating in the design, build, supply chain and service provision of yachts over 24 metres in length.

Superyacht UK Social Media Masterclass

A whole day’s comprehensive social media training and support package, giving you the tools to confidently and effectively grow your social media outreach against a planned strategy designed to help you meet your business objectives.

Technical Report 120

Technical Report 120

Technical Report 126

August 2020 Technical Report (#126) Topics include Brexit and COVID-19

The Small Commercial Marine Market in the UK 2018

British Marine's latest report on the UK's small commercial marine market, providing data on a range of core areas including: the market's size and structure, long-term business outlook, key barriers and opportunities.

Training Courses

British Marine training is passionate about the development and progression of the UK marine industry. From career prospects to recruitment and training courses, we are here to assist and advise.

Apprenticeship Graduation Awards

Grow your Business and grow the skill you need to do so. Apprenticeships are the perfect way to boost productivity, support innovation and aid your company’s expansion. Apprentices learn the culture and unique needs of your business and there is financial support in place to help both you and them.

Apprenticeship Trailblazers

British Marine is leading the way supporting groups of employers (trailblazers) in developing new Apprenticeship Standards and providing support to its members in implementing apprenticeship reforms mandated by the Government.

Become a Committee Member

Each Association under British Marine is run by a Committee made up of individual members.

Boating and Watersports Participation

Boating and Watersports Participation: British Marine is a founding and leading member of a consortium of marine organisations that funds and manages research measuring the state of participation in boating and watersports in the UK. Since 2002 this research has been conducted by Arkenford, a specialist market research agency, in close collaboration with British Marine’s Market Research and Statistics team, which leads the research on behalf of the consortium.

British Marine Industry Trends Autumn 2017

British Marine conducts a survey bi-annually to measure current business performance and trends in the marine industry over the last six months and future expectations. The latest version of this report for the period June 2017 - November 2017 is now available to download.

British Marine Industry Trends November 2015 to June 2016

British Marine conducts a survey bi-annually to measure current business performance and trends in the marine industry over the last six months and future expectations. The latest version of this report for the period November 2015 - June 2016 is now available to download.

British Marine Industry Trends Survey Jun-Nov 2015

British Marine Industry Trends Survey June 2015 to November 2015. British Marine conducts a survey bi-annually to measure current business performance and trends in the marine industry over the last six months and future expectations. The latest version of this report for the period June 2015 - November 2015 is now available to download.

Careers Campaign

Feedback from British Marine members has resulted in a British Marine careers campaign to go live in March 2016. Members are keen to promote the opportunities within their businesses and the marine industry as a whole and to attract the the best candidates.

Committees

Each Association under British Marine is run by a Committee made up of individual members.

Discounts and Savings

British Marine offer members a number of discounts and savings. Find out what discounts and savings are available.

Download the logo - British Marine

Use the British Marine logo on your website, adverts and printed items to benefit from our national Look for the Logo campaign that promotes members' products and services to the boating public.

Engines and Equipment

Engines and Equipment Research: As one of the key indicators of the strength of the industry, British Marine collates market data on the engines and equipment sector across a variety of market research reports.

Equipment Distribution and Retail

The UK marine industry is served by an excellent supply chain of distributors, agents and retailers selling a plethora of marine equipment, from personal watersports kit, to marine electronic and electrical equipment, rope and mooring tackle, safety gear, lighting, boat accessories, interior furnishings, galley equipment and much more besides.

Export Guidance

Export Guidance from British Marine on: How to reclaim foreign VAT, Export Control Licences, Press Advice for Exhibitors, The Jones Act, Incoterms and links to the ICOMIA Distributors Guide and Market Selection Index Tool.

Exporting

A guide to export for growth from British Marine in association with UKTI

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions of the British Marine Legal Services team

Floating Leisure Articles Legislation - Floating Leisure Articles placed on the market within the European Union

As a benefit to British Marine members, this report details Floating Leisure Articles placed on the market within the European Union

Headline Statistics and Infographics

Headline statistics on the UK leisure, superyacht and small commercial marine industry

Health and Safety

Health & Safety is a vital aspect of running a modern business, British Marine offers Health & Safety guidance.

ICOMIA and the IMO

British Marine is a member of the International Council of Marine Industry Associations (ICOMIA), which holds a consultative seat at the International Maritime Organization (IMO). ICOMIA has a representative who attends IMO meetings on our behalf and reports on issues which will potentially affect the leisure, superyacht and small commercial marine industries.

ICOMIA Half Year Trends Report 2017

ICOMIA’s Half Year Trends Report 2017 provides a snapshot overview of the health of the global marine industry for the past 6 months, from 1 July to 31 December 2017, compared with the same period 12 months ago. Sourced from sentiment surveys of ICOMIA members, this 1 page report shows trends across 30 key national markets focusing on core industry KPIs, including a range of boat, engine and accessories sales, import, export and domestic market growth, and the economic outlook for each of these markets. Although no quantifiable data is gathered; the survey acts as a barometer to indicate recent economic trends in the global recreational boating industry as well as the general outlook for the coming year.

ICOMIA Quarterly Economic Statistics 2016 (Q1-4)

ICOMIA’s Quarterly Economic Statistics Report 2016 (Q1-4) provides valuable information on economic development in over 45 countries across the world, including: inflation rates, economic growth, car registrations/sales, consumer confidence, producer price index and the Big Mac Index.

ICOMIA Quarterly Economic Statistics 2016 (Q2)

ICOMIA’s Quarterly Economic Statistics Report 2016 (Q2) provides valuable information on economic development in over 45 countries across the world, including: inflation rates, economic growth, car registrations/sales, consumer confidence, producer price index and the Big Mac Index.

ICOMIA Quarterly Economic Statistics 2017 (Q1-4)

This report contains quarterly information on the economic development in 46 countries across the world, such as inflation rates, gross domestic product growth, car registrations, producer prices and consumer confidence, . As a benefit of your British Marine membership, you have access to this report for free. The ICOMIA Quarterly Economic Statistics Report is updated every three months. This edition covers: - Quarter one, 2017 (January – March) - Quarter two, 2017 (April – June) - Quarter three, 2017 (July - September) - Quarter Four, 2017 (October - December)

ICOMIA Recreational Boating Industry Statistics 2015

The latest ICOMIA Recreational Boating Industry Statistics book (edition 2015) is the foremost annual tool the industry has to measure international activity in the recreational boating industry.

ICOMIA Recreational Boating Industry Statistics 2016

The latest ICOMIA Recreational Boating Industry Statistics book (edition 2016) is the foremost annual tool the industry has to measure international activity in the recreational boating industry.

International Standards Development - British Marine

ISO publishes standards on a vast range of subjects, including small craft (under 24m by ISO/TC188) and large yachts (over 24m by ISO/TC8/SC12). British Marine represents the marine industry at each of these standards committees and the many working groups that fall under the control of the principal committees.

Key Performance Indicators - England Regions Infographics

These industry infographics combine findings from across British Marine's industry economic, social and consumer market research to demonstrate the size, value and economic impact of the leisure marine economy in the UK's various English regions (based on former Regional Development Agency geographies). These infographics cover the South West, South East, Greater London, East of England, West Midlands , East Midlands, North West, Yorkshire and the North East. They provide topline statistics on the number of marine enterprises, their turnover, gross valued added contribution, taxation, full-time equivalent employment, average employee earnings, as well as boat ownership and participation.

Key Performance Indicators - Marine Industry Sector Infographics

These industry infographics combine findings from across British Marine's industry economic, social and consumer market research to demonstrate the size, value and economic impact of the leisure marine economy across the industry's varied sectors. These infographics cover: Boat Manufacturing; Engines & Equipment Manufacturing; Boat Wholesale & Retail; Engines & Equipment Wholesale & Retail; Marinas & Moorings; Boat Repair & Servicing; Hire, Holidays & Training; and Consumer & Business Services. They provide topline statistics on the number of marine enterprises, their turnover, gross valued added contribution, taxation, full-time equivalent employment, average employee earnings and international trade (where applicable).

Key Performance Indicators - UK National and Devolved Regions Infographics

These industry infographics combine findings from across British Marine's industry economic, social and consumer market research to demonstrate the size, value and economic impact of the leisure marine economy in the UK's constituent countries and devolved administrations. These infographics cover England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and provide topline statistics on the number of marine enterprises, their turnover, gross valued added contribution, taxation, full-time equivalent employment, average employee earnings, as well as boat ownership and participation.

Key Performance Indicators and Industry Trends Research

British Marine’s Key Performance Indicators for the Leisure, Superyacht & Small Commercial Marine Industry report is a biennial report that uses aggregated data shared by our members, combined with internal knowledge of non-members involved in the marine industry, to provide a robust economic audit of the industry.

Knowledge Centre

The British Marine Knowledge centre comprises of useful articles and information to help its members in the Marine industry concerning Technical Issues, Legal and Finance, Environmental and Facilities Issues, Training, Statistics and Market Research, International Development, Marketing, External Relations and Business Support.

Look for the Logo

Look for the Logo is a campaign that highlights the key benefits of engaging with British Marine's 1600 members when buying a boat or any marine-related service or product.

Marketing Promotion - British Marine

British Marine has a multidiscipline team focused on the promotion of boating and its members, covering marketing, PR and online.

Mediation Information

Mediation is a process for resolving disputes. In mediation, parties are helped by an independent third party, the mediator, to reach an agreement with which they are happy and resolve their dispute. A good mediator is a skilled, experienced and imaginative problem solver who will be very much involved in the process of reaching a solution.

Member Directory

There are a number of British Marine member law firms, financial and commercial advisors that can help you. British Marine is the membership organisation for the leisure, superyacht and small commercial marine industry.

Offers of the Month

Through the Mercedes-Benz Affinity scheme, British Marine members can enjoy all the benefits of the latest models for less than you expected.

On The Water

On The Water promotes the products and services of British Marine members and encourage the public to get started in boating and watersports.

Our Associations

British Marine has 11 regions and 16 group associations, which members can join depending on their sector and business.

Personal Development

British Marine has developed personal development accreditations to benchmark individuals within the industry to meet rigorous industry standards promoting professionalism and standardisation.

Quality Schemes

British Marine and its associations run a number of quality schemes for its members operating in different sectors. These schemes provide a benchmark for good practice and allow members to both benchmark themselves against their competitors but also to provide evidence to their customers that they are offering an independently checked and verified quality product.

Representation and Promotion

Foe more than 100 years British Marine's most important role has been to represent its members and the UK marine industry

Self Assessment Environment Audit - Marinas

Simple self assessment toolkit for marina operators

Technical

As the membership organisation for the leisure, superyacht and small commercial Marine Industry, British Marine knows how important it is to get the details right, first time.

Technical Support

As the membership organisation for the leisure, superyacht and small commercial Marine Industry, British Marine knows how important it is to get the details right, first time.

Technical Support - BMEEA Code of Practice

Technical Support - BMEEA Code of Practice

The Green Blue

The Green Blue project is an innovative environmental awareness programme founded by British Marine and the Royal Yachting Association (RYA). Its primary purpose is to enable boat users, marine businesses and sailing clubs to reduce their impact on our coastal and inland waters.

The UK Marine Labour Market

The leisure marine industry has experienced challenging times following the wake of the global financial crisis and the subsequent recessions and slow and patchy recovery of the UK economy.

Training and Careers

British Marine Training can support your business by helping you to recruit staff on our online job portal, help you attract new talent through the British Marine careers campaign and offer you assistance on training advice and information.

Unlimited Credit Checking

British Marine members can access unlimited UK credit reports free of charge

Upcoming webinars

Brexit: An overview of the marking, product labelling and conformity assessments required from 1 January 2021.

Value Added Tax

British Marine offer their members a free tax advice service through our dedicated British Marine VAT specialist at PKF Francis Clark.

Watersports Participation 2016 - Full Report

This annual report commissioned by British Marine, Royal Yachting Association (RYA), Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA), Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), British Canoeing (BC) and the Centre for Environment, Fisheries & Aquaculture Science (CEFAS) details participation and ownership for 12 boating activities in 2016 and reports trends over fourteen years. This report also includes return of wider water-based leisure activities. The full report provides more detailed trends since 2002 and results to a wider set of questions. This includes trends in demographics, frequency and home / abroad participation and location of residence, and also presents coastal/inland and seasonal activity, household boat ownership, charter/hire, and more.

Web marketing tips - British Marine

The Marketing, Public Relations and Online departments can help you make your product and brand more visible in the marketplace, whether through British Marine or British Marine Boat Shows.

Working with Members - British Marine

British Marine specialises in supporting individual member marine businesses with local councils, regulators, navigation authorities and regulators.

Working with other organisations

British Marine is a member of several important business groups, that each bring together organisations from right across the UK to create a stronger voice to engage Government, regulators and Parliament for support and change. Our memberships include the Confederation of British Industries (CBI), Maritime UK, the Tourism Alliance and the Seabed User Development Group (SUDG).

Equipment Distribution & Retail News

SIBS Christmas offer

Southampton International Boat Show 2024 announces Christmas ticket offer

08 Dec 2023

Southampton International Boat Show 2024 announces Christmas ticket offer! Get your tickets today because once they’re gone, they’re gone!

METS 2023

British Marine members enjoy a successful METSTRADE 2023

21 Nov 2023

METSTRADE 2023 has proved a great success for British Marine members as thousands of visitors headed to the world’s largest trade exhibition of marine equipment, materials and systems.

inland-boating-gov-cut-campaign

Fund Britains Waterways message delivered to Westminster

14 Nov 2023

Fund Britain's Waterways message delivered to Westminster

WIMI panel

METSTRADE, British Marine, Marine Industry News and Soundings Trade Only announce the panelists for the Women in the Marine Industry International event at METSTRADE 2023

29 Sep 2023

General News

The event will include an industry panel comprised of dynamic female leaders from across the globe.

MTA 23

A magical evening for all at the Marine Trades Association Awards Dinner

14 Jun 2023

The British Marine Trades Association (BMTA) is firmly back in the calendar as an anchor event for marine businesses recognising and celebrating successes in the UK leisure marine industry.