Our new National Agenda sets the scene for how British Marine is going to support and influence the future of our industry. The agenda consists of five key areas of focus:
- Participation
- People and skills
- Environment
- Technology and innovation
- Representation
We are already delivering for members in these areas, but you will also now see emerging proactive support on the wider issues, which face all of us in the leisure marine industry. We will be launching our full strategy this Autumn.
Participation (Futures)
Members adapting to the changing needs and wants of the end user is fundamental to the sustainability of the leisure marine industry in the coming decades. Our new Futures service invites shared stories on this subject and encourages members to look at how they can adapt their thinking, processes and products to not only meet end user needs but also to capitalise on the opportunities these changes bring. British Marine has delivered a number of presentations and a webinar on this topic and is in the process of developing practical resources to support members in adapting their business models.
People and skills
British Marine is committed to supporting personal development and the advancement of skills across the industry, having a strong focus on creating career pathways into the industry and using national careers events to promote opportunities.
Our marine-specific training courses deliver benefits to both candidates and their employers by raising the quality bar and improving skills.
In 2018/19, 317 people passed through 34 courses organised by British Marine. The Association also presents a unique online jobs board within the British Marine website, which has had over 45,000 page views in the past year.
Environment
British Marine understands its responsibility and that of its members, to the safeguarding of the environment and the importance that consumers and employees place on this issue. That’s why we are proactively working to find solutions for End Of Life vessels, emissions and raising awareness through our joint environmental initiative with the RYA, The Green Blue. Its mission is to promote the sustainable operation and development of the marine industry and help members minimise their impact on the environment.
To demonstrate how this can be achieved, British Marine has launched a three-year pledge to reduce the environmental impact of Southampton International
Boat Show and create a more sustainable event. This includes moving away from single-use plastics, serving only sustainable fish at our catering outlets and the continuation of recycling waste wherever possible.
Technology and innovation
Integrating technology and innovation can deliver significant benefits. Recognised as one of the critical skills for achieving success in business, British Marine will work with members to set the agenda so that we can help members to solve problems, generate profit, increase market share and attract new users.
Our collaborative approach will see British Marine reach out to other sectors that have found solutions and work with them to bring them to our sector, whether that’s hybrid propulsion systems or replacement materials. Practical benefits of innovation will help:
- Improve productivity
- Reduce costs
- Increase competitiveness
- Improve brand recognition and value
- Generate new partnerships and relationships
Representation
As well as working with members directly, we also represent member interests on a variety of important issues. To ensure we contribute to shaping a sustainable future for the industry, British Marine is an active member of key organisations including ICOMIA, Confederation of British Industry (CBI), Hampshire Chamber of Commerce, the International Federation of Boat Show Organisers (IFBSO) and Maritime UK. In addition, British Marine represents members on the GM33, SME32, Technical Committee and subcommittees, Membership Working Group and Events Working Group.
British Marine is working with the Government and other stakeholders towards the Maritime 2050 strategy. Maritime 2050 highlights the Government’s recognition of the importance of maritime – worth over £40bn to the UK economy, more than aerospace or car manufacturing – and focuses on the desire to cement the UK’s place as the world's leading maritime nation into the second half of the 21st century. The strategy covers the full footprint of British Marine’s membership, from manufacturing and services to tourism, to drive growth for member businesses along seven distinct themes: Technology, Trade, Environment, People & Skills, Infrastructure, Security/Resilience and the UK’s Competitive Advantage.
In 2018/19, we have worked closely with industry and the Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) to help produce the new IPV Code, which aims to ensure a safe level of operating of pleasure vessels temporarily in commercial use whilst clarifying when a vessel needs full commercial coding and helping to reduce burdens on industry.
British Marine and the Passenger Boat Association (PBA) have been working with the MCA on the review of standards for older domestic passenger ships, otherwise known as ‘grandfathering’. British Marine and the PBA are working to ensure that the industry has a level and progressive safety regime whilst still allowing a thriving industry.
Other issues British Marine has worked on this last year include red diesel, IMO Tier III, standards on lifts and elevators on yachts, rescue appliances on non-SOLAS vessels, coatings, composite rig testing and dynamic quality of life on board and Brexit. To date, the Association has produced 11 key guidance documents relating to Brexit for members.