Embracing the future: stronger together
British Marine CEO, Lesley Robinson explains why it’s more important than ever before to make full use of the advantages that member benefits can bring to your business…
The leisure marine industry is entering a period of change, thanks to significant advances in technology and the associated sustainability regulations. For British Marine members, the ability to access a comprehensive offering of member benefits presents a vital advantage, with our team of experts on hand to help businesses of all sizes navigate an exciting new era.
The range of services available to all British Marine members is as extensive as our industry is diverse; from access to exclusive industry research and guidance on regulatory updates, to marketing, legal and technical support, trading opportunities at boat shows, and of course, plentiful networking events to facilitate connections and business growth. Our teams work directly with member businesses to consistently deliver exceptional service, providing the highest level of expertise to help drive demand for products and services.
What’s more, as an industry body, we are able to voice the concerns of all and advocate for our members, positively influencing policy and regulation, with our British Marine Council (representing our members) in place to identify issues for escalation and disseminate key information. This enables us to be that essential step ahead when acting on behalf of our members and in providing advice.
At times, work on behalf of our members takes place unseen, yet goes on to have direct impact. As just one of many examples, our public affairs team has recently worked hard alongside British Marine Scotland and other stakeholders in order to achieve exemption for berths and moorings from the Scottish Government’s Visitor Levy, introduced in May 2023. Our members have avoided undue financial pressure as a result, and it has reinforced the attractiveness of Scotland as a boating destination.
Elsewhere, following an ongoing campaign by our public affairs team, the Environment Agency is now reviewing their decision to permanently close Sunbury Dry Docks. The decision had been at the detriment of our passenger boat members operating on the Upper Thames on whose behalf we will continue to lobby for the decision to be reversed.
In representing members’ collective concerns to our new government, British Marine published a comprehensive report entitled Industry Priorities 2024-29. Issues outlined include the need for greater support around decarbonisation as members transition to Net Zero, and for investment in e-propulsion and sustainable fuel infrastructure. It highlighted the need for legislative and regulatory reform so our industry can rise to the challenge of improving our own sustainability in order to safeguard our marine environment.
It also addresses the skills shortage and the need to train the workforce of the future; not just for now, but ten years’ time. Our insights show that the skills required then will be very different as a result of the imminent technological changes, so we need to ensure a future-proofed skills base is in place.
There is also an ongoing need to support SMEs competing in new and emerging markets; of our £4.4bn revenue generated annually as an industry, a significant proportion of that is export sales, and it’s crucial we help bolster companies in that task.
In all these issues and more, members can be assured of support from our expert public affairs, marketing and communications, technical and membership teams to curate advice, advocate on policies, and assist with communication and marketing.
Navigating significant change also necessitates a greater need for networking in order for businesses to collaborate together and evolve, and to assist with professional development. For any business, opportunities to develop new relationships are essential; as an industry body, British Marine leads the way in coordinating carefully brought-together events exclusively for members.
With the aim of broadening our membership base further, British Marine has recently launched a new Loyalty Scheme to a very positive reception. In advocating for British Marine and recruiting new businesses to the membership, existing members can now earn reward credits which can be redeemed against the cost of training, exhibiting and even membership, up to a value of £1500. If you know of a business that would benefit from being part of the British Marine network, there are plenty of reasons to encourage them to join. See Member Loyalty Scheme for details.
It's a particularly great time to welcome new members, as our flagship event for trade and networking lies just around the corner. The Southampton International Boat Show takes place 13-22 September offering a full line-up of events and product launches.
Ranked among the top-ten boat shows globally, Southampton International Boat Show offers a fantastically diverse showcase of the British leisure marine industry, drawing 100,000+ visitors over its 10 days to over 600 exhibitors ranging from luxury marina companies to affordable paddleboard retailers. With a predominantly AB demographic and 65 per cent of visitors indicating an intent to buy, there is a huge potential for exhibitors to engage with customers – both new and existing.
If you are exhibiting at this year’s show, we would encourage you to take advantage of our special guest ticket offers to invite customers to the show; find out more by accessing the Special Guest Portal. Make sure you update your exhibitor page on southamptonboatshow.com – this really does help create additional interest in your products and services and please sign up to our WhatsApp group for the very latest exhibitor info both leading up to and during the show.
For me, the show gives me an incredible opportunity to speak with exhibitors and visitors alike and to gather feedback and ideas. It’s hugely rewarding to see visitors and exhibitors take up the opportunities the show offers, enjoying everything from sponsorship activations to B2B networking, and of course perhaps their very first taste of boating – look out for the Watersports Lake with free activities run by Rockley Watersports; following last year’s success it’s back and 30 per cent bigger.
Together with our unique show experiences such as The Shipyard music stage where you’ll find a festival vibe (and enjoy late night opening each Saturday) - and the Quayside Club VIP area with award winning chef, this year’s show promises to attract plenty of visitors. We may also have some special appearances from the ever-popular Below Deck crew – who are sure to be a hit.
With your support, it should, once again, be a fantastic show. So look out for your three FREE boat show tickets which will be issued by 31 July and please drop by our Member’s Lounge, offering great WiFi, free copies of Marine Industry News, plus free tea and coffee. It’s a great location to relax, hold a meeting or chat to members of the British Marine Team.