19 September 2024
The Association of Brokers and Yacht Agents (ABYA) and the British Marine Boat Retailers and Brokers Association (BRBA) are proud to announce a new strategic alliance. The announcement was made during the yacht brokers and surveyors networking event during Southampton International Boat Show, held at TheYachtmarket.com Sparkling Wine Bar, marking a significant milestone for the marine industry.
The formal announcement was made by Alastair Walton, chair of BRBA, and Peter Norris, chair of the ABYA Regulatory Committee in front of an enthusiastic audience of industry professionals.
This new partnership builds on the existing collaboration between the two associations, aiming to further support the brokerage industry and their customers. It is a natural progression of the successful cooperation between the BRBA, an association of British Marine (BM), and the Association of Brokers and Yacht Agents (ABYA). Together, they have already delivered two highly successful Practical Yacht Broker Courses, with more scheduled for November 2024 and March 2025.
Alastair Walton, chair of BRBA, commented on the significance of the alliance: "Our collaboration over the past year has shown the immense potential we have when we work together. By more formally aligning our efforts, we can drive forward the standards of the brokerage industry whilst providing greater value and support to our members. This partnership not only cements our existing relationship but also paves the way for innovative initiatives that will benefit the entire industry."
Members of both associations can look forward to immediate and short-term benefits from the new partnership. One of the initial focuses will be to establish relationships with key members of the new government in HM Treasury; to provide a clear understanding of the ongoing issues facing brokers. This will be backed up by reviewing opportunities to look at sharing resources around issues such as Know Your Client (KYC) protocols.
Medium-term objectives include joint lobbying efforts, particularly concerning pooled client accounts, a standardised approach to evidencing VAT payments, and the creation of a joint industry marketing plan. The partnership also aims to establish a certified pathway for broker training, ensuring that the highest standards are met across the industry.
Peter Norris, chair of ABYA’S Regulatory Committee, expressed his enthusiasm for the future: "This alliance is a significant step forward in our mission to uphold and enhance the professional standards within our industry. By working together, ABYA and BRBA can leverage our combined expertise and resources to tackle the challenges facing the marine industry and ensure cost efficiencies for both organisations. Our members will benefit from a more unified and robust framework, which will ultimately lead to better services for our clients."
ABYA and BRBA are committed to working together to achieve their shared goals, providing their members with the tools and support needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving industry. This strategic alliance represents a bold step forward in ensuring that the marine brokerage industry remains at the forefront of professionalism and innovation.
For more information about the BRBA visit www.theBRBA.com
For more information about ABYA visit https://abya.co.uk/
About Southampton International Boat Show
The Southampton International Boat Show is the UK's largest boating and water sports festival, celebrating everything boating. Alongside hundreds of exhibitors and incredible boats and watercraft of all shapes and sizes, the show offers a unique blend of family entertainment, retail opportunities, and live music, making it an unmissable event in the marine calendar.
Get your ticket
Tickets for the Boat Show can be purchased online at www.southamptonboatshow.com/visitor-information/tickets/
You can also make a donation to this year’s show charity when purchasing your tickets. This year we are delighted to be working with the Southampton Hospitals Charity and their Light the South art trail to raise funds for Southampton Children's Hospital, one of the top children's hospitals in the UK. Your donation will help transform the facilities and hospital experience for young patients, deliver vital support for families and continue life-changing research to keep your children's hospital truly world class.
Want to make your visit extra special? Treat yourself with our Quayside Club package – https://www.southamptonboatshow.com/vip/
The show is open from 10am – 6pm daily except on the final Sunday when the show will close at 5pm. The Shipyard will remain open until 9pm on both Saturday 14 and Saturday 21 September.
Visit the website www.southamptonboatshow.com or follow our social channels for all the latest show updates.