Originally founded in 1913 as the Boat and Yacht Builders’ and Proprietors and Allied Trades Protection Association (BYPATPA), the British Marine Federation (BMF) is celebrating 100 years supporting the marine industry this year.
The aims of BYPATPA included promotion and protection of its members and the promotion or opposing of legislation which today still sits within the heart of the BMF’s mission along with delivering high quality services, benefits and commercial activities.
Ten decades has seen the BMF work diligently to support the marine industry from making amends to Parliamentary bills, building relationships with the Admiralty and Ministry of Shipping to developing national apprenticeship schemes. Devising legal contracts to improve boatbuilding trade standards, purchasing boat shows and creating campaigns for foot and mouth and red diesel are also within the timeline of BMF notable events.
While the BMF looks back on 100 years that it has supported, provided and built foundations for the marine industry it couldn’t have done this without its members. Today the Federation has over 1500 members, some of the BMF’s longest standing members include W Bates & Son, Berthon Boat Company, George Wilson & Sons, Birdham Pool, Marina Developments Ltd, W Trout, Frank Halls, Salters Steamers, Premier Marinas, Camper & Nicholsons Marinas, AM Dickies & Sons, Staniland Marine, Walter Hammerton, Norman Pearn & Company, EC Landamore and Kris Cruisers.
Along with a year of commemoration for the BMF centenary many members are also celebrating milestone anniversaries. The BMF region and group association APCO (Association of Pleasure Craft Operators) celebrates 60 years in 2013 along with Cooney Marine in its 45th year in business and Trend Marine and Carswell Gould respectively celebrate their 40th and 20th anniversaries. New BMF member, Bournemouth & Poole College opens the doors on the Lansdowne Campus in its 100th year.
Commenting on the year of celebrations, Howard Pridding, BMF CEO said:”There have been many milestones for the marine industry over the last hundred years that have been aided by the BMF and that have helped shape the industry we see today. I have been with the BMF for 20 years and have a great passion for the industry and the organisation, so it is an honour for me to be Chief Executive at this time to celebrate the BMF’s centenary and to follow the work of the previous CEO’s. Not only is it a time to look on the 100 years past but also to look forward and how we can progress our work for our members and the leisure marine industry.”
Today, over 1500 members from the leisure, superyacht and small commercial marine industry are represented by the BMF, the trade association, which will continue its aims and objectives and looks to the next 100 years.
