With nine companies joining in recent months, the South West region of the British Marine Federation (BMF) has been marked by a rise in new member applications. The new members cover a wide range of services as well as products relating to the marine industry, from traditional wooden boat construction to professional services.
Will Blagdon, Chairman of the BMF South West, says the companies have all seen a variety of benefits in joining the BMF depending on their particular business needs. “We are delighted that the BMF SW is increasing its membership and its profile as an active region, helping all types of marine related companies to increase their sales, performance and visibility through the support and guidance available from the BMF,” he said.
The new member companies are spread across the region, which covers the whole of the southwest from Lands End to Gloucestershire and includes the Channel Islands. They include Guernsey based Arun Marine, a marine engineering company which offers complete boat care and repair services; Exmouth Marina, a full service marina with new boat sales, brokerage, boat repair, retail and chandlery; Stirling and Son, a traditional wooden boat builder which also designs and builds specialist historical accurate replicas of expedition boats; and Truro Boat Services, a newly formed company providing servicing and repairs to inboard and outboard engines, as well as boat care for absent owners.
Mark Holt Ltd are chartered accountants and business advisors, and Somerset-based Clearvac International is a company that specialises in the maintenance and descaling of vacuum toilet systems and marine waste water installations in the cruise ship, offshore and superyacht sectors. Everbuild, the UK’s largest independent sealant and adhesive manufacturer has joined the BMF as it launches Aquaseal, a new marine quality product range. Ribstore, based in Somerset, is a supplier of boat repair kits, spare parts and accessories for RIBs and inflatable boats.
The South West is one of the largest regions in the marine sector accounting for over 30% of the £2.9 billion UK turnover. The region is the largest employer in the marine sector providing nearly 10,000 jobs across the region. The BMF South West’s mission is to be the ‘champion’ for its marine leisure and small commercial industry companies, assisting them to improve their businesses and improving communications at all levels.
The BMF South West has four Board Meetings per annum, to which all members are invited to attend, and holds an AGM and annual conference. Each year, the region organises in conjunction with South Devon Marine an ‘On the Water’ event where members of the public are encouraged to get afloat. BMF members from the region are encouraged to attend, exhibit and participate in this free event designed to increase participation, sales and networking.
