BMF Commercial Marine to launch at Seawork

The British Marine Federation (BMF) has shown its commitment to the small craft commercial sector at a well attended meeting to discuss the needs of companies operating in the sector.

This was followed by an EGM of the British Commercial Boatbuilders Association (BCBA) where the name of the association was changed to BMF Commercial Marine, providing a vehicle within the Federation to take the initiative forward.

BMF Commercial Marine will be focused on working with the small craft commercial sector, workboat builders and their supply chain of marine equipment companies and service suppliers. The BMF is looking to provide support through technical advice, stronger representation and a national programme of networking opportunities.

Howard Pridding, BMF executive director, believes the BMF is well placed to help commercial marine companies. "The BMF has undertaken research by talking to leading companies in the commercial workboat sector and we feel that given the skills, knowledge, experience and contacts that are on hand at the BMF we are in a position to bring real value to the members", he said.

Alan Goodchild of Goodchild Marine Services Limited said of the new BMF Commercial Marine, "The introduction of BMF Commercial Marine is a very positive step forward. Raising the profile of the commercial sector and embracing issues faced by commercial workboat builders is going to be a benefit to all the members. A united force speaking with one voice and sharing best practice is exactly what is needed and what is going to come about with BMF Commercial Marine."

Several attendees to the meeting felt encouraged by this new move from the BMF. Captain John Percival, chief executive of Hoylake Sailing School Ltd said, "The introduction of the new BMF Commercial Marine sector group is an excellent move forward. Likening it to the creation of Superyacht UK and how the BMF developed the sector, is encouraging as it improved business and trade in the UK and members benefitted greatly."

Confirming the optimistic feeling, Peter Edwards, chief executive of A.S.A.P Supplies Ltd added, "This is a much needed initiative and a brilliant concept for the industry. The BMF has access to a huge amount of information and experience and this is going to provide long term value."

The next steps are for a working group to determine brand, name and scope of the association going forward to launch at Seawork International in June. The BMF will be managing the 'UKTI Meet the Buyer' event at Seawork on behalf of UK Trade & Investment.

For further information on BMF Commercial Marine contact Chris Grosscurth cgrosscurth@britishmarine.co.uk