High hopes for UK marine businesses following visit from superyacht professionals

International superyacht representatives ended their three-day visit to UK marine companies [see full list of local companies at end of release] on March 8, 2007. The tour of excellence, organised by Superyacht UK, an association within the British Marine Federation, and supported by UK Trade and Investment (UKTI), involved introductions to 70 UK companies through site visits, networking events and a exhibition showcase.

The 27 delegates, made up of Captains, project managers, yards, brokers and designers, visited a number of businesses including five yards, Pendennis Shipyard, Devonport, Southampton Yacht Services, Princess Yachts and Cockwells as well as a number of equipment companies including Formula Yacht Spars, Lewmar and Oceanair.

Similar events organised over the past four years have resulted in millions of pounds of business for UK marine companies and early signs from this visit are equally as positive.

Toby Allies, International Director, British Marine Federation commented, “The Tour of Excellence is an excellent opportunity for British companies to network with potential buyers. The UK marine industry is a manufacturing success story, and the Superyacht sector is internationally recognised for high quality and innovative design and this event provides a showcase for our industry. We are confident that this visit will result in significant orders for the industry as in previous years.”

Delegate Alexander Höfling, Head of Yacht Purchasing, Lürssen Werft GmBH & Co stated, “It’s been both entertaining, efficient and a very well organised event. It has been a perfect insight in to the UK supply chain, which will be very helpful for future purchasing decisions.”

His views were supported by a second delegate Captain Mark Jasper, Anna Christina, “We have packed a great deal of useful information in a short time, I hadn’t previously thought about the UK in terms of superyacht build and it’s been ideal to gain a first hand impression of UK superyacht equipment and UK capability.”

Andrew Cahn, Chief Executive of UK Trade & Investment said: "British companies are at the cutting edge of marine leisure design and their expertise is more keenly sought than ever before. We've seen a seven to eight per cent rise in turnover year-on-year for the past 5 years. The increasing appetite for superyachts and the level of luxury that accompanies them is driving the global industry forward. With deals worth millions of pounds up for grabs, the best of British design must be showcased wherever possible. Events such as this are crucial for our designers to keep on top of this expanding and hugely competitive market."

Piers Wilson, Managing Director, Southampton Yacht Services commented “We were pleased to see that this year’s event has again attracted a good breadth of interest with strong representation from Yards, Designers, Suppliers and Agents. The tour itself offers a straight forward opportunity for UK companies to make direct contact with overseas delegates who are active in this particular sector and wish to develop links with our industry.”

Companies involved in site visits and presentations to delegates: