Yet a group of 73 companies that Plimsoll calls "market raiders" captured 4% of the market and grew by a staggering 42% on average - a growth five times the industry average.

Given the aggressive nature of these raiders, Plimsoll says many companies are set to suffer next year.

Named and analysed in the new 1st Edition 2003 analysis are over a third of the industry that are set to be hit the hardest. These 83 companies are falling behind dropping almost 19% of sales over the last 12 months. Plimsoll believes these companies are in danger of withering away.

Another group Plimsoll believes the raiders will target are the 73 companies struggling to hold on to existing sales.

"These companies are effectively standing still and it's almost as if they are missing an opportunity. The raiders are proving there is a buoyant market out there for those who know where to look, " says David Pattison, senior analyst at Plimsoll.

The industry is changing and those companies that are giving the customer what they want are reaping the rewards, said Pattison. Companies will wither away unless they can increase sales, a consequence of ever-increasing costs.

"I believe the raiders will not rest until they have captured more of the market from their competitors in 2003, " says Pattison.

The 1st Edition 2003 Marine Equipment analysis of 535 is available from Plimsoll Publishing on 01642 626400, www.plimsoll.co.uk.Readers can claim a 5% discount off the £305 report if mentioning this article when ordering.