"This show is important to the whole of the marine trade, " said Dowland. "Now that there is no Windsor event for 2005 this is the one opportunity that MDM and its suppliers have to get direct contact with our customers. We also want to give them an unrivalled opportunity to purchase product to start their season at never to be repeated prices."

MDM says it has looked at feedback from the 2004 event and has improved the show format to make it a two-day event, offering customers more time to take advantage of the show deals. Added benefits include supplier training seminars and business improvement services offered by Mark Dowland Marine group companies.

MDM also says there are plans to include other suppliers who may not distribute products through Mark Dowland Marine.

"This is a great opportunity for the marine trade to create a selling show which all customers want to come along to, " Dowland told BB. "We are keen to talk to other non - competing suppliers to see how we can include them. Initial approaches have been promising."

Dowland added that customers ordering stock at the show can have the product delivered in time for Easter.

"This will ensure that they are set to run for the major selling season, which is earlier in 2005 than 2004."