The two day show included the Casino Royale free evening event on the 8th with a drinks reception, sit down dinner and casino entertainment.

"We had a great evening with suppliers and customers thoroughly enjoying themselves in a more relaxed atmosphere, " said Dowland. "And we were delighted to present Largs Chandlers, the winner of the casino event, with a Wetline Air Rib dinghy worth £800."

The show offered deals on over 65 brands, across 40 different stands, with as much as 25% off the customers' pricing.

Unipart used the show to launch its new catalogue. "This represents the revitalisation of our product range over the last 18 months, " said Dowland. "Our range now offers recognised technical brands in wipers, horns, vents, battery switches, shore power, steering and engine controls, water heaters, toilets, instruments and hoses" We are so pleased with the support we have seen from our major suppliers and the external companies such as Gill, Harken, Baltic, ICOM and Evolution IS, who have realised what we are trying to achieve, added Dowland.

"It is great that we have seen our show turnover rise this year despite the tough trading conditions."

Unipart Marine will be running the event again next year. Andrew Watson, marketing manager, told BB: "Customers want to buy at this time of the year and our show order book has proved this."