LBS: industry comments

09 Mar 2007

A selection of comments from current exhibitors at the London Boat Show at ExCeL London and BMF members. 

Scarborough Council accused of ‘grabbing grants’

13 Mar 2007

According to a report in Whitby Today, five organisations involved in the furore over the council’s handling of plans for Whitby harbour have asked the local MP to step in.

Volvo Penta puts out record figures

13 Mar 2007

The Volvo Group has released its annual report for 2006 with a 7% increase in net sales to SEK 248 billion for the financial year.

Radical keel offers speed and handling

19 Mar 2007

A radical keel design that promises speed and seaworthiness has been patented by Cambridge-based Howes-Macnaghten Technology (HMT).  

Musto calls in NM Rothschild to advise on next stage of growth

19 Mar 2007

Musto has appointed bankers NM Rothschild to carry out a strategic review of the firm. 

Mercator Media adds two new titles

21 Mar 2007

Mercator Media, parent company of Boating Business, has added two new titles to its portfolio of B2B publications with the purchase of Motor Ship and World Fishing. The company's magazines now span the entire marine world. 

Final verdict on sub contractor deaths

27 Mar 2007

British Waterways (BW) has pleaded guilty to a charge under the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 (S.3) after the tragic deaths of two sub-contractors working for BW alongside the Kennet & Avon Canal in December 2004.  

Scottish council approves £175m facelift

27 Mar 2007

Falkirk Council Ministers have agreed to invest £175 million in a marina and hotel project along the Bo'ness waterfront, says a BBC story. 

Brown to add red diesel duty from November 2008

27 Mar 2007

According to the chancellor’s budget statement last week, duty on fuel used for private pleasure boating or private pleasure flying will, from November 1, 2008, ‘no longer benefit from the reduced and exempt rates of duty currently in effect’.  

Sail Ventures to larger premises

01 Apr 2007

Sail Ventures Ltd, which has pioneered new yacht building techniques at its East Cowes yard, has moved to larger premises at Medina Yard Cowes, writes Iain Sutherland. 

£1m Marine Industries Skills Centre

01 Apr 2007

Companies in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight are set to benefit from state of-the-art facilities at a new 13,000 sq ft (1200 sq m) Marine Industries Skills Centre, writes Iain Sutherland.  

Formula wins Exporter of the Year

01 Apr 2007

Lymington based Formula Yacht Spars, one of the largest producers of performance carbon and aluminium yacht spars, was awarded the prestigious South East Exporter of the Year award at the recent UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) awards, writes Iain Sutherland.  

Coastal & Marine National Park

01 Apr 2007

Discussion and controversy is hotting up in the run up to a government decision about Scotland's first Coastal & Marine National Park (C&MNP), writes Mike Balmforth. 

Largs invests in the future

01 Apr 2007

Two new marina access bridges have been opened by staff member Ross Hepburn who, as newly appointed haven master, will be responsible for day to day operations in the marina and boatyard, writes Mike Balmforth.>  

New boss at sportscotland centre

01 Apr 2007

John Kent has been appointed as new principal of the National Centre Cumbrae in addition to his position as principal at Inverclyde National Centre, which he has held for the past 13 years, writes Mike Balmforth. 

Personal Watercraft (PWC) seminar

01 Apr 2007

25,000 OnBoard beginner lessons

01 Apr 2007

In the two years since the RYA/BMF OnBoard initiative was launched, there have been 25,000 beginner sailing sessions for young people in 56 signed-up clubs, says the RYA. 

Marinas bring tourist boom

01 Apr 2007

The Sutton Harbour Group is reporting a boom in the number of people visiting Plymouth following a major expansion of marina facilities at Sutton Harbour, writes Katina Read.  

Boat hire takes off on the Fal

01 Apr 2007

Two boat hire companies have been asked to become new partners in King Harry’s Cornwall, writes Katina Read.  

Nonstop spends £320k

01 Apr 2007

Dartmouth based Nonstop Sail has invested in two new Dehler 39s, writes Katina Read.  

Ceasar appoints Welsh dealer

01 Apr 2007

UK RIB specialist Ceasar Marine has appointed Swansea based Young's Boat Yard as its new Welsh dealer to handle sales and aftercare on the south coast of Wales.  

Plymouth shortlisted

01 Apr 2007

Ferry worker denies Ouzo charges

01 Apr 2007

A ferry officer denied killing three sailors found dead after their yacht disappeared. 

Midland Marine Alliance kicks off

01 Apr 2007

The Midland Marine Alliance was launched late in February at the Rolls-Royce Learning and Career Development Centre in Derby to a packed audience of 155 delegates. 

Minister ‘defended canal cuts’

01 Apr 2007

A government minister has been accused of ‘churning out the same old message’ after MPs attacked cuts to funding for the region's canals. 

NBS due to reveal LBS plans this month

01 Apr 2007

Early last month Andy Williams, managing director of National Boat Shows (NBS) wrote to all London Boat Show exhibitors to assure them Egham is taking the ECBS seriously and has plans to counter the threat. 

BMF and RYA hold parliamentary reception

01 Apr 2007

The British Marine Federation (BMF) and Royal Yachting Association (RYA), hosted a joint reception in the House of Commons last month.   

Liverpool Boat Show on hold

01 Apr 2007

National Boat Shows (NBS) says plans for a new Liverpool Boat Show in 2008 have been put on hold following the unavailability of a suitable site.  

Poole Afloat set for its third year

01 Apr 2007

Claimed to be the south coast’s biggest-ever free boating and watersports event, Poole Afloat will run for its third consecutive year in June. 

Abn Amro Capital acquires Vetus Den Ouden

01 Apr 2007

South Wales show passes 100 exhibitors

01 Apr 2007

This year’s South Wales Boat Show has passed the 100 exhibitor mark and estimates to have around 250-300 craft at the show.

Businessman jailed for yacht death

01 Apr 2007

Princess props probe

01 Apr 2007

Police are searching for thieves who stole 12 propellers worth around £25,000 from Princess Yachts in Newport Place, Plymouth, last month.  

Moody sold to HanseYachts

01 Apr 2007

Premier Marinas has sold the Moody brand to Hanse Yachts for an undisclosed sum.   

Bénéteau up 18.4%

01 Apr 2007

Groupe Bénéteau’s first six months of its year saw sales increase by 18.4% to €377.8 million over to the same period last year.  

BMF refutes RCD invalidation

01 Apr 2007

The British Marine Federation (BMF) has moved swiftly to quell fears the retro-fit accessories industry could be driven out of business. 

43 boats challenge for Lewmar Trophy

01 Apr 2007

A fleet of 43 boats – nine of them first time entries - will challenge for the Lewmar Trophy in this year’s Marine Industry Regatta, being run out of Port Solent on Wednesday April 25.