The reception was, essentially, to promote both organisations and the industry to government - remind them who are the movers and shakers in UK Plc and to thank those of all parties who help this industry out and support us, such as with the Red Diesel campaign.

It’s a pressing the flesh exercise that makes the industry’s lobbying work easier when it’s needed.

The event was sponsored by Des Turner MP and saw such luminaries as the Minister of State for Industry and the Regions, Margaret Hodge in attendance. She was joined by, among others, Labour MPs Nick Ainger and Tony Lloyd, plus Conservatives Peter Bottomley, Philip Hammond, Richard Ottaway and Anne McIntosh and Lib Dem MPs Alistair Carmichael and Don Foster.

The Guest of Honour was Sir Keith Mills, deputy chairman of London 2012, who is leading a Great Britain America's Cup team. Sir Keith gave a speech which highlighted both the success of the leisure marine industry and the numerous examples of sporting achievement on the water which have laid the foundation for further success when London hosts the Olympic Games in 2012.

Rob Stevens, chief executive of the BMF pointed out the leisure marine in the UK is a ‘manufacturing success story’ that has grown at a notable rate year-on-year. He was also keen to point out that the industry is not without its threats, and hence the continued support of parliamentarians will be crucial in maintaining industry growth and take-up of water based sports.