We’ve broadened the appeal of BBEx to encourage marine engineers, mobile marine craftsmen and refurbishers to spend time at BBEx before the workload soars. We’ve done this by introducing a number of seminars and ‘drop in’ sessions on highly relevant subjects such as HSE briefings for boatbuilders, an insight into how to get money for training your workforce and environment management – linked to a new Boating Business Environment Award.

BBEx breaks new ground in promoting the show
A FREE drink coupon awaits every BBEx trade visitor in the February issue of Boating Business and, on Wednesday evening, a FREE party at the BIC will witness the presentation of the BBEx Awards for outstanding achievement in the leisure marine industry.

In addition to the BBEx/MTA Scott Deverell Young Business Person of the Year, the Young Entrepreneur of the Year, Retailer of the Year and the Boating Business Lifetime Achievement Award, a BBEx/MTA Website Award, sponsored by boats.com has been inaugurated to recognise the site which has made buying online easier. Ian Atkins, MD of boats.com, will be on the judging panel.

Finally, the BBEx/MTA Environment Award, created by the BMF (Green/Blue initiative) and sponsored by English Braids, will recognise a company which is actively implementing sound management practices.

It is up to you – the marine leisure industry – to nominate entries for each of the six awards. Just email your choices to awards@bbex.co.uk – and don’t miss the party to celebrate the winners’ success…and make sure you work the crowd. Networking brings contacts and business.

Hot competition for Innovations Showcase
This year’s Innovations Showcase has seen a number of well-known companies submitting entries into what is the first port of call for many exhibition visitors who want to know what’s new in the market.

A quick survey of the Showcase on arrival can prove invaluable for a visitor planning a tour round the exhibition. Entries to date, all of which qualify for consideration for the BBEx Innovations Showcase Award, include (among many others):

C-Quip (stand 58 – 2007 BBEx Innovations Showcase winner) – heavy duty boat wash and boat wash & wax from Ecover, the first fully biodegradable boat cleaners with fully recyclable bottles and caps.

Cooney Marine (stand 71 – Innovation Award Winners in 2006) – new Series 8 Simpson Davit utilising a new gearbox drive system, giving superior control while maintaining Simpson strength and reliability.

David Lewin Consulting (stand 70) – a revolutionary lifejacket design from Secumar with buoyancy in a third dimension to turn over anyone – even encumbered by foul weather gear.

Harken UK (stand 59) – Waterproof, windproof and breathable Spraytop is lightweight and features innovative stretch fabric panels to maximise mobility. Harken has also entered the Rigtune Pro, a digital tuning gauge.

IMP (stand 68) – Titan and Vega LED spotlights can now replace halogen lights.

Jewelultra (stand S32) – Diamondbrite Marine Waterscreen leaves a non-stick coating causing water to form into droplets, which clear from all glass surfaces.  

The Leatherworker (stand S37) – Leather cladding of yachts’ helms, spreader tips, mooring lines, fender brackets, tender chocks and much more.

McMurdo (stand 84) – Fastfind MaxG, a PLB with integral GPS for global usage, including 48 hour operation from time of activation, plus MOB Guardian, which automatically raises an MOB alert if a crew member goes missing from the vessel.

Made 2 Measure Fenders (stand S35) – Boat fenders branded and personalized during the manufacturing process with logos and names to create a unique set of fenders.

Marathon Leisure (stand 24) – Multiflex Control Cables perform under extreme conditions; binder allows cable to function even after damage/loss of outer sheathing.

Seatriever International (stand 69) – Water Buoy (as seen in successful bid on Dragons’ Den) is an innovatively designed flotation device for recovering keys, tools and anything else dropped overboard. See the product. Meet the man!

Muc-Off/Berkeley & Co Ltd (stand S73) – Muc-Off Optix, a new screen cleaning pack, it’s ideal for keeping in a brief case or clipping onto a backpack for quick and safe cleaning on the move.

Southern Cross Marine (stand S20) – Multi Panel, the eco-friendly construction material, providing high density polyurethane panelling.

FREE BBEx workshops and seminars
As usual, BBEx will be hosting a series of free-to-attend seminars and workshops. Here’s a quick overview of the presentations:

Wednesday February 13
10.30 - 11.30 Successful Trading in a Challenging Market
Presented by Tim Reynolds of Dyer Burdett & Co and Nigel John of the British Marine Federation, this session covers credit given and received, financial security & consumers money. Repeated on Thursday 14 Feb 1200-1300.

12.00 - 12.30 Pinching the E-commerce Clothes
The growth in e-retailing has some surprising drivers: it’s not all about price. So what can web traders teach the traditional business about what our customers really want in terms of service, and how can retailers and service businesses steal their best ideas for a change? The fight back starts here, says Jonno Barratt, Kudos Software

14.00 - 14.45 Health & Safety Briefing for Boat Builders
Paint Spraying and GRP in Boatyards - learn the facts and be prepared for an HSE inspection campaign in 2008.
If you’re a manager, supervisor or contractor involved in paint spraying or GRP laying up, attendance at this FREE session is imperative. The briefing will be given by HSE Inspectors involved in an inspection campaign looking at health issues, fire and explosion, hand/arm vibration, noise and falls from height associated with paint spraying and GRP operations. Repeated on Thursday Feb 14, 10.30-11.15.

Thursday February 14
14.00 - 14.30 Environment Management in the Marine Industry
We’re all under pressure to be more environmentally aware. Brian Clark of the British Marine Federation covers green issues and BB is presenting the NEW Boating Business Environmental Award.

15.00 - 15.30 Train to Gain
Mandy Swadel, Brokerage Team Manager, Dorset Train to Gain
Find out how and where to get money for training your workforce.

 See the February issue of Boating Business for the BBEx catalogue and more information.