British Marine, the membership organisation leading the UK leisure, superyacht, and small commercial marine industry, today released its annual economic report titled "The Economic Benefits of the Leisure, Superyacht & Small Commercial Marine Industry, 2022-23."

Building upon its annual KPI reports from previous years, this new report offers an insightful overview of the industry's significant contribution to the UK economy. It provides detailed analysis and statistics on industry turnover, Gross Value Added (GVA), employment figures, and the balance of trade concerning imports and exports.

It also presents Government statistics covering a range of other economic metrics relating to the financial performance of the UK economy and marine industry, as well as sentiment data derived from national and marine industry business and consumer surveys, monitoring quarterly sales performance, business outlook and business trading conditions.

Welcomed by the UK Government, with Lord Davies of Gower, Minister for Maritime, International & Security, stating in his foreword that this "report offers a fascinating insight into the breadth and depth of the UK’s marine industry" and “highlights the important contribution of the marine industry to our wider economy.”

Despite the current global economic challenges, the report's statistics for 2022/23 illustrate how the marine industry has demonstrated its adaptability and resilience.

Lord Davies of Gower, the UK Minister for Maritime, International & Security

The report highlights a 12.5% growth in industry revenue, reaching an estimated £4.41 billion for the 2022-23 period. This growth has been partly fuelled by inflation, with prices rising approximately 4.7% above the average inflation levels. Moreover, the industry's direct Gross Value Added (GVA) contribution to the UK's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) saw a 6.7% increase to £1.68 billion. The industry’s direct workforce has also grown, with the number of full-time equivalent jobs having risen during 2022-23 by 6.6% to 38,336. That figure dramatically increases to an estimated 753,838 FTE jobs when taking account of the wider indirect economic contribution the marine industry has had on other sectors, such as on hospitality services. This, combined with its increased GVA, underscores the sector’s vital contribution to the national economy.

The UK marine industry has also made a notable impact on the international stage, with a 33.2% increase in exports, amounting to £937 million. This success is attributed to the global demand for UK-made boats, including sailing yachts, rigid inflatables, and luxury motor yachts, showcasing the UK's leading position in marine manufacturing and innovation.

The report also sheds light on the positive trends in domestic demand which remained strong in 2022, with imports almost doubling in size over the year, growing 90.7% on 2021. It also highlights a surge in early career training, with Government statistics showing that apprenticeship starts have grown 23.3% (to 5,080), with 760 apprentices graduating in 2022-23, treble the number in 2021-22, signalling a positive outlook for its future growth and sustainability.

Lesley Robinson, CEO of British Marine, commented on the report's findings, stating, "This report underscores the resilience and dynamic nature of the UK's marine industry amidst the challenging economic conditions of 2022-23. Our members have demonstrated remarkable adaptability, capitalising on both domestic and international opportunities to drive growth. The report not only highlights the economic significance of our industry but also reflects the collective efforts and dedication of British Marine members. "

Key Points from the report:

• Resilient Growth: The industry has maintained growth amidst high inflation and declining consumer sentiment.
• Economic Impact: The combined economic contribution of the marine industry estimated at £17.38 billion reflects its broad impact on the UK economy.
• Global Demand: Strong export performance, particularly in sailing yachts, rigid inflatables, and luxury motor yachts.
• Domestic Demand: Significant growth in imports driven by robust local demand for various boat types.
• Workforce Development: Growth in full-time equivalent jobs and a surge in apprenticeship starts, emphasising the industry’s role in supporting employment and skills development.
• Rise of the ‘Staycation’: Britons looked to domestic recreation as an antidote to cost of living challenges, seeing tourism grow year-on-year, with coastal charter and passenger boat excursions seeing greatest growth.

Lesley concluded by saying: "While our 2022-23 economic report shines a light on the significant achievements of the UK marine industry, it also brings into focus the ongoing challenges we face amidst the evolving economic landscape. Growth in industry revenue and a substantial increase in exports, are tempered by the high inflation rates and shifting consumer sentiment. Our industry's resilience and innovative capacity have been pivotal, yet the backdrop of a global slowdown and the need for continued adaptability remain clear. The surge in domestic demand and the remarkable increase in apprenticeships signal a vibrant future, yet they also underscore the necessity of addressing the skills gap and fostering sustainable growth amidst uncertainties.

“As we look to the future, British Marine remains committed to supporting and advocating for our members and the wider industry, ensuring the continued success and contribution to the UK economy. Our journey forward is one of cautious optimism, as we work together to harness opportunities while remaining mindful of the hurdles that we may face in the future.”

For the first time, the boating industry in Europe has launched a roadmap (downloadable below as a pdf) for solving the roadblocks to end-of-life boat recycling. Based on a three-year process involving all public and private stakeholders, it sets ambitious targets for the period until 2030. The boating industry also commits to phasing out unsustainable recycling practices.

The “Roadmap on the implementation of the circular economy for end-of-life boats” is launched by European Boating Industry (EBI) today. It sets the stage to comprehensively solve the issue of end-of-life boats, a key challenge for the industry. Public and private stakeholders, including national authorities, industry, consumers/boaters, academia, and related industries, developed a comprehensive approach. It follows the successful dismantling and recycling schemes already set up in many European countries.

There are estimated to be over 6.5 million boats in European waters, mostly smaller than 7.5 meters. They have a lifetime of up to 50 years or more. The number of boats reaching their end-of-life until 2030 is now projected at more than 30,000 boats per year in the EU. This would result on average of over 23,1000 tons of end-of-life composite waste per year. Recreational and commercial marine make about 2-3% of the total composite use in Europe.

The industry, represented by EBI, commits to phasing out landfilling and energy recovery by 2030. It will expand the use of more sustainable recycling solutions in coordination with other composite-use industries, such as wind energy. The Roadmap places the boating industry on a pathway to achieving the goals of the European Green Deal and moving towards the circular economy.

Moreover, it provides recommendations to be implemented, including on financing, dismantling, transport, recycling, research and innovation. The Roadmap will be executed by political and private sector actors and be driven forward by a new EU Network on end-of-life boats. Several countries have also indicated their interest in using the Roadmap as a blueprint to develop a comprehensive approach on end-of-life boats.

Philip Easthill, Secretary-General of European Boating Industry added “We are convinced that the Roadmap, once implemented by all actors, has the potential to lead the transformation towards a circular boating industry and comprehensively deal with the issue of end-of-life recreational boats. We are moving from talk to action and aim to resolve the main roadblocks by the end of the decade. It will also help us to strengthen the cross-industry approach where we are already working with the industries of composite, wind energy, cement, and other key sectors.”

Following the successful cooperation on VAT and customs, the leading European, British, and international leisure marine associations continue to provide clarity on the new post-Brexit trade relationships.

The International Council of Marine Industry Associations (ICOMIA), European Boating Industry (EBI), European Boating Association (EBA), British Marine (BM) and the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) now issue a clarification on certification requirements for second-hand boats in trade between the EU and UK post-Brexit.

In dialogue with the EU and UK authorities, the key questions were raised, and clarification received. EBI has been liaising with the European Commission and BM has taken the lead with the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS). The scenarios have been confirmed by BEIS and are understood to be correct based on guidance by the European Commission.

Below are the scenarios for second-hand boats that are covered by the EU’s Recreational Craft Directive and the UK’s Recreational Craft Regulations. In cases where recertification would be required, a Post-Construction Assessment (PCA) will have to be completed. This applies from the end of the transition period (TP) on 1 January 2021.

Second-hand boat scenarios covered by the EU’s Recreational Craft Directive & UK’s Recreational Craft Regulations

Further clarifications are being sought from BEIS and the European Commission related to trade with Northern Ireland.

Commenting, Philip Easthill, Secretary General of EBI, says: “We are delighted to continue the positive cooperation on another important issue for industry and boaters. We hope that despite the additional barriers for second-hand boats, the clarification on VAT and now certification will facilitate trade as much as possible. Together with our partners, we will continue to work on mitigating the impact of Brexit through our advocacy channels at EU level.”

Lesley Robinson, CEO of British Marine, adds: “I am pleased that this collaborative approach between marine industry associations and governments has proved effective in receiving timely responses for our members. Whilst the agreed guidance approved by both BEIS and the EU Commission offers boat builders, brokers and consumers the clarity and reassurance required to proceed with trade, they still face impacts in terms of both time and cost when selling and buying second-hand boats cross borders. On behalf of our members, British Marine will now look to work with UK government at the reduction or removal of these new burdens.”

Patrick Hemp, Technical Consultant of ICOMIA, added: “We are aware that the obligation to recertify CE-marked second-hand boats, which were in Great Britain at the end of the transition period and then subsequently imported into the European Union, will come as a surprise to many within our sector but we hope that the continued collaboration between the marine industry associations provides further clarity on the different requirements within the new trade relationship.”

New figures released today by British Marine (the trade association for the leisure, superyacht and small commercial UK marine industry) reveal how the marine sector’s export growth has outperformed the national average since the previous year. The sector’s export growth has outpaced the national average, hitting the £1.5bn mark in 2018/19. The Key Performance Indicators for the Leisure, Superyacht & Small Commercial Marine Industry report shows that new and used boat sales now account for 78% of the industry’s exports, while exports to Europe account for 74% of the total and now stand at a value of more than £1bn.

The new data also reveals an optimistic industry outlook across the sector as a whole. In the previous year:

• The UK’s 5,800 marine businesses directly contributed £1.4bn gross value added (GVA) to the country’s economy, an increase of 17% from 2017/18
• Total revenue climbed to nearly £4bn, an increase of 10%
• Boat and equipment manufacturing experienced the highest levels of growth at 15%

Commenting on the new figures, Lesley Robinson (CEO of British Marine) stated: “We are delighted to see the marine industry continuing to prosper – providing a significant number of jobs to the UK economy. In particular, it is encouraging to see the growth of the boat manufacturing sector, which now accounts for one in four jobs in the entire sector.”

"The industry’s revenue has hit £4bn in 2018/19, a 10% increase on the previous year"

While the overall outlook is positive the new data also highlights the challenging environment that some parts of the sector face due to political uncertainty. The boating tourism sector, in particular, has experienced challenging conditions due to a dip in domestic consumer confidence caused by greater political uncertainty, specifically Brexit.

Despite these challenging conditions, the new figures show how the sector enjoyed employment growth of 7% and now supports 38,700 jobs, almost seven times the national average employment growth in the same period. However, concerns around staffing and a skills shortage continue to persist. British Marine is seeking to address this through its National Agenda strategy, which helps members to develop the skills of their existing workforces and bring in new employees by showcasing all that a career in the marine sector has to offer.[3]

Adding its comments to the report, Sean Roberston, Sales Director for Sunseeker International said: “Sunseeker is committed to investing £60m across 4 years in New Product Development, facilities, people and innovation. Britain has the talent, engineering excellence, creativity and passion to lead our industry across all the sectors we operate in”.

In light of these specific findings, Lesley Robinson added: “Recent years have seen increased domestic uncertainty around the UK’s future relationship with the EU, meaning consumer outlook has fluctuated and domestic business sentiment remains flat. Now that we have some political clarity on the year ahead we hope consumer sentiment improves and marine businesses have the greater certainty they need to invest and plan ahead. Overall this new report is very encouraging and is a reminder of the UK’s role as a hub of expertise and employment for the marine industry globally.”

Some of the UK’s best leisure marine businesses and achievers were last night (26 March 2019) celebrated at the British Marine Trades Association Awards 2019.

Following a hugely successful first day at the inaugural British Marine Expo, in association with HPi Verification Services, members and industry peers gathered together at the Association’s annual gala dinner, hosted at St. Mary’s Stadium in Southampton, to see this year’s winners presented with the prestigious awards.

Four British Marine Trades Association Awards were up for grabs, with industry publication, Boating Business, presenting another four on the night. The winners included:

• British Marine Trades Association Business of the Year: Superyacht Tenders and Toys, chosen for its outstanding performance as marker leaders
• British Marine Trades Association Personality of the Year: Richard Roberts
• British Marine Trades Association Chairman’s Special Award: David Pougher for his dedication to the industry along with his commitment to go above and beyond when needed most is second to none
• David Coleman Excellence in Exporting Award: Osprey Technical Consulting Ltd
• Boating Business Awards:
• Environment Award: Emma and Scott from SLEEK Clean Care
• Scott Deverell Young Businessperson of the Year Award: Oscar and Lauren from TeamO
• Woman of the Year Award: Dawn Ramsay from Navico
• Lifetime Achievement Award: Kevin Cooney from Cooney Marine

Paul Martin, Chair of British Marine Trades Association Chairman, stated: “This was another hugely successful British Marine Trades Association Awards Dinner. We are delighted to once again be able to recognise the array of talent which is crucial to supporting the continued growth of the UK’s £3.17bn marine industry. Congratulations to all our very worthy winners!”

A Marine Engineering Traineeship was launched this month with the overall aims of attracting new employees into the marine industry and providing them with the basic skills to allow them to work effectively from the start of their employment. 

The training programme has been developed by a steering group of boat building and maintenance employers (Brian O’Sullivan - Marine, Tralee; Ger Sullivan - Bere Island Boatyard; and Murphy - Murphy Marine Services, Valentia); in conjunction with Kerry ETB as partner.

The programme will also help to address any skills gaps that existing employers within the industry are experiencing.

The Marine Engineering Traineeship is the first of its kind in Ireland, dedicated solely to the requirements of the Marine Industry, with focus on the skills needed for the service and maintenance of commercial fishing vessels. At the marine industry employs several thousand persons in Ireland with over two hundred employers providing maintenance and repair services. The majority of employers are located in rural areas, and the traineeship will provide support in providing highly skilled prospective employees.

The traineeship will be run as a pilot programme starting in September 2019. Chairperson of the development group, Brian O’Sullivan ( Marine, Tralee) highlighted “This traineeship presents a great opportunity for the industry to engage with a dedicated skills development programme, which will enhance the industry as a whole in future years. The pilot programme will be fully reviewed after the first running, and the traineeship will evolve as we identify other elements which are important to employers.”The traineeship will run for a total of 32 weeks, including 9 weeks of work placement with a suitable employer. Christy Enright, who is coordinating the programme on behalf of Kerry ETB, highlighted that “The training is fully funded, as in, there are no course fees. This provides an ideal opportunity for those seeking employment within the industry to gain a range of valuable skills, and for employers to upskill their staff.

The trainees will get the opportunity to apply their skills with a suitable employer through the work experience towards the end of the traineeship.”The traineeship will also provide a significant level of health and safety training, which would ordinarily need to be provided by an employer. The training will include, for example, First Aid, Manual Handling, Abrasive Wheel and Safe Pass training as well as Powerboat Level 1 and 2 and VHF licences. The main elements of the traineeship will include the following:

• Introduction to the Marine Industry

• Principles of boatbuilding technology

• Marine Engineering processes and principles

• Composite manufacture for marine construction

• Servicing and maintenance of marine engines

• Basic fabrication, welding and machining.

On successful completion trainees will receive a City & Guilds Level 2 Certificate in Marine Construction, Systems Engineering & Maintenance. Enright also noted; “The traineeship offers a rich learning experience by combining periods of tuition with periods of supervised work practice. This gives participants the time to acquire and perfect the variety and standard of skills required by employers. In over 30% of the traineeship will be On the Job learning.

The period of on the job work experience also provides an ideal opportunity for an employer to review the skills of the trainee” The traineeship will serve as a programme for the marine industry. O’Sullivan noted that “Trainees will enhance their skills further on the job with their prospective employers, and in time may specialise in a particular area. The Steering Group is planning further programmes to support the industry and trainees who wish to progress their careers further.” Others will be co-opted onto the Steering Group as the need arises.

The Irish boating scene lost one of its great characters early this season. Eugene Mc Kiernan, of Claddy Meadows, Robinstown, Co. Meath, passed away peacefully at home on March 3rd 2018.

Eugene lead a life of boats in Ireland, growing up fishing on Cavan’s rivers and lakes, boats were in his blood.

Eugene founded Malahide Marine in a disused cinema on the Green in Malahide in the mid 1970’s and from there launched many hundreds of boating hobbies, careers and adventures.

From it’s start in Malahide, Malahide Marine went on to be one of Ireland's largest boat manufacturers in the 1980’s making Sea Nymph aluminium boats for the European market from a factory in Western Industrial Estate on the Naas Road.

In the 1990’s Eugene moved further out the Naas Road to establish Panda Boats and Leisure in Rathcoole which later moved to Johnstown, where he built Orkney Longliner and Fastliner Sea fishing boats and Mayfly lake fishing boats.

In the early 2000’s he designed and built his own range of sports sea angling boats “The Redfinn” and over the years of building and selling boats in Ireland Eugene collaborated with many in the industry including O’Sullivan's Marine of Tralee, Darragh Boats of Monaghan, Earncraft Boats of Fermanagh, OB Marine, BJ Marine and Viking Marine in Dublin, and Barrow Valley Marine of Waterford as well as industry publications including Afloat magazine and its predecessor Sail and Power.

Eugene was immersed in Ireland’s boating scene, a founder of the Irish Powerboat Association, Eugene was involved in bringing powerboat racing to Ireland and organising powerboat races from the river Liffey in Dublin to Lake Garadice in Leitrim.

Eugene was also involved in the development of water-skiing in Ireland through his support of Golden Falls Water Ski Club in Wicklow.

Eugene’s large personality and bellowing laugh will be very sadly missed by many from the Irish and boating and fishing community and by his wife Anna May, his children, Carmel, John and Fintan, by his daughters-in-law Orla and Jennifer, grandchildren Alice, Louise, Eva and Sean, brothers Fr. Fintan and Edward.

#whale – For the fourth year running, Whale (Munster Simms Engineering Ltd) in Northern Ireland have been included in the Sunday Times 100 Best Small Companies To Work For List and have climbed 27 places since 2010.

The company also achieved top 3 star accreditation for extraordinary achievements in the field of employee satisfaction.

The company believes it is the first local manufacturer to introduce flexible working for all, including factory staff.

Three quarters of employees work flexi-time with many choosing to start and finish early to enjoy a longer weekend to relax with their families. More than three quarters for employees fed back that they are happy with their work life balance thereby increasing motivation levels.

#marinetrade – A UK government and marine industry-led plan to help UK companies increase exports to countries including China, Brazil and South Korea, and to key sectors, such as offshore oil and gas, naval defence, and leisure boats and equipment is part of a strategy to help marine businesses grow and be more competitive.

For international buyers, specifiers and users, this means UK marine companies will be supported to:

- Identify and pursue major marine business opportunities;

- Develop UK inward investment and exports for international trade;

- Invest in targeted sectors such as marine and offshore wind;

- Increase trade and awareness of marine excellence in high growth markets such as China.

Business Minister Michael Fallon unveiled the strategy at the Tullett Prebon London Boat Show on the 14th January. 

#mbe – Whale Managing Director, Patrick Hurst  has been awarded an MBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours List in recognition of services to the Northern Ireland business community.

Patrick is currently involved in a number of business activities, which include the role of Managing Director for Munster Simms Engineering as well as working on behalf of Invest NI, and a number of privately owned manufacturing companies as an Independent Business Advisor.

As a co-owner of Whale (Munster Simms Engineering Ltd) Patrick's innovative vision has resulted in increasing turnover by 48% between 2009 and 2011 as well as increased workforce by over 50% since 2008. Hurst's drive for innovation has inspired his design team and today 70% of products that are new or significantly re-engineered in the last 3 years.

Faith in Patrick's leadership was confirmed by the company being listed in the Sunday Times Best company to work for survey for the last 3 years running. Whale was particularly commended for looking after the wellbeing of its staff, an overall ranking of 8th reflects the faith in Patrick Hurst, Managing Director and the employees trust in the "sound capabilities" of the leadership.