The 2013 Tullett Prebon London Boat Show, Europe’s first boat show of the year, drew to a close yesterday (Sunday 20 January). The showcase of the leisure marine industry has been an example of the resilience of the marine industry with positive feedback from both visitors and exhibitors. A total of 93,327 visited ExCeL London for the show across the nine days.

The 2013 Show brought many changes to the event that is in its 59th year in London and which brought visitors to the stands of up to 500 exhibitors. The new layout and attractions increased visitor activity on the floor and satisfied industry demand. Exhibitors continue to use the Show as their platform to launch new boats and products as over 10 world debuts and 33 European and UK launches took place throughout the Show. The dedicated press day (Monday 14 January) was filled with exhibitor events and also hosted Michael Fallon MP, the Minister for Business & Enterprise, who launched a new collaboration between Parliament and the marine industry to widen export opportunities.

The Show impressed with several new attractions such as; World Cruising and the CNM Estates UK Star Championships which saw sailing and fine art come together for the first time ever live at the Show. A firm Show favourite was 18-year old, four times British Freestyle Jet Ski Champion Jack Moule who wowed the crowds with his spectacular on-the-water stunts. The interactive approach guaranteed fun for everyone getting afloat on the On The Water Multi-Activity Pools and thousands of visitors heading out to the Used Boat Marina.

This Show continues to be a key showcase for the UK leisure marine industry highlighting that the industry has performed consistently generating annual revenues of approximately £2.8billion, exporting 35% of what is produced and employing 31,000 in the industry. The UK has a great reputation for good quality, good design and innovation that helps our export markets keeping it resilient.

Murray Ellis, Managing Director of NBS: “We are pleased with how well the changes to the 2013 Show have been received and that there has been a real benefit to many of the exhibitors and visitors. Thousands of boats, brands, products and suppliers, free interactive attractions, theatre sessions and a live at-Show regatta have filled the nine days which has led to the positive feedback and success of this year’s Show. After getting off to a strong start the inclement weather slightly effected the attendance over the last three days, but we are pleased with the high quality of visitors who came to this year’s Show and the number of exhibitors who have signed up to exhibit in 2014.”

David Pougher, Chairman, National Boat Shows added: “As the first Show in the European calendar it is important for us to prove that we are an internationally recognised event putting on the best showcase for the UK leisure marine industry. With over 40 launches being held at the Show, it proves that manufacturers, OEM’s retailers and dealers value this event to debut their boats and products.”

From the first weekend exhibitors were feeding back that the quality of visitor was evident and that the Show was re-energised. Boats were being sold right from the start as Midlands Nautique sold four boats by Friday, Walton Marine sold two boats and Bates Wharf have sold up to 10.

Nigel Szembel, Global Head of Communications, Tullett Prebon: "The 2013 show has been the most successful in Tullett Prebon's four years of sponsoring the London Boat Show. The partnership we have enjoyed throughout this time has ensured the Company has been able to deliver on all its objectives, no more so than through the show just ended. The London Boat Show enjoys unrivalled visibility, not only in the UK and mainland Europe, but also in the Middle East and in our key Asian markets."

Stewart McIntyre, Managing Director, Sunseeker: “Once again the strength of the Sunseeker brand and product range has attracted distributors and clients from all five continents to the 2013 Tullett Prebon London Boat Show. Despite the adverse weather conditions and associated travel problems, the ability of Sunseeker to showcase its products ensures a strong attendance. Sunseeker has seen an increased demand from many territories and is more than happy with the sales concluded at the Show this year.”

Peter Thomas, Inspiration Marine (Hanse/Dehler): “Being very close to the retailers and equipment manufacturers has had a huge spin off for us and is busier than we have known it. Our target is to sell 10 boats at the Show and we have never failed to achieve it. We have been here at every Show and it is our intention to be at every Show after this and we are looking to bring more boats next year.”

Chris Gates, MD, Princess Yachts: “It has been another positive boat show which continued on from the positive effects of the PSP Southampton Boat Show. While we have cautious optimism for the future we have had a good mix of UK and international customers on the stand and we are very happy with the new leads we received and seeing new people interested in our new models. We are very grateful of the positive efforts of National Boat Shows and the BMF for making a strong show.”

The Show was also a key location for hosting Ministerial visit from Michael Fallon MP who announced the Vessel Efficiency Launch and joint government collaboration to aid export opportunities. The British Marine Federation launched On The Water Weekend, held the inaugural BMF Tourism Conference and again provided the venue for a hugely successful Meet the Buyer event and Superyacht Technical Seminar.

The Show also proves a magnet with a number of celebrities and personalities. HRH The Princess Royal made her annual visit while TV and Radio personalities Chris Evans, Suzi Perry and Nick Knowles made visits along with tenor Alfie Boe, James Haskell and John Terry. Sailing heroes Sir Ben Ainslie, Iain Percy, Andrew Simpson, Pippa Wilson and Keith Musto made appearances and four-times Jet Ski Champion Jack Moule also took time to entertain visitors.

The 2013 PSP Southampton Boat Show will take place from 13 - 22 September www.southamptonboatshow.com, while next year’s London Boat Show runs from 11-19 January 2014 at ExCeL London.

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