Fifty seven UK companies are expecting an estimated £1.5m worth of business after participating in the recent British Marine Federation (BMF)/UKTI Meet the Buyer Conference. These UK Suppliers took advantage of the chance to grow their businesses internationally at the recent PSP Southampton Boat Show.
The British Marine Federation (BMF) Meet the Buyer Conference, held in association with UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) and IBI, took place on between Tuesday 16 – Thursday 18 September 2014. It was a huge success with 16 buyers coming from all over the globe, including Germany, Japan, Turkey and Brazil. Holding the event during the PSP Southampton Boat Show also provided the BMF’s International team the perfect opportunity to host additional expert discussions on expanding business abroad.
Over two days 400 20-minute scheduled meetings took place between the Buyers and Suppliers. These concise meetings offered Suppliers a great insight into the future business opportunities of working with the Buyers. For all businesses attending it was a chance to see new marine products and services and network with a range of Suppliers and Buyers, from overseas boatbuilders to distributors. So much so that representatives from the world’s leading marine companies, including Hanse Yachts AG, Perini Navi SpA and Lubeck Yacht Trave Schiff GmbH, attended the Conference.
Jill Chrisholm of Atlas B2B, one of the Suppliers and BMF member commented: “Every time we do BMF Meet the Buyer we do business, and it’s ongoing trade. This Conference is vital for our company to keep contacts and momentum going.”
Also, David Elderkin of Plastimo, one of the attending Buyers, remarked: “the Conference is a great way to meet suppliers and manufacturers easily in a friendly environment. Well organised by a very professional staff. This is the third time I’ve been after a gap of several years and would be happy to come again if invited.”
Furthermore, on Tuesday 16 September the International team hosted a METS Briefing entitled “How to make the most out of METS”. Led by Irene Dros of the RAI METS team it provided innovative ideas for 50 attending BMF members to optimise their presence at the upcoming Show.
Also, taking advantage of the BMF’s recent membership to the Export Group for Aerospace and Defence (EGAD) the team welcomed Brinley Salzman of EGAD to run an Export Control Seminar. It covered all aspects of understanding international export controls and the tools needed to apply for licences.
Reflecting on the event overall, Tom Chant, BMF International Development Manager said “This has been another excellent event; the team has worked with more than 100 companies over the three days of the project. Talking with both the buyers and suppliers it is evident to see there have been some very good business connections made in the past three days.”
- The British Marine Federation, established in 1913 has supported the marine industry for over 100 years and has over 1500+ members representing an industry employing c. 31, 000 people in the UK. Members are drawn from both the seagoing and inland sectors of the marine industry covering the leisure boat, hire fleet, commercial workboat and superyacht categories and supporting services. For more information about the work of the BMF and how to join, please visit the website at www.britishmarine.co.uk
- UK Trade & Investment is the Government organisation that provides integrated support services for UK companies engaged in international trade, and foreign businesses focused on the UK as an inward investment location. It brings together the work of teams in 200 British embassies and FCO posts overseas and Whitehall departments. For more information on UKTI visit www.uktadeinvest.gov.uk
