Lesley Robinson
UK marine industry faces increased challenges to long-term growth and profitability
- Only 22% of marine businesses reported an increase in revenue, 10% less than six months ago and 15% less than the pre-Brexit high five years previous
- Just 6% of companies enjoying an increase in profits, 6% less than the previous six months and 23% less than the previous five years
- Brexit uncertainty is taking its toll on consumer confidence, industry encouraged to embrace different business models and produce new offerings
New sentiment figures out today from British Marine, the trade association for the UK leisure, superyacht and small commercial marine industry, highlight the number of British marine businesses reporting an increase in revenue sinking to 22%, 10% less than November 2018. The new figures also show static profit margins for marine businesses, with just 6% of companies enjoying an increase in profits, 6% less than November 2018. Unsurprisingly business confidence within the sector is at its lowest level since autumn 2016.[1]
Domestically focused UK businesses, especially marine services, continue to experience flat markets with 7% of companies experiencing an increase in revenue over the last six months. The domestic market has previously benefited from Brexit, with a weaker pound seeing more Brits holidaying at home. However, the continued political uncertainty has started to take its toll on consumer confidence, causing a reduction in leisure spending.
Prices in hire and charter boats have dropped significantly since last summer with only 28% of businesses increasing prices compared to 52% in 2018. With less customers out on the water, businesses are competitively slashing their prices resulting in hire, charter and passenger boat prices dropping to their lowest level in over five years. Whilst hire, charter and passenger boat services saw a rise in the number of businesses reporting increased revenue[2] and profit[3] (following the recent drop in business outlook, revenue and profit sentiment in the summer of 2018) these figures are still in negative net balance.
Meanwhile, brokerages are contending with reduced activity, as well as reduced stock due to value of the pound and low domestic demand. Fleets of boats based in the UK have reduced due to an increase in overseas sales and ‘End of Life’ (when vessels are no longer used or have been abandoned) challenges – while price competition is further driving down sales revenue.
Lesley Robinson, CEO of British Marine, said: “These latest sentiment figures highlight the current risks to the long-term growth of the industry. Whilst Brexit uncertainty and a potential recession are factors completely out of our control, increasing participation is not. It is crucial that the industry turns its focus to attracting new customers both old and young from a variety of backgrounds. Building the future generation of boating enthusiasts is key to the future sustainability of the industry.
“As part of this, the industry needs to adapt to the changing consumer buying habits and embrace new business models that are successfully transforming other sectors. We are working with an array of partners at the Southampton International Boat Show 2019, powered by Borrow a Boat, to incorporate this change. This includes our collaboration with the title sponsor Borrow A Boat to get over 10,000 people out on the water throughout the 10 days of the Show, helping to shape the future of the industry.”
Matt Ovenden, CEO at Borrow A Boat, the UK’s fastest growing boat charter platform, added: “We aspire to make boating a more flexible and affordable activity – in turn helping the industry to grow. Giving consumers more choice, variety and better value will help attract watersport and boating lovers in the making, whilst ensuring current audiences continue to participate, which is vital for future growth. We look forward to encouraging more people to get out on the water later this year at the Southampton International Boat Show, powered by Borrow A Boat.”
For further information please contact Annabel Burrow at aburrow@britishmarine.co.uk or 01784 223811.
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[1] Confidence among businesses now stands at 16%, 7% less since November 2018 and 14% less compared to June 2018.
[1] 0% in 2019 from 25% less than 2018
[1] 9% in 2019 from 37% less than 2018
