New Chief Executive, Howard Pridding, Set to Continue Progress
Published on 1/11/2012
My first month as Chief Executive has been busy and enthralling. I have been delighted by the support I have received from the President, Board Directors, individual members, colleagues and the strategic partners with whom the BMF works with regularly.
Having been appointed Chief Executive from within the BMF, I have the benefit of understanding the organisation and possessing industry knowledge. In conjunction with the strong and dedicated Senior Management Team I inherited, I have confidence that we are in a strong position to recognize and manage the challenges facing the BMF and the industry going forward.
I believe that the re-structuring that the BMF underwent in 2011 has put us in a strong position to ensure that our services support key sectors within the industry and that we are well placed to meet the needs of members during these difficult times. I will continue the drive to improve customer service through increased engagement with our members; and we will carry on developing our boat show activity to ensure that we provide a sales platform that meets the exhibiting requirements of all of the industry.
The PSP Southampton Boat Show served as an impressive showcase for our industry and exhibitors reported a good quality of enquiry which it is hoped has been converted into solid business in the weeks following the Show. Additionally, we were thrilled that PSP announced a further two years of sponsorship support on the opening day of the Show. We are now fully focused on delivering a successful Tullett Prebon London Boat Show in January 2013.
The Federation Service reports in the latest Council papers, which were circulated last week, a high level of activity being undertaken on behalf of members. Our short course portfolio has been performing well, a lot of work is being done to promote apprenticeships in the industry, and our Technical Team is fully focused on the key issues affecting members and seeking Government funding for our supply chain initiative. The International Team are in the middle of our overseas programme with METS taking place in mid November and we have published a new piece of research with the BMF Boaters and Boat Owners Survey, offering a picture of behaviour and purchasing dynamics. The Member Relations Team have maintained membership numbers and report that we currently have 1491 members with 45 applications being progressed through our approval system.
The External Relations Team is busy establishing relationships with the new ministers who were recently appointed in the Coalition Government re-shuffle. The new Shipping Minister, Stephen Hammond MP visited the PSP Southampton Boat Show, constituting his first ever official visit. The team have continued to strengthen relationships with politicians by representing the BMF at the Labour and Conservative party conferences with partners RYA, BCU and IWA as part of the Boating Alliance.
2013 will be the BMF’s centenary year; an opportunity to celebrate the marine industry, raise the profile and credibility of the BMF, highlight our key successes over the last 100 years and thank members for their contribution. The TPLBS in January will kick start the centenary theme that will run throughout the year. We look forward to seeing to you at our celebratory BMF Conference and dinner in February.