Our Research Projects

Annual Marine Industry Assessment 

Each year members provide us with their turnover and statistics declarations. These figures form the foundation of a data model which is combined with knowledge on non-member companies to build a current industry picture.

This is the key source of information on the size of the leisure and small commercial UK marine industry.  Updated Key Performance Indicators are launched every January at the London International Boat Show.

Trends in Participation 

It’s vital to understand how many people are taking part in boating and watersports and identify trends over time. Each year our consortium of BMF , MCA , RNLI , RYA, sponsored by Sunsail, commission Arkenford to conduct an omnibus survey of 12,000 people.

The report now details trends in boating activity over the last 6 years and information on 21 different activities on and around the water.

Bi-annual marine industry trends

To determine trends in the marketplace, a survey is conducted amongst a cross-section of 500 member companies in the Spring and Autumn each year to track current performance and determine trends in the marketplace. The latest report avalible is for Spring 2008.

Working with BMF Associations

Projects on behalf of our Associations are considered during each year’s business plan.

Currently, we are undertaking the following research:

  • inboard diesel engine sales quarterly for MEEMA (for contributors only)
  • conducting an annual project for Superyacht UK to determine the value of this growing sector launched each year at Monaco Yacht Show in September 

Enhancing knowledge of International Markets

This includes international representation on the  ICOMIA Statistics Committee and participation in ICOMIA Statistics Book, global boat sales and global economic benefit initiatives.

The ICOMIA Statistics Book containing 2006 data was recently launched. ICOMIA publishes the Boating Industry Statistics Book for recreational craft each year. The cost is EUR600 and for members of a Marine Industry Association the cost is EUR300. The latest edition is now available on CD ROM and only contains data for that specific year. For more information visit ICOMIA's website.

Specialist Projects

We commission and manage external agencies, often working with partners, for specialist projects e.g. on the Economic Benefits of the UK Marine Industry and Economic Benefits of Coastal Marinas.

These projects result in publications which are discounted or complimentary to members and can be purchased by non-members.  

Other in-house Projects 

These includes surveys to support Government Relations’ campaigns, to gain feedback on BMF events and services such as tracking our international initiatives including International One to One and the METS Exhibition, and BMF Membership Assessment surveys.

News Update

UK superyacht industry shows robust growth More Information

Results of the Spring 2008 Industry Trends Survey More Information

Up to 4 million participate in watersports: Report More Information

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