SYUK Tour of Excellence benefits delegates


Press Release dated 26/3/2009

Over 70 UK companies took the opportunity to meet with 22 international delegates last week during the four day Superyacht UK (SYUK) Tour of Excellence.  The tour, which took place from 17-20 March 2009, was organised by SYUK and British Marine Federation (BMF) and sponsored by UK Trade & Investment.

With a diverse mix of delegates arriving from Thailand, Italy, Germany and more, the tour provided a tangible opportunity for overseas visitors to experience the excellence that the UK Superyacht market has to offer.  The sector is worth approximately £350m and employs over 3,500 people.

Philip Demler of Jens Cornelsen Gmbh said: “I really enjoyed the Tour of Excellence. The visits to the shipyards, designers and various other companies were very informative and in addition to the presentation of information and a good look at their facilities I have made several valuable contacts.

“The time period of four days ensured a wide spectrum of content, and also provided the chance to meet the other delegates allowing for a lot of interesting and in-depth discussions. The organisation worked like clockwork and ensured that the time was used very efficiently. For me, the experience and the contacts made were well worth the time invested”

Sean Thomas of Hill Robinson added: “Full marks to BMF and Superyacht UK. Thank you all for a really splendid week which surpassed my expectations by a mile. It was a great opportunity to gather industry professionals of many nationalities. This week has served as a real 'British Flag Flyer' further demonstrating the ever increasing viability of the UK as a considered 'option'.”

A combination of site visits, showcases and dinners led delegates around the South Coast from the Botley Park Hotel in Southampton to the Maritime Museum in Falmouth and further afield.

Tom Chant, International Development Manager for BMF said: “Now in its sixth year, the tour is an excellent tool for building international relationships and has allowed the BMF to promote British excellence to an extensive and growing network of delegates.”

Companies which hosted an event included:  Dixon Yacht Design, Design Unlimited, BMT Nigel Gee, Southampton Yacht Services, Trimline, E-Tech, Ocean Safety, Raymarine, Oceanair, VT Flagship, Fairlie Restorations, Green Marine, Hythe Marine Park, Pendennis Yachts, Cockwells and Rustler Yachts.

Toby Allies, Head of Sales & Marketing at Pendennis commented: “Having high calibre industry contacts visit our facilities and witness for themselves the type of refit and new build work undertaken first hand is invaluable and has lead to the development of business opportunities that we otherwise may not have seen.”

BMF would also like to the Land Rover and Musto for their support at the event.