International Boat Industry - December 2015

Markets & Regions

UK | EQUIPMENT

http://www.ibi-plus.com International Boat Industry | DECEMBER 2015 27

T

he UK has a very broad manufacturing base
for marine equipment, and this sector has just
enjoyed considerable recognition at the recent
METSTRADE show in Amsterdam.
Over half of the products receiving accolades were
British designed and manufactured.
The market in general has remained pretty flat over
the last year, but with signs of improvement following
the election and Southampton boat show.
Typifying the engine and generator sector is Beta

Marine, which saw the end of its 28th year of trading

on 31st May 2015. CEO Andrew Growcoot reported

a slight reduction of turnover from £9.5m in year

27 to £8.2m in year 28, but with an improvement in

profitability.

“Activity levels in the eurozone are still

disappointing, with the Greek debt crisis knocking

confidence in the summer, but the UK and North

American markets are holding up,” Growcoot said.

The company has also been inwardly investing to

COUNTRY

REPORT

Strong sterling fails to blow

sector off growth curve

DESPITE THE HEADWINDS THE UK MARINE SECTOR CHALKED UP ITS THIRD CONSECUTIVE YEAR OF

GROWTH. LEADING THE CHARGE ARE ITS LEGION OF EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURERS

WORDS: JAKE KAVANAGH

WThe lacklustre

eurozone remains

a drag for diesel

marine engine

and genset

specialists Beta

Marine, however

the UK and North

American markets

are gathering

momentum