METSTRADE 2023 has proved a great success for British Marine members as thousands of visitors headed to the world’s largest trade exhibition of marine equipment, materials and systems.
32 British Marine member companies showcased a whole host of products and services at the British Marine organised British Pavilion (Hall 3), with a further seven members exhibiting in the Superyacht Pavilion (Halls 10-11) at this year’s METSTRADE (15-17 November).
The show got underway with the traditional Breakfast Briefing followed by much awaited results of the world-renowned DAME Awards 2023. British Marine member Scanstrut clinched one of the DAME category awards for the ATMOS 12V Waterproof Built in Air Station.
Grant Fox, Head of Marketing at Scanstrut commented: “We’re extremely proud to have picked up the DAME award in the comfort and entertainment afloat category. It’s a real testament to our team’s product development and design process. We’re looking forward to seeing what this product is able to achieve in the market in the coming years.”
Day one of the show also marked the unveiling of the much-awaited ICOMIA ‘’Pathways to Propulsion Decarbonisation for the Recreational Marine Industry’ research report, a first-of-its-kind comprehensive, peer reviewed research report outlining a portfolio of technologies best positioned to continue to propel the marine industry toward decarbonisation.
“This new research reveals that a variety of solutions need to be considered to continue reducing carbon emissions from recreational craft. It’s a pivotal moment for our industry, as we now have the data to help shape our journey towards a more sustainable future for boating that can be cherished by future generations”, explained Lesley Robinson, CEO, British Marine.
You can learn more about the report by visiting the British Marine Decarbonisation Hub at https://mymembership.britishmarine.co.uk/decarbonisation-hub/accelerating-decarbonisation/pathways-to-propulsion-decarbonisation-for-the-recreational-marine-industry/. British Marine will also be hosting a webinar on the evening of Wednesday 22 November at 18.30 to help marine businesses better understand the findings from the report and the impact this may have on their business. The webinar is open to members and non-members. To register for the webinar click here.
Thursday morning saw the welcome return of the incredibly popular ‘Women in the Marine Industry International’ networking and panel discussion. Over 200 men and women attended the event hosted by British Marine, Soundings Trade Only, METSTRADE and Marine Industry News, and supported by Barton Marine, to hear from a panel of exceptional and inspirational women from across the industry.
The panel, made up of Gemma Gonzalez, Yachting Business Unit Director, Gruppo Boero; Laurie Louvier, Vice President Marketing, Dometic; Michelle Hildyard, Vice President Product Management & Business Development, Raymarine; Nicky Vaux, Partner & Business Development Manager, Empire Marinas Group, and host of The Boat Princess podcast; Rachel Bridges, Director & General Manager, Cummins, Global Marine, shared their backgrounds, experience and insights as female leaders working in the marine industry to a packed theatre and thoroughly engaged audience, with discussions focusing on sustainability, AI and work-life balance.
Speaking of the event, Lesley Robinson commented, “What an incredible event, with an inspirational panel of women. We have been delighted by how many people have joined us today. It just shows that there is a real appetite for inclusive events of this nature.”
Then on Thursday evening it was time for the Boat Builder Awards, celebrating excellence in boat building and the individuals, teams and supply chain partners that make them great, there was further success for British Marine members with Beneteau Group and Fairline Yachts each claiming one of the prestigious awards.
- Sustainability Project of the Year, sponsored by ePropulsion – Beneteau Group – recycling fibres into new builds.
- Designer of the Year – Christian Gott, Fairline Yachts
British Marine were also delighted to be nominated at the awards, in the People and Skills Development Category, but a win was not on the cards this year!
British Marine, alongside the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) also hosted a drinks reception on Thursday evening on the British Marine stand, situated at the heart of the British Pavilion, which provided a perfect opportunity to network with fellow exhibitors and visitors to the show.
Throughout the three days there was a real buzz around the show and at the British Pavilion with lots of meetings taking place and plenty of visitors. Representatives from British Marine were also on site throughout the show assisting companies in getting the very best from the show and offering support to exhibitors and visiting members.
“This show is the world’s largest marine trade exhibition and critical for so many of our members. We are pleased to be able to assist our members on the international stage and offer them a prime location at the show enabling them to showcase the best of British to a worldwide market”, Lesley concluded.
