The Association of Brokers and Yacht Agents (ABYA) and the British Marine Boat Retailers and Brokers Association (BRBA) are proud to announce a new strategic alliance, officially unveiled today at the Southampton International Boat Show.
The announcement was made during the yacht brokers and surveyors networking event, held at TheYachtmarket.com Sparkling Wine Bar, marking a significant milestone for the marine industry. The formal announcement was made by Alastair Walton, Chair of BRBA, and Peter Norris, Chair of the ABYA Regulatory Committee in front of an enthusiastic audience of industry professionals.
This new partnership builds on the existing collaboration between the two associations, aiming to further support the brokerage industry and their customers. It is a natural progression of the successful cooperation between the BRBA, an association of British Marine (BM), and the Association of Brokers and Yacht Agents (ABYA). Together, they have already delivered two highly successful Practical Yacht Broker Courses, with more scheduled for November 2024 and March 2025.
Alastair Walton, Chair of BRBA, commented on the significance of the alliance: “Our collaboration over the past year has shown the immense potential we have when we work together. By more formally aligning our efforts, we can drive forward the standards of the brokerage industry whilst, providing greater value and support to our members. This partnership not only cements our existing relationship but also paves the way for innovative initiatives that will benefit the entire industry.”
Members of both associations can look forward to immediate and short-term benefits from the new partnership. One of the initial focuses will be to establish relationships with key members of the new government in HM Treasury; to provide a clear understanding of the ongoing issues facing brokers. This will be backed up by reviewing opportunities to look at sharing resources around issues such as Know Your Client (KYC) protocols.
Medium-term objectives include joint lobbying efforts, particularly concerning pooled client accounts, a standardised approach to evidencing VAT payments and the creation of a joint industry marketing plan. The partnership also aims to establish a certified pathway for broker training, ensuring that the highest standards are met across the industry.
Peter Norris, Chair of ABYA’S Regulatory Committee, expressed his enthusiasm for the future: “This alliance is a significant step forward in our mission to uphold and enhance the professional standards within our industry. By working together, ABYA and BRBA can leverage our combined expertise and resources to tackle the challenges facing the marine industry and ensure cost efficiencies for both organisations. Our members will benefit from a more unified and robust framework, which will ultimately lead to better services for our clients.”
ABYA and BRBA are committed to working together to achieve their shared goals, providing their members with the tools and support needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving industry. This strategic alliance represents a bold step forward in ensuring that the marine brokerage industry remains at the forefront of professionalism and innovation.
For more information about the BRBA visit www.theBRBA.com
For more information about ABYA visit https://abya.co.uk/
Get your ticket
Get your discounted Southampton International Boat Show tickets – save £10 with promo code AAS2024.
Tickets for the Boat Show can be purchased online at www.southamptonboatshow.com/visitor-information/tickets/
Don’t forget, with every adult general admission ticket, two children under 17 go for free. Plus new for 2024, Young adults aged 18-21 also enjoy free admission, making this an accessible event for families and young enthusiasts alike.
Want to make your visit extra special? Treat yourself with the Quayside Club package – https://www.southamptonboatshow.com/vip/
The show is open from 10am – 6pm daily except on the final Sunday when the show will close at 5pm. The Shipyard will remain open until 9pm on both Saturday 14 and Saturday 21 September.
