British Marine has announced its partnership with Informa Exhibitions, which organise the London On-Water Boat Show (LOWBS). The event takes place in the capital each May and is held at St. Katharine Docks. Now in its fifth year, the show features yachts, boats, cars and luxury brands. Informa exhibitions organise many high-profile events around the world, including the Monaco Yacht Show and Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show.

In May 2018, it was announced that the London Boat Show (organised by British Marine) would no longer be taking place each January. At the time, David Pougher, president of British Marine commented that “…times change and we must do the same in order to offer events which are affordable, accessible, welcomed and supported by the industry and its consumers, and are financially viable for all involved.”

Many in the UK marine industry mourned the loss of the London Boat Show, but the organisers cited lack of support, with an insufficient amount of contracts signed for the 2019 show. Lesley Robinson, CEO of British Marine believes there is a change in the focus of the two shows. “London On-Water Boat Show is a completely different prospect to the London Boat Show, including the outdoors location, Spring timing and in particular, the prevailing focus on the luxury yacht sector with its impact on the associated supply chain,” she comments, in a conversation with SuperyachtNews.

“London On-Water Boat Show is a completely different prospect to the London Boat Show, including the outdoors location, Spring timing and in particular, the prevailing focus on the luxury yacht sector with its impact on the associated supply chain.”

“Whilst the London Boat Show looked to showcase the diversity of the marine industry, from chandlery and dinghy sailing to high-end motor yachts, London On-Water Boat Show is primarily catering to the demands of boat brands and associated products and services which cater for this specific market,” she continues.

Following the cancellation of LBS, British Marine set up a working group to look at other avenues to promote its members and the wider maritime market. “This three-year deal is an opportunity to showcase the industry,” remarks Robinson. “Informa is a global exhibition company with a portfolio of events spanning a range of industries and is often known to seek the expertise and alliance of complementary associations to co-work on its new ventures.”

Robinsons explains that the three-year collaboration will enable British Marine and its members the opportunity to develop and grow the scope of the event while continuing to promote the maritime market in the UK. “As part of the partnership, we are able to deliver various benefits to our British Marine members, as well as supporting a platform to showcase the UK’s thriving yacht manufacturing sector.”

The London On-Water Boat Show will take place in May 2019.

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