British Marine Federation

British Marine Federation, or BMF, is the trade association for the leisure, superyacht and small commercial marine industry, currently representing 12 regional associations, 16 Group Associations and 1500+ members across the UK marine supply chain. These include the Superyacht sector, chandlers, boatbuilders, brokers, suppliers of equipment for yachts and motorboats, to flag makers, Sailing Training and operators of marinas both coastal and inland. The BMF also promotes career opportunities in the marine industry and advice and assistance through their Environment and Boating Facilities, and Training and Technical teams.


A fully owned subsidiary of the BMF, National Boat Shows, organise the London Boat Show (currently the London Boat Show held at ExCeL) and Southampton Boat Show (currently the PSP Southampton Boat Show held at Mayflower Park). The Boat Shows serve the Federation in encouraging people to enjoy the sea, rivers and inland waterways, as well as their website On The Water, which is promoted at boat shows and displays across the UK.

History

The Boat, Yacht and Allied Trades Association was formed in 1913 with the aims of promoting and protecting its members, promoting or opposing government legislation and helping companies in monetary and legal matters. By 1919, the Association had 108 Full and 74 Associate members and a full-time secretary. In 1947 the Association became the Ship and Boat Builders National Federation. In 1973, the Federation joined forces with the Royal Yachting Association and lobbied MP's to oppose a Labour Government imposed 25% VAT on boats. After an audience with then Chancellor Denis Healey, the following year the rate was halved and eventually returned to the standard rate.

In 1986 the Federation became the British Marine Industries Federation and was finally rebranded in 2008 as the British Marine Federation.

Boat shows

Starting in 1914, a joint exhibition took place at Olympia, London with the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) but in 1954, an independent London International Boat Show was held at the Empire Hall, Olympia. This moved to the Earls Court Exhibition Centre in 1957 and finally to its current location, ExCeL, in 2004. National Boat Shows was set up to run the BMF shows, and made a successful acquisition of the Southampton Boat Show. Both shows are currently ten day events.

BMF Training Programmes

British Marine Federation promotes a variety of training programmes in U.K. Some of them are:[1]

References

  1. ↑ BMF Training Programmes

External links