Memorandum from the British Marine Federation
(BMF) (DMNB 04)
1. The British Marine Federation (BMF) is
the trade association for the UK leisure marine industry. Our
1,500 members provide the boats, marine equipment, facilities
and services that enable nearly 4 million people to enjoy boating
and water sports on the coast and inland waterways of our country.
2. Total turnover of the UK leisure and
small commercial marine industry is almost £3 billion—an
increase of around 6.5% from 2005-06. Export revenue is in excess
of £1 billion—an uplift value of over 12% from 2005-06.
3. There are almost 35,700 employees across
the industry in the UK, and around 4,300 businesses operating
in the UK leisure & small commercial marine market.
4. The BMF Membership is unusual in covering
manufacturers, importers, wholesalers and retailers of boats,
engines and all their associated equipment plus the waterside
boatyards and marinas that service and moor those boats.
5. The BMF have been in consultation with
the RYA since the call for written evidence was announced earlier
this month. The BMF therefore wish to generally support what it
understands the RYA's position to be.
6. The BMF withhold the right to, at a later
stage, provide further comment and evidence contrary to that made
by the RYA when responding to the draft Marine Navigation Bill
consultation document.
May 2008
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