Southampton Boat Show - forecast unstable

by Media Services on 14 Sep 2010 Speaking on the opening day of the Southampton Boat Show, 10-19 Sept, British Marine Federation chief executive Rob Stevens said the British industry seems to be defying recessionary factors, but there are still clouds ahead.

'Confidence is back,' he said, referring to the rise in exhibitor and visitor numbers at this year's event.

'40% of the industry sees future prospects as good or excellent, while only 14% is negative. Sailing businesses have bought 350 show stands this year, up from 287 in 2009 and de-stocking of marine products is over.

'The general sailing public have also bought 22% more tickets to the show. The marine industry as a whole has seen its first growth in turnover since May 2008.'

But it is not all good news, Stevens cautioned: 'The impending Government spending cuts and the planned rise in VAT rate to 20% means there is still potential economic uncertainty ahead.'

Stevens added, the proposed increase in the VAT to 20 per cent could shake the new found confidence in the marine industry and spook consumers who have come back to the show with renewed fervour.

The opening weekend of the PSP Southampton Boat Show has proved a success after drawing 3% more visitors than in 2009.

Great weather on Sunday helped provide a 12% increase year-on-year, bringing the total number of weekend visitors to 37,900. Many visitors took advantage of the show's Try-a-boat scheme with over 3,500 people taking free boat rides over the course of the day.

More at www.southamptonboatshow.com