Princess Yachts cuts 300 workers

Princess Yachts cuts 300 workers

By IBI Magazine

Princess Yachts said it intends to make 316 workers redundant, including 261 cumpulsory job losses. The UK builder, which employs 2,100 workers, informed the workers on Friday of the job cuts.

According to a story in the Plymouth Herald, the cuts are to be made "across the board" and the laid-off workers will leave in June. Princess has facilities in Stonehouse, Coypool, Langage and Lee Mill.

The job cuts are less than had been anticipated when Princess announced in March that it would be making cuts. At the time, the company said that up to 450 jobs were likely to go. The company said it was able to retain staff because it cut sub-contractor work and has decided to develop larger projects. The paper reported that 56 of the workers are leaving voluntarily.

"We've been able to mitigate a lot of (the job losses)," managing director Chris Gates told the paper. "It's a blow, but not as bad as it could have been, that's for sure. We'll be building some larger craft. We're searching for those orders. We're putting more people into development to bring our product forward."

The company warned workers in March that it would make cuts in "order to strengthen the company in the current financial climate."

Gates adds: "We are committed to continued investment in the Plymouth area and in our people, but must meet the challenges being seen across all industries and match our production capacity to the changing demand. The company is now in a position to plan for growth and remain one of the largest employers in the area, reinforcing its philosophy of long term stable employment."

(26 May 2009)

National Boat Shows elects new board member

National Boat Shows elects new board member

By IBI Magazine

Peter Gordon, owner of UK sailing school Rockley Watersports, has beaten eight other candidates to be elected to the board of National Boat Shows (NBS).

A subsidiary of the British Marine Federation (BMF), NBS is the official organiser of both the London and Southampton boat shows. In his new role, Gordon will help to develop strategy and formulation plans in relation to both UK events.

"I am delighted to have been elected on to the board, especially as I was up against so many others," says Gordon. "Rockley Watersports has exhibited at both shows for many years so I am really looking forward to working on plans for future shows."

Gordon has more than 20 years' experience in the industry.

(20 May 2009)

BMF British Marine Federation confirms job cuts

British Marine Federation confirms job cuts

By IBI Magazine

The British Marine Federation (BMF) today announced that a limited number of redundancies are to take place at its UK headquarters in Egham, Surrey.

The lay-offs at Marine House are part of a series of cost-saving measures that were implemented following a thorough review of budgets. The trade association is now entering a two-week period of consultation.

"We have done all we can to avoid these regrettable reductions," says CEO Rob Stevens. "I know this is a difficult time for colleagues at Marine House but we will ensure that these changes will not compromise our core services or the industry's two boat shows.

"The BMF is not immune to the current economic climate but by taking these tough decisions now we are putting ourselves in a sustainable position to continue to serve and champion the leisure marine industry."

The BMF is the trade body for the UK marine industry, representing British interests both at home and abroad. It has 1,500 members representing an industry worth around £3.1m in turnover. The association also serves as organiser of the London and Southampton boat shows through its NBS subsidiary.


(15 May 2009)

Aquafibre Mouldings - Ceases Trading

Aquafibre Moulding shuts doors

By IBI Magazine

UK-based Aquafibre Moulding last week shut its doors after 43 years in business. The company, located at Rackheath, near Norwich, was a sister company to Broom Boats.

According to the Norwich Eastern Daily Press, Aquafibre Moulding had been reducing its staff over the last year, but the final 20 workers were made redundant last week.

The company has made hulls and moulds for its sister company, Broom Boats, but also for UK brands Fairline and Princess as well as other European boatbuilders. Broom Boats' website said that Aquafibre had a range of more than 30 hull moulds designed for specific water conditions. The company specialised in hire fleets.

Martin Broom, chairman of the group, said recent years had seen a slowing up of growth in hire fleets. That trend and the current recession had led to the decision to close the facility.

"Broom Boats at Brundall is Aquafibre's oldest customer and they are now expanding their own mould shop facilities to produce all their moulding requirements in house as well as supplying other companies," Broom told the paper. "It is very sad to see Aquafibre close after 43 years but we have to respond to the changing economic climate."

Broom could not be reached by press time for comment.



(15 May 2009)

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2009 Earls Court Boatshow - Cancelled

2009 Earls Court show - Cancelled

By IBI Magazine

The 2009 Sail, Power & Watersports Show (formerly the Earls Court London Boat Show) has been cancelled, according to IBI's sister publication Yachting Monthly.

Instead, the show's managing director James Brooke plans to run a British Leisure Show next spring at Windsor Racecourse, as well as a marine-based show at London's Earls Court in November 2010.

The Earls Court show should not be confused with the London International Boat Show, which returns next year to the Excel exhibition centre in London's Docklands from January 8-17. The show is organised by National Boat Shows (NBS), a division of the British Marine Federation (BMF).

"Over the last two years we have directed over £5m of investment to promote the marine industry through our shows at Earls Court," says Brooke. "As we continue to increase the level of investment, it has been essential to fully understand the new challenges facing many companies within the marine industry in 2009 and beyond."

"We look forward to returning to Earls Court in November 2010," he says.

The 1st British Leisure Show will run in the spring next year, on the banks of the River Thames, at the Royal Windsor Racecourse from March 19-21. The show will incorporate an extensive range of products from all leisure sectors, including marine, aviation, classic & sports cars, bikes, caravan & camping, health & fitness, extreme sports and more.

(5 May 2009)