Last week saw the British Marine Federation (BMF) host its 10th annual Marina Conference, sponsored by Walcon. The event was attended by marina operators, managers, as well as suppliers to share new ideas and perspectives in the luxury yacht marina industry to boost business.
The Bristol Marriott saw nearly 100 delegates from the UK, Europe and Australia benefit from two days of interactive sessions, presentations from a wide variety of speakers, networking lunches and an on-site marina visit.
Experienced representatives from the industry presented on topics including: ‘Passport schemes’, part of new consumer trends, delivered by Jean Michel Gaigné CMM; ‘The 5 Social Media developments you need to know in 2014’ by Rich Watts, Brian Clark, BMF Head of External Relations, gave an informative presentation on ‘Representing Marina Interests a BMF Update’, The Yacht Harbour Association (TYHA) introduced their used TYHA General Manager Jon White, and Steve Sammes CMM, Gold Coast City Marina, gave a fantastic presentation about marine tourism in Australia.
The highlight of the Conference was an interesting and thought provoking session by Henry Stewart, author of the Happiness Manifesto, Henry challenged and involved delegates in how to make your company a happier, more innovative and more productive environment.
For the first time the Conference included a ‘Best Profit Idea’ competition where four profit making proposals were presented and voted upon to find a winner. Trevor Barnes, General Manager at Woolverstone Marina, MDL was the winner and took home an Ipad mini.
The Conference was also used as the location to launch the brand used Environmental Legal Compliance from The Green Blue and Blake Lapthorn. The purpose of the legal register is to record all environmental legislation that may be directly or indirectly applicable to a marina’s operations and activities. It provides the means by which a luxury yacht marina can demonstrate compliance with environmental law. It will also satisfy the requirements of an environmental management system such as ISO 14001 as well as industry specific schemes such as The Yacht Harbour Association Gold Anchor Scheme which requires legal compliance to be demonstrated. This template will be a useful starting point for any UK luxury yacht marina to identify their legal obligations with respect to the environment.
During the Conference one GMI Certified Marina Managers (CMM) was awarded by Mick Bettesworth CMM, GMI Chairman. This year Will Rahder CMM, Director of Yacht Haven Quay Plymstockm, was distinguished for his dedication and accomplishments, including completion of an intensive six-day residential Advanced Marina Managers School and demonstration of his capabilities through submission of a portfolio highlighting his experience. The BMF and MIA issue awards under the Global Marina Institute (GMI) brand promoting global marina training and certification.
Sarah Dhanda, Senior Federation Director at the British Marine Federation, said: “The BMF Marina Conference is now in its 10th year and has seen substantial business relationships built, several beneficial industry launches and many candidates receiving their CMM certificates. The networking opportunities available through the conference provide great promotion of the work that is being achieved within the marina industry to provide the best service, facilities and costings.”
The Conference culminated in a field trip with a fantastic boat trip on the floating harbour followed by a tour of the lock gates and operation of the floating harbour by the harbour master and his team. Finishing off with a visit to Portishead Marina and had a fascinating presentation of how the area had transformed over the years with the opportunity to see first-hand the running of the marina by Managing Directorof Quay Marinas, Simon Haigh CMM.
