The British Excellence has been sucessfully showcased by the British Marine Federation (BMF), with funding from UK Trade & Investment, at this year’s China (Shanghai) International Boat Show (CIBS), which ended up last week. Eight British companies participated to promote goods as well as services to demonstrate what the UK can offer to the Chinese market.

The BMF Group at the China (Shanghai) International Boat Show 2013

34,822 people from 51 countries attended this year’s show. For the show, the BMF had specifically produced its Excellence Guide in Mandarin which promotes BMF members and British Marine Industry Craftsmanship, Innovation and Design.

The eight companies were a mix of products and services that included BMT, Complete Marine Freight, Jeremy Rogers Ltd, Marina Projects, Oceanair, Oceanstyle by Burgess, Spinlock and Wilks.

UK boatbuilders were well represented at the show with Sunseeker, Princess and Fairline all taking noticeable presence. Other UK companies that were also promoting themselves included RS Sailing and Bill Dixon.

Jeremy Rowles, Spinlock Ltd, commented, “We certainly received some interest in products from the end user but also Spinlock now has an approximate idea of what will be required, and when, to support the fledgling domestic leisure marine market. Attendance by our Chinese export builders was also good. It was an all round useful trip which would have been costly to achieve any other way”.

Jeff Houlgrave, Marina Projects, feedback, “Marina Projects presence at the show was a success enhanced by the hard work and efforts made by the BMF. It was a pleasure to be there with the others companies and this teamwork clearly shows what is possible when we work together. The translators were essential and enabled clear communication with the visitors. Marina Projects has some  interesting leads from the show and are already working with some the contacts we made.”