Exhibitors report strong sales at London Boatshow

Tens of thousands of core boaters made the trip to ExCeL London to view the excellent range of products on show; despite the appalling weather upsetting visitors’ plans to attend the early days of the event. 44,500 visitors streamed through the gates over the final three days and resulted in a final attendance figure of 102,655*, which is 9% behind the 2009 event.

“To have welcomed over 100,000 visitors to the 2010 Tullett Prebon London International Boat Show, considering such adverse weather, has been reassuring for the Show and importantly the marine industry,” said Andrew Williams, Managing Director of National Boat Shows. “Indeed, to have opened the Show on time at 10am last Friday (8 January), with exhibitors and the Show ready and waiting was an amazing achievement in itself. Feedback has been exceptional and despite a quiet few days at the beginning, the atmosphere within the halls and support from the exhibitors has been superb.”

Visitors to the Show enjoyed over 500 exhibitors and almost 1,000 boats; witnessed over 80 new product launches including 18 global debuts; were captivated by high energy dance extravaganza ‘Rock the Boat’; enjoyed seeing the Corps of Royal Engineers performing high-speed manoeuvres on the Royal Victoria Dock; and were enthralled by hit ITV1 show X Factor stars Olly Murs and Stacey Solomon who performed live on the Show Stage powered by Fairline to officially open the Show, and again on Late Night Thursday.

Participation at the event has also been important. 450 people went diving, 320 visitors tried canoeing over the weekends and 2,500 raced model boats. The BMF’s new initiative On The Water gave boating advice to over 1,000 visitors, from how to start boating, to what to upgrade to. In addition, the Marine Trades Association’s Boating on a Budget project raised over £18,000 to help Burnham-on-Crouch house its new RNLI lifeboat.

Paul Strzelecki, Chairman of National Boat Shows said: “This Show has been a credit to our industry and those who work in it. We have met the dual challenges of terrible weather and a difficult economy with a spirit of positivity and enthusiasm which ensures that we start 2010 with renewed optimism, looking forward to the PSP Southampton Boat Show in September.”

Terry Smith, Chief Executive of title sponsor Tullett Prebon said: “Tens of thousands of people in the UK regularly participate in both recreational and competitive watersports. The UK marine industry is also big business, employing thousands and exporting products across the world. Members of the British Marine Federation are world leaders in the design and construction of yachts, power boats and their accessories and this is an industry of which all in the UK can be proud.

“As such it is important for the industry in the UK to have a high profile annual exhibition to showcase the products and services it provides, and this year’s Show was no exception.

Consultation with exhibitors regarding the development of the London International Boat Show has been going on throughout the week. This has identified many new concepts and ideas and NBS will be developing these into plans to ensure the Show continues to go from strength to strength, delivering such a vital showcase for the UK marine industry.

With such a relevant audience making it to this year’s Show, exhibitors have been reporting strong sales and much positive interest. Indeed, within hours of the Show opening last Friday, Nautique Marine announced the sale of a 20ft Nautique 200.