The British Marine Federation (BMF) and UKTI joined forces during the course of Seatec, the international exhibition for technologies, subcontracting and design for boats, megayachts and ships, to maximise opportunities for British companies. The BMF and its association Superyacht UK (SYUK) showcased at the event held in Carrara in February 2010 a number of UK exporters as well as the brightest talent in design, whilst UKTI worked to introduce Italian contacts to UK companies.

Designer of the future, Mark Norton Menendez represented the UK for the first time at the highly acclaimed Abitare La Barca competition at the Show, which ran from 9-11 February 2010.

Previously open to Italian students only, Mark secured his place in the international competition after wowing judges of the all new Superyacht UK Design Competition 2010, where Mark was announced winner.

Further UK presence came in the form of the BMF showcase stand, featuring Kelvin Hughes, Rib-X, Eurotask, Yachting Pages and Cooney Marine, as well as 31 UK companies throughout the Show. BMF worked with UKTI to entertain over 80 Italian contacts to maximise opportunities for UK companies.

The objective of the programme was to help companies to break into the important Italian market, to expand trade options and also to encourage new relationships. Terry Smallwood of Kelvin Hughes said: “I would like to thank the Trade Advisers who worked hard to get invited visitors to the Show. Their efforts allowed us to have rewarding conversations leading to a number of inquiries that we can now follow up. I am impressed to have been introduced to two builders that were previously unknown.”

Tom Chant, BMF International Development Manager added: “Despite the difficult trading climate, the Italian market is still a major player in Europe. In recent years it has accounted for the production of up to 35% of the world’s superyachts and Italian brand names are recognised globally. UK companies wanting to work in the large power and sail boat superyacht markets will need to look to Italy to expand their businesses sooner or later and the BMF and UKTI are helping to initiate these relationships.”

To round off the British presence, UKTI held a reception for guests including Italian yards, distributors and all UK companies at the Show with British Consul General, Dr Laurence Bristow-Smith in attendance. Dr Bristow-Smith commented: "The leisure marine sector has been having a difficult time, but we're fighting back. The BMF did a great job and it was good to see British companies with so many interesting and innovative ideas. We have to look to the future and that was why I was so pleased to see Mark Norton out here - a young man with a great future in the industry."

Colin Baldwin of Rib-X added: "The service we received from UKTI was excellent. Their commitment to arranging appointments and ensuring that the prospective clients turned up was absolutely superb, their intervention and support made the show!"

Contacts

If you are interested in finding out more about potential opportunities in the creative/design sector in Italy please contact:

Giacomo Mezzera

Head of Unit, Marine

UKTI Milan

Email: giacomo.mezzera@fco.gov.uk