Published on: 25 March 2021
British Marine is delighted to share that the three-day Digital Spring Expo held last week saw a record number of 435 participants enjoy a full programme of 18 online sessions and networking opportunities. The accessible format not only reached a new high in attendance figures, but also presented the opportunity to welcome over 30 speakers for British Marine members to learn from.
Each day of the Expo was themed around a current hot topic. Road to Recovery was the focus of day one and the sessions were planned to aid businesses chart a post-Brexit course and COVID-19 recovery. Attracting the largest audience of the whole Expo, keynote speaker Martin Beck, Senior Economist at Oxford Economics, began the day with an enlightening speech titled “Light at the end of the tunnel”, addressing the year ahead for British businesses and the challenges and opportunities presented by the global pandemic.
Day two saw Participation & Tourism as the focus, particularly as the prospect of another ‘staycation’ summer approaches. Sessions were designed to assist attendees identify the resources available in helping them to attract new customers, retain those who already take part and increase watersports participation in the UK. The final day looked at Trade, particularly what opportunities are available globally, and also included funding support for businesses and new customs procedures following Brexit.
Members of British Marine can listen again to all the Expo sessions for further insight or if they missed a session last week. The recordings are available here.
Lesley Robinson, British Marine CEO
“I am delighted by the record attendance at our second digital British Marine Expo and the positive feedback we have received. The format allowed participants to dip in and out of the scheduled sessions, which undoubtedly made it easier for more people to attend.
“Through this Expo we wanted to focus on helping members and the wider industry chart a post-Brexit and COVID-19 course to recovery. The sessions covered a huge variety of topics from media and marketing to tariff-free trade and the Green Economy ensured there was something relevant for every sector of the industry and person joining.”
What British Marine members said
Mike Cook, Owner, Thames Boat House
“The Expo covered an interesting range of subjects. The content was first class and helpful, creating good notions and actions for the future. For managers of leisure marine businesses, learning and CPD is essential, and this makes the British Marine Expos an invaluable benefit to members. There is nowhere else we can go to improve and receive such comprehensive updates, support and for collaboration with others in the industry.”
Neil Warren, Land and Water Group Marinas
“As the Spring Expo progressed, I was impressed with the experience. The sessions were very relevant and informative, and the networking breakout sessions worked well. Perhaps due to the virtual medium, I felt that my experience was that of a participant rather than just an observer.”
Susan Stockwell, Owner, Nereus Alarms Ltd
“This year’s British Marine Spring Expo provided a valuable opportunity to catch up with a fair few faces, new and old. I found it particularly helpful to just have a natter about how we’ve all been doing. People in our industry are resilient and know how to get on with life.”