British Marine sets out priorities for new government, including weddings at sea
British Marine has submitted its ‘interventions’ to all political parties which it believes would most help the leisure marine industry’s economic growth during the course of the next Parliament. The list covers a swathe of measures including helping boat owners adapt to environmental pressures, and targeting immigration and visa systems to allow for specialist sub-contractors from abroad – in particular to work on superyachts – residency in the UK for up to 12 months at one time.
The priorities have been informed by its membership (leisure, superyacht, and small commercial marine businesses).
The priorities include the need to safeguard and improve the marine environment, including the water quality of seas and rivers, as well as the infrastructure that supports inland navigation channels. There is a call to assist the industry’s many micro and small marine businesses that need to compete in new and emerging global markets, as well as for legislative and regulatory reforms to speed up the decarbonisation of the recreational marine sector and improve its sustainability. Emphasis is also placed on improving training programmes and apprenticeships to mitigate skills shortages and enhance the future skills-base of the marine industry.
British Marine calls for legalising weddings at sea
Plus, British Marine is calling for marriage ceremonies to be conducted onboard boats – whether in UK coastal waters or on inland waterways. This would provide people with greater choice and help businesses, such as those within the marine sector where there is a high demand for weddings onboard domestic passenger vessels, it says.
The organisation is urging the new government to accept the Law Commission’s key recommendations from its ‘Celebrating Marriage – a new weddings law ’(July, 2022) and bring forward the required legislation – simply, to abolish restrictions on where a wedding can take place and to permit weddings in any location or venue subject to an officiant’s approval.
“The events market is hugely important to Britain’s inland and coastal passenger boat trade which, like other tourism businesses, has struggled in recent years due to the squeeze on household incomes. Giving couples more choice over how and where their wedding takes place, including permitting weddings afloat, would not only be welcome by the many people searching for that unique experience but would also give a much-needed boost to Britain’s passenger boat fleet and the wider hospitality sector which is especially important to our coastal communities,” says John Peacock, St Agnes Boating (image above) and chairman of British Marine’s passenger boat association.
Marine industry held back by dated regulations
Lesley Robinson, CEO of British Marine, says the UK marine industry, which includes boat builders, holiday hire boat companies, passenger boat operators, marine equipment, and engine manufacturers, as well as marinas across the UK, punches above its weight in terms of its contribution to UK plc.
“Our industry is made up of around 6,300 businesses, many of which are small family-owned enterprises providing vital employment to many of coastal and inland communities. With a revenue of £4.41bn, its combined economic contribution including the tourism spend of those participating in boating and watersports exceeded £17bn in 2022/23.
“It is a diverse and dynamic industry, with an extensive supply chain, that is largely driven by its design and manufacturing base. Yet its growth is increasingly being held back by dated regulations and current environmental challenges that require national attention. This is why our members have identified a series of proportionate and targeted interventions that, with parliamentary support in the coming five years, would support the accelerated and sustainable growth of our industry. It is why we are now seeking support of all relevant parliamentary candidates to work with us and help take these proposals forward.”
Continue reading about British Marine and its work.
The organisation recently appointed Lyndsay McClay — Marine Industry News‘ commercial manager — as the new president-elect. In her role as commercial manager for MIN, McClay brings a wealth of experience and vision to the helm. She will serve as president-elect for two years from July 2024 before assuming the role of president in July 2026.
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