Rufus - a hawk - pictured next to a purple sign which says head of seagull security Southampton International Boat Show

Trade Tuesday returns to Southampton International Boat Show on 17 September 2024.

Sponsored by DF Capital, this networking and business development event attracted over 80 attendees last year. Online registration is now open, and this year’s iteration will offer sessions on marketing strategies, sustainability, and funding opportunities.

“Trade Tuesday provides a unique occasion where industry professionals from the marine sector can come together to learn, connect, and exchange ideas. With an engaging programme and dedicated networking sessions, we aim to make Trade Tuesday an unmissable event for the marine trade community,” explains Lesley Robinson, CEO of British Marine.

Sadly, those only going on Trade Tuesday will not witness the show’s new head of seagull security in action (on Saturday, 14 September).

According to new research conducted by Southampton International Boat Show, and carried out online by Research Without Barriers, seagulls have been responsible for the theft of over 60 million chips. The research concluded that nearly two in five (37 per cent) UK adults have been victims of thievery, averaging 3.1 chips per theft.

Southampton was found to have one of the highest seagull-related chip theft rates in the UK, with 44 per cent of residents having experienced it first-hand—more than other South Coast destinations like Brighton and Plymouth.

Thus, British Marine has hired Rufus the Hawk — also used by Wimbledon — to help deter seagulls. For one day only, the hawk will be on patrol and will also available to take photographs with visitors, while not on duty.

Adrien Burnand, head of marketing and communications, told The Telegraph: “As our latest research has shown, seagulls stealing chips is a real issue, with nearly half of participants having fallen victim of chip theft.

“With Southampton being the area most at risk in the UK and 44 per cent of people falling victim to chip theft, we decided to introduce a practical seagull deterrent to ensure the continued safety of our show goers chips.

“We want our 100,000 plus visitors to enjoy all that the show has to offer, as well as all of their chips.

“That’s when we thought of Rufus, who has a proven track record of keeping other birds at bay, making him the ideal candidate for ‘head of seagull security’.”

The boat show takes place 13-22 September. Tickets are available online. Continue reading MIN‘s latest news about the Southampton International Boat Show.

The post SIBS 2024: Trade Tuesday returns, and Rufus the Hawk appointed head of seagull security appeared first on Marine Industry News.