The 2011 PSP Southampton Boat Show, one of Europe’s premier on-water boat shows, drew to a successful conclusion today (Sunday 25 September). Once again it has reinforced its reputation as an exceptional showcase for the UK leisure marine industry. 111,017 visitors (9% behind 2010) attended the Show over the 10 days keen to experience activities on and off the water; encouraging sales were also reported despite the tough economic conditions.
Both the British Marine Federation (BMF) and its subsidiary National Boat Shows (NBS) are delighted with the success of the Show, which has brought visitors to the stands of over 580 exhibitors. The Show has again provided an excellent platform for the British leisure marine industry to display its quality and diversity. Exhibitors chose Southampton to host over 11 world product and boat launches and numerous UK launches and European debuts announced on Public Preview Day. The Show also hosted the Minister for Business, Mark Prisk who launched the UK Marine strategy and the BMF has been working tirelessly behind the scenes to help the industry particularly with bank finance and in developing a better Supply Chain process. All this demonstrates the importance of this Show, the benefits it offers and the effectiveness of the strategies adopted by many companies in managing current economic conditions.
Visitor feedback has also been very positive, which reflects that the Show offers the ideal mix of products, features and activities available to all. 2011 has seen an array of brand new attractions including the Great British Oyster Festival in association with The Shellfish Association of Great Britain, Michelin star celebrity Chef Shaun Rankin demonstrating in the Sea Kitchen Theatre and the impressive HMS Bulwark which welcomed almost 8,000 visitors aboard, along with Show favourite’s Try-A-Dive and Try-A-Boat.
