…With Paul Gullett, President of British Marine, the trade association for the uk leisure, superyacht and small commercial marine industry and organiser of london Luxury Afloat.

Q Your first role in the marine industry was with Cougar Marine as a boat builder. How did that come about?
PG: I wanted to work in the marine industry, but failed to get into Vosper Thornycroft. Then I saw an advert for a trainee boat builder with Cougar Marine in Hounslow. They moved the yard to Netley Abbey where I worked with them for a couple of years. A great learning experience and exciting boats to be around.

Q Having joined the marine industry with Cougar Marine, do you think marine apprenticeships are a good route into the industry?
PG: I was not formally an apprentice with Cougar, so I did not get the benefit of day release or college time, but was taught the skills on the job and in a work environment, which is what you get with an apprenticeship as well. This experience was invaluable to me, so I know how useful this route into the industry is.

Q We imagine you have been very busy since taking on the role of BM President last summer; what have been your highlights?
PG: Without a doubt opening the 53rd Southampton International Boat Show, especially having been involved in its planning throughout the previous year. Also presenting awards to some 65 apprentices at the show was a highlight. My work involves visiting many of the associations, members and marine stake holders all over the country and overseas, which I also enjoy doing.

Q You are also owner and managing director of Wave International and Aycliffe Filtration. How do manage your different roles and what do you like to do when you have some time away from work to relax?
PG: As a business owner for many years now, often juggling several business interests at a time, this has given me the work discipline to be able to manage my time effectively. As the start point for becoming British Marine President came closer, it coincided with a period of growth for Wave International. This required recruiting more staff, and enabled me to factor in the increased effort and time needed by me to focus on the role for British Marine. My home is a small farm where we keep polo ponies, and as a Hurlingham Polo Association Coach I spend plenty of time riding or with horses whenever possible, which I find a real switch off from my day job and is very relaxing.

Q Wave International’s focus is on marine conservation. How well do you think the industry is working together to tackle this important topic?
PG: Since 2000, when Wave was formed, and we launched our first eco products, the focus on more sustainable boating has improved across a very broad base from how boats are built, how they are used, the effect they have on the marine environment and what happens to them at end of life. Awareness in some areas still needs to be increased, but mostly now it is on how we overcome certain problems and create solutions. Thankfully there are new eco products coming onto the market all the time, but as an industry comprised of mainly small businesses we do need more R&D and product development funding. Since 2005 The Green Blue has been a great source of information and environmental expertise for us.

Plans are in place for the biggest and best Southampton International Boat Show yet. Image: Simon May Photography

Q After a successful first year in 2022 London Luxury Afloat returns to St Katharine Docks in April. What can visitors to the show expect in 2023?
PG: As you say, the first event was a great success and from that we intend having more boats on the water, as more brands want to attend and, if available, we will have more dockside space with additional land-based stands where possible.

Q What are some of the biggest challenges facing the marine industry today?
PG: All businesses have more challenges to face, such as skills shortages, employee retention, the significant rise in the cost of materials and power, although thankfully in many areas the supply chain issues now seem to be easing.

Q What are the biggest trends in the boating market this year?
PG: The watersports sector has seen significant growth over the past couple of years and this will continue, although maybe not at quite the pace since the pandemic. Larger yachts and superyachts are seeing strong sales with many new projects planned or in build.

Apprenticeships are just one of the training options available to those looking for a career in the marine industry

Q What else is on the agenda for British Marine in 2023?
PG: At BM we are working through our National Agenda 2020 – 2025. The pandemic diverted our resources to supporting members through those very difficult times, but we are now back on track delivering our five pillars (themes) which we were directed to by our members. These are: participation, people and skills, the environment, technology and innovation, and representation. Much work is going into a possible BM Maritime Academy, which is very exciting for all those wishing to make a career in the marine industry. The 54th Southampton International Boat Show is already being booked by exhibitors with plans in place for the biggest and best show yet. There are many more BM events throughout the year and others where we will be present.

Q We have heard that your home has a famous ‘innovation’ connection. Tell us more!
PG: Well, back in the mists of time in the early 17th century, a Robert Newton and his wife Ann lived here in what is our house now at Woolsthorpe-by-Colsterworth. According to local history, they had a son who was born in this house, whom they called Isaac Newton who then went on to have a son of his own, also called Isaac Newton, born on Christmas Day 1642 at Woolsthorpe Manor, which is 100 yards down the road, and yes it does have a very old apple tree in the garden! It would not be unrealistic to imagine a young Isaac Newton visiting his grandparents here from time to time.

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