BBC Business Report

Saw it on the BBC 1 news at just after 7am. Apparently there are to be updates and interviews all day on News 24. What was nice was they highlighted that all though there still seems to be a lot of money around it is very tight for those interviewed in the Industry. Also a good Interview with Berthon who basically said we can survive 2 years at this pace...

Paul
 
Just seen this on the BBC website, don't know if its been posted on here already.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8182780.stm
I guess it already confirms what we know already. Any industry that relies on selling big ticket discretionary purchase products has been badly hit by this recession. FWIW, I don't think new boat sales will ever return to the levels seen in the years upto 2007 as the type of easy credit fuelled economy that boosted the boating industry in those years will never be seen again. So, the idea of hunkering down until the market returns is pie in the sky. Either companies in the boat industry adjust their overheads to the new market conditions or they die. It's the same in many other industries
 
Given that one or two big UK companies were in trouble even before the recession hit, I suspect there is big fallout still to come.
 
Speaking of which, does anyone know the outcome of the Trader administration? Last I read a consortium of investors was buying it and Mr Chappells role was uncertain.

Have there been any further developments?


Martyn
 
Yes, this was on the lunchtime news here in the south. Those who survive will be those who adjust. In many ways the UK sail boat boat building side will be less affected because it is so small and specialised. However Mobo builders have obviously been affected. I pass Sunseekers 3 or 4 times a week and they have people on overtime and finished and part finished boats everywhere. Hope it is not the final gasp!

On the other hand boats have to be maintained and upgraded so firms concentrating in that market will do well. One company I know which watched its sales balance swing in favour of supplying new boats during the boom years has seen little change in volume this year, but after market sales growing to offset the loss to new boats. Profits likely to be up because not being squeezed by builders and dealers!
 
Speaking of which, does anyone know the outcome of the Trader administration? Last I read a consortium of investors was buying it and Mr Chappells role was uncertain.

Have there been any further developments?


Martyn

I've heard Tony Chappell's son Toby is buying it of the administrators
 
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