NSW companies impress Dubai

STRONG support for NSW marine companies has paid dividends for the NSW Government with impressive results after day one of the Dubai International Boat Show.

Seven NSW companies were exhibiting at the show, strongly supported by the newly appointed NSW Trade and Investment director based in Abu Dhabi, James Wyndham.

AIMEX had also engaged the support of Austrade in Dubai to ensure the companies were able to maximise their time in the UAE. Austrade had organised a day of site visits prior to the show taking companies to visit two key UAE boat builders Gulf Craft and IMG boats plus a visit to Yas Island Marina the site of the recent Grand Prix.

Participating in these site visits gave the NSW companies an insight into how businesses operate in the UAE and a good indication of where the market sits currently. Amanda Hodges the new Trade Commissioner for the UAE also hosted a networking function for the NSW companies inviting some key marine industry stakeholders. Austrade provided an overview of the UAE market and were also present at the show to support the Australian companies.

Richard Chapman MD for Coursemaster Autopilots advised that after the second day of the show he had three very strong leads he was following up with the help of James Wyndham the NSW Trade and Investment director.

“Having the support of James Wyndham and the NSW government was a key reason for his return to this market," said Chapman.

"James Wyndham has worked in Dubai for a number of years and as such his contacts and knowledge of the market is invaluable for the NSW companies at the show both the established players and the new companies like BVC.”

New AIMEX member BVC launched its new on line boat exchange system allowing boat owners to unlock the equity in their boats and expand their horizons. BVC announced the global like for like boat exchange network for every class of vessel from 10 ft fishing skiffs to 300ft super yachts, launching the new website www.bvcinternational.com. Andy Young said “interest has been high all day and we have already signed some significant clients”.

Steve Vincent of Austral Propellers had been invited to give a presentation to the Gulf Craft dealers which resulted in considerable interest in both the VEEM and Austral propellers.

An established NSW company like Austral is now reaping the benefits of exhibiting at the Dubai show for the past few years and they also were quick to acknowledge that without the financial support of the NSW government and the site visit organized to Gulf Craft by their representative in the UAE market James Wyndham they would not have had the opportunity with Gulf Craft. Steve also acknowledged the support of Austrade for those in the Australian pavilion.

Alan Steber who already has a number of boats in the UAE region was making the most of his time at the show with interest being high in the Steber Boats both commercial and recreational. Alan advised that he was confident from discussions so far he would sell at least one boat as a result of the show.

AIMEX said being able to return to this market with the support of the NSW government has meant all the companies have been able to reinforce their brand and credibility. A number of the companies are also participating in a trade visit to Oman and already with the appointments made and networking events arranged this trip is bound to bring further results and exposure for the NSW marine sector.