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GMBA SIGNS AGREEMENT WITH DELOITTE ITALY

Tommaso Nastasi

GMBA is excited to announce the signing of a significant agreement with Deloitte Italy.

 

Deloitte and GMBA have been discussing the formation of this relationship for some time with the focus on leveraging each other’s experience, skills, expertise, and contacts within the global maritime industry.

 

Deloitte provides Audit & Assurance, Consulting, Financial Advisory, Risk Advisory, Tax and Legal services to public and private sector clients in a variety of industries. With a network of entities in more than 150 countries, Deloitte has at hand a range of international expertise as well as extensive local knowledge to assist clients to achieve their business goals.  The relationship developed with GMBA will enhance this.

 

The Italian marine industry is a leading international player, ranking among the best in the world and in first place for orders of super-yachts (boats over 24 metres long). Despite the crisis due to the pandemic, the Italian nautical industry has overcome the challenge with flying colours.  The Italian industry continues as a major global player and is a sector in continuous growth. This is a complex sector, made up of large workforces and high-end shipyards that guarantee the undisputed quality of Made in Italy worldwide. This sector generates work for many companies that work alongside shipyards, offering them activities and ancillary services.

 

Jouko Huju, one of the founding members of GMBA, said: “Working together with an organisation like Deloitte Italy opens new areas of services we can provide to the boating and marine industries around the world. The 19 members of GMBA in 18 countries around the world on all continents, will provide Deloitte Italy with a unique insight into local industries, markets, and companies. The agreement will enable multinational projects in a whole new scale. With better access to information and knowledge around the world, the agreement will also improve GMBA’s services to the SME’s, especially in their search for new export markets”.

 

Tommaso Nastasi, Partner of Deloitte Italy and Value Creation Service Leader, said: “We are thrilled to partner with GMBA in our shared mission to support the development of the boating and marine industry. This collaboration represents a remarkable synergy between two industry leaders, and we are excited about the opportunities it will bring. Our experience and network, along with GMBA’s knowledge of the industry, will allow us to help companies of all size to face the current industry shift and face future challenges”.

 

This is an important step forward for GMBA, who have been in business since 2019 and continue to support marine industry businesses around the globe.

 

Veda Pretorius newly elected Chairperson of GMBA, sees this development as another positive move by GMBA to be able to offer the best possible cooperation with one of the world’s leading consultancy groups. “This relationship is important for GMBA and is one we have put considerable effort into developing and finalizing.  It is another step in the continuing progress of our group”.

 

The international presence of GMBA extends to 18 countries around the globe ensuring a significant global footprint and the ability to offer extensive expertise to Deloitte.

The Global Marine Business Advisor group (GMBA) has grown over the past 3 years with a key focus being on working with businesses who wish to expand their export markets. The recent GMBA conference held in Petersfield in the United Kingdom, discussed key issues affecting the industry, environmental and sustainability issues, developing technologies, the position of boat shows post covid and the current economic climate affecting the marine industry.

 

For further information
MaryAnne Edwards
Email: medwards@gmba.blue
 Mobile: :+61 412916036

 

 

Disclaimer: Global Marine Business Advisors is a registered legal entity and is a network of independent marine industry advisors. In all articles the opinions expressed are those of the author and does not necessarily reflect those of GMBA.

GMBA CONSULTANT ACHIEVES SIGNIFICANT RECOGNITION

Veda Pretorius was presented with a lifetime achievement award at the SABBEX Industry Awards evening hosted on May 31st in Cape Town. This is significant recognition of the work Veda has done within the industry in South Africa.

 

Bruce Tedder, Chairman of SABBEX stated, “Veda was one of the originals and I recall the first employee of SABBEX. She then took over running SABBEX, CTBi and set the solid foundations for what SABBEX is now. A legend of the boatbuilding sector in SA”.

 

The theme for this year’s Awards dinner was “On the Shoulder of Giants” and recognized those personalities and businesses who had paved the way for other businesses in South Africa to achieve success in global markets.

In speaking about Veda the Chairman of SABBEX highlighted the fact that Veda had paved the way for other women to continue to drive the development of the organization. Two women following in these footsteps are Vanessa Davidson and Thina Qutywa, both working closely with industry to create the best possible environment for marine industry members to thrive and survive.

 

Since leaving SABBEX, Veda has been the South African based consultant for Global Marine Business Advisors (GMBA) and has worked closely with other consultants on several key projects making a valuable contribution to the success and ongoing growth of GMBA.

 

For further information
MaryAnne Edwards
Email: medwards@gmba.blue
 Mobile: :+61 412916036

 

 

Disclaimer: Global Marine Business Advisors is a registered legal entity and is a network of independent marine industry advisors. In all articles the opinions expressed are those of the author and does not necessarily reflect those of GMBA.

GMBA ELECTS NEW CHAIRPERSON

At the GMBA conference currently being held in Petersfield in the UK, Veda Pretorius, the GMBA consultant based in South Africa, was appointed as chairperson of the group. Veda takes over from David Lewin who has held the position of Chairman for the past 3 years and has been a driving force for GMBA since it started and will continue as Vice President supporting the new chairperson.

Jouko Huju, one of GMBA founding members, thanked David Lewin for the significant contribution he has made to GMBA, stating ‘David has done a huge job guiding GMBA through the first years into a very unique, experienced group of industry professionals.”

The newly appointed chairperson, Veda Pretorius, has been a member of GMBA since 2020 based in Cape Town. Veda was last week presented with a lifetime achievement award by SABBEX, The South African Boat Builders Export Council. Veda was instrumental in developing SABBEX into the organization it is today having run the council for 6 years.

MaryAnne Edwards, GMBA stated, “I have worked with Veda on several projects, and she brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to GMBA. Her broad-based understanding of the South African boat building, marina and superyacht sector are extremely valuable to GMBA and the projects we have worked on will assist in the ongoing development of the industry there. As the new Chairperson of the group Veda will be tasked with moving GMBA into the next stage of its development.”

The international presence of GMBA extends to 18 countries around the globe ensuring a significant global footprint and the ability to offer extensive expertise to the marine industry.

The Global Marine Business Advisor group (GMBA) has grown over the past 3 years with a key focus being on working with businesses who wish to expand their export markets. The GMBA conference being held over 3 days will discuss several key topics including the current situation with supply chains, environmental and sustainability issues, the position of boat shows post covid and the current economic climate affecting the marine industry. Outcomes from these discussion will be covered briefly in the next GMBA newsletter.

 

For further information
MaryAnne Edwards
Email: medwards@gmba.blue
 Mobile: :+61 412916036

 

 

Disclaimer: Global Marine Business Advisors is a registered legal entity and is a network of independent marine industry advisors. In all articles the opinions expressed are those of the author and does not necessarily reflect those of GMBA.

Growing Demand For Advice Leads To New Gmba Appointment In The USA

Due to the growing demand for GMBA services in the USA, GMBA has appointed George Bellwoar as a second GMBA consultant to service the USA market.

 

George comes with considerable experience working with OEM’s, Boat Builders and Distributors throughout North America and Europe. George’s industry knowledge and contact networks will be invaluable to GMBA clients many of whom want to establish a presence in the US market.

 

Jouko Huju, GMBA Finland and a key driver of GMBA stated; “The US is a huge market. The present demand for boats is unprecedented. We are finding there are rapidly growing requests for all kinds of contacts and knowledge requirements coming from GMBA customers. GMBA has considered this growing demand and the information clients are requesting and felt George’s experience in the areas of component part sales, use, and installation, navigation lighting, marine fuel systems, and diurnal emission systems will be an extremely valuable and welcome addition to our team. He will work alongside Thom Dammrich as our second member in the US.”

 

Working in the marine industry for 40 years, George’s background includes non-ferrous alloys for military marine applications (Ampco Metals), marine switches and locks (General Automotive, now part of Dometic), lighting, deck, and underwater hardware (Wilcox Crittenden and Perko), and commercial boat navigation, searchlights, and gasoline fuel systems (Perko).

 

George has served on numerous National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) committees including Education and Discover Boating. He was the primary author of the NMMA’s Best Practices Manual for Supply Chain Management. He has also served on numerous American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) technical committees including navigation lighting and fuel systems.

 

George is a past Chairman of the Boards of both the NMMA and the ABYC, where he has received numerous leadership awards. He has a BA from LaSalle University and an MBA from Drexel University, both in Philadelphia, PA. He holds an SCPro I certification from the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP) and teaches Supply Chain Management, Customer Service Management and Procurement Management part-time at a college in Florida.

 

Thom Dammrich commented; ‘I am delighted that George Bellwoar is joining Global Marine Business Advisors. George brings huge experience working on the OEM and aftermarket supply side of the industry.  He is an expert in diurnal emissions, lighting standards and a variety of other technical areas. His expertise will be important as regulation of emissions from boats spreads from the US to Europe, Australia, and other parts of the world. I have known George for 24 years and he has a lot to offer to the marine industry as a GMBA member.”

 

The international presence of GMBA extends to 18 countries around the globe ensuring a significant global footprint and the ability to offer extensive expertise to the marine industry.

 

The consultants currently reside in the UK, France, Finland, Holland, Singapore, Australia, Dubai, Spain, Italy, South Africa, Turkey, Poland, USA, Sweden, Norway, Germany, Croatia and China. The contacts GMBA consultants have and the extensive networks GMBA has access to, are assisting marine businesses across the globe to drive growth and success in this current environment.

 

The Global Marine Business Advisor group (GMBA) has grown over the past 2 years with their main focus on working with businesses who wish to expand their export markets. Currently there has been strong emphasis from businesses wanting help with securing supply chains, developing award applications and support with environmental and sustainability issues.

 

For further information
MaryAnne Edwards
Email: medwards@gmba.blue
 Mobile: :+61 412916036

 

 

Disclaimer: Global Marine Business Advisors and its associated website www.gmba.blue are not registered legal entities. GMBA is a network of independent marine industry advisors. In all articles the opinions expressed are those of the author and does not necessarily reflect those of GMBA

Global Marine Export Advisors Appoints Representative in China

Media Release 13 April 2022

GMBA continues to expand its portfolio of clients and advisors and is becoming a valuable resource for the marine industry. China for many years has been on the radar of marine industry businesses globally, either investigating opportunities to export to China, manufacturing in China, supporting infrastructure development or sourcing for supply chains from China. China has been seen as a growth market and with the island province off China’s southern coast, looking set to play a key role in boosting leisure boating in the region, many GMBA clients continue to keep a watchful eye on this market. To ensure GMBA can continue to service clients with quality market information and networks GMBA has appointed Godfrey Zwygart as their representative in China.

Godfrey is a former captain and chief engineer who has spent a large part of his life in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and China. Originally trained in the French Naval Academy he served as an officer on both navy and merchant ships and captain on super yachts up to fifty meters. Godfrey moved to Asia in the eighties as a boat builder in Taiwan. As a dedicated professional with over 40 years of ocean and marine experience and a proven track record in management positions, he now specializes in development, management and marketing of world class international yacht marinas and yacht clubs.

In 2010, Zwygart moved to Sanya to build and act as general manager operations of the multi-award-winning Sanya Serenity Marina. The marina has been a host twice for the Volvo Ocean Race, as well as the Clipper Race and the youth world sailing championships. In 2018, Serenity Marina gained worldwide recognition by becoming the second yacht marina in the world to obtain the ” 5 Gold Anchors Platinum” accreditation from MIA. Zwygart stepped down in 2020 and now serves as a special consultant for Sanya Serenity Marina.

As an author and columnist Zwygart has published two books as well as many articles in Chinese and he is a prominent figure in China’s yachting and marine industry. He has been listed in Asia’s 100 most influential yachting personalities. In 2019, Godfrey was awarded the highest honour for foreign experts in China “the Chinese Government Friendship award” In 2020, Zwygart also received the coveted “China green card” for permanent residency in China.

Jouko Huju GMBA stated, “The addition of Godfrey to the GMBA team further broadens the level of knowledge, expertise, and networks we can provide to our clients. With the commitment being seen to develop the leisure boating industry in China Godfrey is a valuable addition to our team.

Disclaimer: Global Marine Business Advisors and its associated website www.gmba.blue are not registered legal entities. GMBA is a network of independent marine industry advisors. In all articles the opinions expressed are those of the author and does not necessarily reflect those of GMBA

The Perception of Country-Specific Risk in the Marine Industry Related to Finland has Changed – But What is the Reality? | Dr Jouko Huju, DBA, GMBA Finland

As we went to sleep on February 23rd 2022, the overall international perception of the country specific geopolitical risk affecting Finland was zero, or at best negligible.

As we woke up to the bleak morning of February 24th, all this changed, literally overnight. Whilst not discounting or belittling the complete and utter humanitarian catastrophe and the plight the Ukrainian people currently face, we still remain as an industry directly responsible for some 3,500 jobs in Finland generating almost a billion € in revenue. However, while doing our best to help the Ukrainians, we simultaneously need to focus on matters closer to home. To paraphrase our President, Mr. Sauli Niinisto in a recent CNN interview reflecting upon the situation specifically for Finland, “Finns are not scared, but surely we are fully awake.” Despite this, we have to accept the fact that the country specific geopolitical risk affecting Finland has changed in terms of perceptions, and also potential outcomes – even if military outcomes still seem less than likely. In this story we will try to reason around why we feel there is certainly no need to panic, despite recent global events.

Over 60% of the Finnish population now supports a NATO membership (61%, Helsingin Sanomat, March 30th 2022 – survey done by Kantar) whilst in the decades prior to the Ukrainian crisis support was on a stable level hovering around 25% (continuous survey 1998-2021 as done by EVA) – a significant increase. In other words, joining NATO now seems closer than ever.

A description of the constitutional, parliamentary process would be good (i.e. favourable vote in the Finnish parliament required PRIOR to sending membership application) and the application still needs to be unanimously ratified by ALL existing NATO countries. Also, the Kremlin already considers Finland to be very much a part of the Western sphere of influence, despite the optical “sovereign, neutral nation” moniker.

The real risk here is less the ending of exporting goods to Russia or lack of Russian customers buying boats to be kept outside Russia, and more the lack of belief in a stable future operating environment. Further, rather than geopolitical, the risks are: inflation and the increasing price of raw materials; both leading to challenges of remaining competitive. This combined with “decision anguish” on behalf of customers and dealers (often related to economic or geopolitical instability) can have detrimental effects on short term revenue.

Recent events have brought into focus the importance of democracy, transparency and real facts rather than alternative facts or outright lies. Therefore we need to keep a level head also within our industry, and make sure that customers and partners have access to REAL facts to support their decisions. Some of the conclusions may be that, while the optics are definitely leaning towards an increased geopolitical country risk concerning Finland, the fact is that:

  • we do not have strong signals that military aggression from Russia to Finland is viable in the short term.
  • The Kremlin may have underestimated the disastrous effects on Russia that the current aggression has caused, as the full impact of international sanctions is yet to hit the Russian economy.
  • There is significant pressure; both political and economic to resolve the Ukrainian crisis, and President Zelensky understands that a peace treaty allowing Putin to save face with a “graceful exit” is necessary- hopefully increasing the odds for ending the current war sooner rather than later – giving way for a period of relative stability.

So, there is really no reason to believe that Finnish industries by and large, and even to a lesser extent the leisure marine industry should be adversely affected by the above. We expect the impact to be of a more long term nature possibly concerning big strategic, non-mobile investments such as large scale manufacturing plants, infrastructure related projects and such.

Dr Jouko Huju DBA, GMBA-Finland
+358 40 5509310
jouko.huju@gmba.blue

David Lewin, GMBA-UK
+44 7767 687 987
david.lewin@gmba.blue

Disclaimer: Global Marine Business Advisors and its associated website www.gmba.blue are not registered legal entities. GMBA is a network of independent marine industry advisors. In all articles the opinions expressed are those of the author and does not necessarily reflect those of GMBA

GMBA Meeting Focuses on Key Areas Affecting the Industry

21/03/2022

GMBA held their first face to face meeting at the prestigious Real Club Nautico de Palma de Mallorca Yacht Club, on 14-16 March 2022.  Over the 2 days a number of key issues affecting the recreational marine sector were raised and discussed in depth.  The discussion tended to centre around small business operators and the difficulties they were facing in planning for the future in the current environment.  It was seen as critical to the success of these businesses that they had access to factual, quality information on which to base decision making.

The following key areas were covered over the 2 days, in particular those issues facing GMBA clients:

  1. The situation in the Ukraine and Russia was clearly high on the agenda and the fallout from this situation for the marine industry, particularly the builders and the refit yards. During the course of the two-day meeting Zoom conversations were held with the GMBA consultants based in Russia who updated the meeting on the current situation they are facing. The meeting also talked over zoom with a boating industry journalist from Ukraine.  Exports of marine products to Russia have been all but halted and with the summer season coming this will severely affect the operation of many businesses in Russia.  One GMBA consultant suggested Russia will soon likely see mass unemployment there. On the other side of the equation, clearly those supplying this market will also be severely affected.  Everyone hopes and prays for a quick resolution for both the Ukranian people and average Russians.
  2. Whilst the charter season bookings look very positive this year, there does appear to be some uncertainty in the market given the negative publicity surrounding yacht seizures which is creating issues in the market. In Croatia as an example, it was reported some charter contracts had been cancelled.
  3. The impact of weakening economic indicators on the industry was also discussed and will continue to be closely watched. Rising inflation is seen as a big concern given the rapidly increasing global prices of fuel/energy and inputs to boat production and marina construction. Declining consumer sentiment (now at levels last seen in the 1970’s), rising interest rates and perhaps worsening supply chain issues also present risks to the recreational boating market that need to be closely watched.
  4. The marine industry’s approach to sustainability continues to be a very important topic as consumers are increasingly demanding sustainability from the companies they purchase from and do business with. This is particularly important for younger generations who are entering their prime boat buying years.  GMBA advisors discussed creating an approach to sustainability that demystifies sustainability into an approach that businesses  can use to  practically address sustainability issues.  This need to address sustainability is growing in urgency not just for big businesses but for all business that want to thrive in the next decade.
  5. Working with marine companies on their international growth strategies has been a major focus of GMBA advisors. The GMBA network has simplified this for many marine businesses large and small who find GMBA advisors can shortcut their entry to new global markets.
  6. In the main it was felt boat shows that were going ahead were doing well with high visitor traffic and sales and the networking component of shows was as valuable as ever. However, with order books full and limited inventory available many boatbuilders have little to exhibit and what they have is being focused on the major international shows.  Participation in international shows is still not a straightforward experience and those who were venturing to shows, felt it critical to get outcomes. GMBA had assisted several companies in identifying new distributors, agents, boat builders and outlets for products.  With METS being the next strategic show on the radar GMBA is already focusing on activities there for clients.

The 2 days in Palma also included an impressive presentation on sustainability by Baltic Yachts CEO, Anders Kurten, plus visits to the Baltic Yachts refit facility within STP and a tour of Astilleros de Mallorca by their CEO Diego Colon.

Global Marine Business Advisors is a group of marine industry experts across 19 countries. The group is focused on providing a broad range of support services for businesses in the global marine sector. The combined expertise and experience of the group is second to none and their extensive networks are supporting marine businesses across the globe to drive growth and success in this current environment.

 

For further information
Jouko Huju                                                                   
Email: jouko.huju@gmba.blue
Mobile: +358 40 5509310.

MaryAnne Edwards
Email: medwards@gmba.blue
Mobile:+61 412916036

N.B. Global Marine Business Advisors and its associated website www.gmba.blue are not registered legal entities. GMBA is a network of independent marine industry advisors.

GMBA Appoints Technical – Sustainability Expert

Global Marine Business Advisors (GMBA) has grown considerably over the past 2 years having appointed 19 consultants across 18 countries. A key focus for the group has been in working with businesses in the marine sector who wish to expand their export markets. However, recently there has been increased enquiries regarding environmental and sustainability issues. This has led to the need for GMBA to offer greater technical expertise in these areas.

GMBA is excited by Albert Willemsen’s acceptance as the GMBA technical advisor on sustainability issues. Albert, well known to many in the marine industry, is a qualified engineer with significant capability in the superyacht and leisure marine sector.

YP Loke GMBA Singapore stated; “Albert is extremely well versed with all environmental matters affecting recreational marine – from anti-fouling, to end-of-life & recycling issues, to marina dredging, and invasive species dispersal, to name a few. His in-depth knowledge of recreational boating enables him to engage policymakers with practical and innovation solutions to meet the stricter demands in our ever-changing environmental policy landscape. He is the preeminent expert in his field, and we are honoured to have him on board GMBA”

Albert said; “It is a new chapter for me to be part of a growing group like GMBA.  The issues I have been working on for many years are very significant for GMBA clients and I look forward to being able to offer my technical expertise to support these businesses. “

Albert was ICOMIA’s environment and sustainability manager from 2005 until recently with a very strong focus on how the yachting industry impacts or benefits the environment and how it must comply with international sustainability legislations. Albert was involved in setting up the Environmental Committee and appointed as vice chair and later as chair. Albert was also involved in setting up the ICOMIA refit group, the applicators group and developing the paint guidelines for the industry.

Recent ICOMIA award winner Oscar Siches, GMBA Spain commented; “Albert has not only been the environment ambassador for ICOMIA, but the contact between ICOMIA, the European Environment Agency and the USA Environmental Protection Administration having achieved the harmonization of many environmental issues within and outside the nautical industry. He is a welcomed addition to our team.”

Jouko Huju, a key founder of GMBA and instrumental in bringing Albert into the group said; “I have known Albert since 1997, he is a worldwide renowned expert in a vast array of boating related environmental and sustainability issues. I am excited that Albert is joining GMBA. He will help us tackle a great number of difficult challenges our industry will inevitably face in the very near future”.

For further information
Jouko Huju
Email: jouko.huju@gmba.blue
 Mobile: +358 40 5509310.

Albert Willemsen
Email: albert.willemsen@gmba.blue
Mob +31621893603

Disclaimer: Global Marine Business Advisors and its associated website www.gmba.blue are not registered legal entities. GMBA is a network of independent marine industry advisors. In all articles the opinions expressed are those of the author and does not necessarily reflect those of GMBA