GMBA

Global Marine Business Advisors

Press Releases

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

GMBA Representative appointed as Secretary General of IFBSO

The International Federation of Boat Show Organisers, (IFBSO) represents the world’s leading boat shows and helps with the development of boat shows and marine trade exhibitions worldwide. Their aim is to help their members produce viable shows, while encouraging growth of the recreational marine industry and promoting the boating lifestyle. IFBSO members are also one of many joining a fast growing movement to eradicate single-use plastics from packaging in an effort to tackle the global pollution crisis.

The IFBSO executive has recently appointed Goetz Jungmichel  to succeed Renate Maddocks-Born in the important role of IFBSO Secretary General. Goetz is also the Global Marine Business Advisors representative in Germany.

‘‘Boat shows have traditionally been and will no doubt continue to be the key platform for global and domestic networking.“

Goetz-Ulf Jungmichel
Goetz-Ulf Jungmichel

Research tells us this has not changed despite the global pandemic and the covid restrictions imposed that have seen the cancellation of so many shows over the past 18 months. Dieter Dohr, Managing Director of the Gesellschaft für Handwerksmessen IHM, Germany, stated recently: “In our fast-paced times, networking is more important than ever!”.
Goetz Jungmichel confirmed networking is a key ingredient to driving a successful business and said,

’‘I couldn’t agree more with Dieter’s statement. I was honoured to be appointed by the IFBSO executive board to the role as Secretary General of the International Federation of Boat Show Organizers succeeding Renate Maddocks-Born. Renate, the current Secretary General, has announced that after 8 years in the role she will be stepping down at the end of the year.

’’Renate has done an incredible job and it is exciting to be able to continue her great work. As a seasoned industry professional and a past IFBSO President, I am looking forward to creating synergies between my work for IFBSO and GMBA for the benefit of the maritime industry worldwide.”

Goetz went on to say, “We have all experienced the tremendous changes in our business and exhibition culture due to Covid-19 worldwide. Maintaining our business activities and building long term relationships using video conferences, online workshops and modern technology has been thought of as a useful substitute for business travels, meetings and even fairs & exhibitions in the pandemic times. However, after almost two years of gathering experiences in virtual communication, it is a common understanding that personal interaction at any stage of business relationships and processes cannot be substituted by anything else. Having said that of course the virtual forms of communications that we have all used since covid, are useful in educating and supporting client relationships, saving time and resources and as many companies have found they can be a very cost-effective business tool in the absence of travel.

’’ Networks such as IFBSO, associations, business clubs, special interest communities or entities like our Global Marine Business Advisors network (GMBA) and the networking opportunities they present continue to be vital to industry“.

These organisations tend to gather information quicker due to their significant networks; they condense and disseminate the information for their respective members and hopefully in the process add value and benefits to everyone they work with.  The networking via these groups whether virtual or in person has always been essential to our industry.

As a seasoned industry professional and having served as IFBSO President in the past, Goetz is looking forward to creating synergies between his work for IFBSO and entities like GMBA for the benefit of the maritime industry worldwide.

Goetz went on to say; “Boat shows for our industry are still considered the pivotal platform for networking.  Support for the continuation and importance of boat shows has been the subject of many articles globally and it is exciting to see our key industry boat shows going ahead this year. It is good to see that boat show organisers are also endeavouring to make these shows as safe and cost effective as possible for exhibitors and visitors.

IFBSO as the representative body for boat shows worldwide is focused on providing resources to assist boat show organisers to maintain their high-quality standards.  I look forward to working closer with GMBA and other organisations enhancing the platform of boat shows to significantly expand their spectrum for information acquisition. Conversely GMBA as a network at these shows can provide market insights gathered by our consultants in the countries we represent. All in all, it will be beneficial for the further development of the maritime industry, which is an affair of the heart for both organizations.

Goetz concluded by saying.

’’In both my role as Secretary General of IFBSO and as a consultant for GMBA I am looking forward to supporting the facilitation of innovation, to work through managing any occurring crises and to facilitate quality communication between market players, politics and media.

For further information 

Jouko Huju
Email: jouko.huju@gmba.blue
Mobile: +358 40 5509310
Website: www.gmba.blue		 Goetz-Ulf Jungmichel
Email: g.jungmichel@gmba.blue
Mob +49 172 6324178

 

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 further expands global reach and capability with appointment in Croatia

Global Marine Business Advisors, (GMBA) today announced the appointment of Boris Miškić as the GMBA Consultant in Croatia.

Croatia continues to be a significant player in the yacht charter business despite the Covid 19 pandemic restrictions that have operated in Europe.  The Croatian government has handled the crisis well, with flexible and moderate epidemiological measures, balancing significant restrictions with free movement of people and like many countries working to keep their economy alive. Marinas in Croatia were open almost the entire time of the pandemic, with foreign and domestic ship owners and users having almost unimpeded access to their yachts and boats. Globally boating and yacht charter have been recognized and promoted as a safe and ideal way to spend vacation time with families.

As with all GMBA consultants Boris has considerable experience and networks within Croatia, having spent his entire working life in the nautical business, starting as a skipper and manager in an NCP charter company. As technical director in Refit Shipyard Šibenik, he participated in the transformation of the yard from an almost exclusively navy shipyard into a shipyard specializing in the repair and maintenance of superyachts. The refit yard in Šibenik targets the wider Mediterranean area and has become the backbone of an NCP Group nautical centre in Dalmatia.

As the director of the first Croatian marina for mega yachts, the Mandalina Marina in Šibenik, he introduced new standards and elements in the design and construction of marinas in Croatia. Since 2005, Boris has participated in over 120 small and large projects of development, construction, expansion or reconstruction of ports and marinas in 15 Mediterranean countries.  He also works as a consultant for the design and development of ports and marinas, working closely with the government and local authorities.   This broad range of skills and experience alongside a significant contact base make Boris the ideal representative for GMBA in Croatia.

Kai Malmivaara, GMBA representative in the Middle East, commented, “I have known Boris almost 15 years, and would have to say that it is very difficult to find anyone in Croatia who is more knowledgeable about the marine business than him. His skills and experience are second to none and as a person he is always extremely helpful, reliable, and easy to deal with. His contacts will be extremely valuable to our GMBA clients”.

Boris Miškić’s appointment extends the international presence of GMBA to 18 countries around the globe increasing the global footprint and expertise GMBA can offer to the marine industry.

The consultants currently reside in the UK, France, Finland, Holland, Singapore, Australia, Dubai, Spain, Russia, Italy, South Africa, Turkey, Poland, USA, Sweden, Norway, Germany and Croatia. Their combined expertise and experience is impressive and the extensive networks of GMBA are assisting 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
Website: www.gmba.blue		 Boris Miškić
Email: boris.miskic@gmba.blue
Mob +385 91 1264 461

 

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.

Global Marine Business Advisors celebrates one year anniversary

GMBA Global Team

Global Marine Business Advisors (GMBA) a group of marine industry personalities strategically located around the globe, have celebrated their first anniversary, and reflect on the past 12 months of providing their knowledge, expertise and contacts to various businesses and industry bodies across the globe.

GMBA started as an idea generated by 3 stalwarts in the industry who felt passionately that the knowledge, expertise, and networks of individuals who had been involved in key roles within the industry should be harnessed and used cost effectively for the benefit of the whole industry.

To this end GMBA was born, initially bringing on board 12 targeted personalities from across the globe. The single focus was to bring on people whose skills, experience and networks could help marine industry businesses grow and make entering global markets an easier and more cost-effective opportunity.

Thom Dammrich USA commented; “Industry in the beginning questioned what exactly GMBA consultants were offering and it was not as clear as it could have been due to the fact no specific advertising had been undertaken to promote the business.  It was decided early on at its inception that due to the pandemic originating just prior to the launch of GMBA, we would take an organic approach to our own marketing, utilising existing networks, social media and industry online publications. “

Jouko Huju Finland stated, “Our advisors are currently either working independently or in teams. Their key advantage being the significant networks, knowledge, and general expertise at their fingertips.  GMBA has opened doors and identified opportunities that only years in the sector can initiate. Given most of the advisors have worked together in the past in one form or another and are well known to each other, it makes collaborating on global projects easy and generally achieves better outcomes for the clients.”

Alongside their considerable knowledge, these world-wide advisors bring a cultural dimension to their approach with an in-depth knowledge of the markets in which they live and work as many countries may speak a similar language, but the social norms can be very different.

YP Loke Singapore commented; “It is hard to find another consultancy group in recreational boating that is as knowledgeable and geographically diverse.  Our connectivity to the marketplace and each other has ensured we are well positioned to support our clients whether it be individually or collectively.”

M Edwards Australia stated, “I said at our original launch it is a tough road for businesses entering and surviving in the marine industry nationally and globally whether in the recreational boating or the superyacht sector. The covid pandemic has only made this more difficult.  It has been exciting to be able to open doors to global markets and provide introductions for exporters and importers thus shortcutting that often arduous road to new markets.

Despite a slow start due to the COVID-19 pandemic, GMBA has flourished, growing to now include 17 consultants reporting a broad range of activities over the past 12 months.  Given the close relationships between GMBA advisors, their services have been able to be provided efficiently and effectively. This ensures the client gets the best advice, connections, and data available at a realistic and affordable cost.

All projects undertaken are confidential and reports provided are solely for the use of the client however we can share some project examples:

  • Assessing the situation of marinas in specific countries/regions in order to implement strategic development plans for boating activities.
  • Helping marine industry businesses explore potential export markets.
  • Undertaking an assessment, technical diagnosis and a consulting mission for a Port authority.
  • Working with boat builders/manufacturers to find subcontract manufacturing in the US.
  • Developing a market intelligence webinar for the Finnish boating industry.
  • Helping an equipment importer sell the company.
  • Development of marketing strategies and key data for businesses to enter global markets, including reviewing websites for various businesses to optimise sales.
  • Researching investment opportunities for global players.
  • Designing and assessing feasibility of automated dry stacks.
  • Appraisal for marina acquisitions and marina designs.

The launch of the GMBA website in 2020 clarified the focus of GMBA, encouraged enquiries and allowed a platform for the GMBA consultants to provide specific country data and personal views on key topics.  The launch of a monthly newsletter this year has also been well received with the next one due out later this month.

A current GMBA project is the development of market intelligence seminars for various businesses and industry bodies.  An example of this was the extremely successful seminar hosted in Finland in which 10 consultants participated providing market intelligence targeted for Finnish businesses wishing to look at the opportunities in global markets. This seminar was a huge benefit for the Finnish government export organization who felt GMBA delivered this professionally and cost effectively.

When asked what is on the radar for GMBA in 2021 Jouko Huju Finland stated “Like many in the industry we are hoping for the COVID-19 situation to stablilise, for international travel to resume and for the ability to meet directly with our many clients and industry colleagues.  In the meantime, are offering our country intelligence seminars to the industry, these can be presentations including all 17 countries or simply only countries and markets relevant to individual organisations.

Global Marine Business Advisors currently has members in 17 countries across the globe; Australia, Finland, France, Germany, Holland, Italy, Norway, Poland, Russia, Singapore, Sweden, South Africa, Spain, Turkey, UK, USA & UAE.

For more information on the group visit www.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