A comprehensive study of coastal marinas in the UK and Channel Islands has revealed the vital role played by marinas in economic development.
The new report, entitled Economic Benefits of Coastal Marinas of the UK and Channel Islands, shows that the sector directly employs over 1,700 people, supports the employment of 22,000 more and has a value added of over £500 million a year to the British economy. There are further significant benefits to local economies in terms of supply chain businesses and tourist jobs.
The report, launched at the Southampton Boat Show, was commissioned by the British Marine Federation in partnership with the Crown Estate and Jersey Harbours and was supported by the Yacht Harbour Association.
The report presents a national assessment of the economic contribution of coastal marinas, including nine detailed case studies from around the country. The analysis looks at all aspects of this contribution, from on-site businesses to supply chain, marine industry and tourism and leisure impacts.
The survey found that:
- The core coastal marinas sector employs over 1,700 people and turns over £113 million a year. This figure excludes such activities as boat maintenance and repair and boat sales which have been considered as part of the wider assessment
- Every job in the core marina sector supports a further 12 jobs in local economies
- The coastal marinas industry contributes more than £500 million in Gross Value Added to the UK and Channel Islands economy and that figure may be as high as £700 million
- Boating visitors to coastal marinas spend over £200 million annually, supporting an estimated 5,350 local tourism jobs
- On site businesses located at coastal marinas employ over 11,600 people and generate revenue of £280 million of value added
- The coastal marine industry and the spending of their employees supports 4,200 jobs and £109 million of value added in supply chain businesses
Rob Stevens, chief executive of the British Marine Federation, said: "I strongly welcome the publication of this report, which demonstrates the significant contribution of the coastal marinas sector in both value and employment terms to the UK economy and highlights the importance of securing access to the water.
“Marinas in the UK provide a focus for boating activity and a safe environment from which to plan adventures afloat with friends or family, explore our coastline or take part in the excitement of racing. They offer a huge variety of facilities and many sites are important centres of employment, with some playing a key role in regeneration and being visitor attractions in their own right.
"This report is essential reading for all those involved in shaping policy, setting out land use and economic strategies and making decisions about development plans around our coastline."
Roger Bright, chief executive of the Crown Estate, added: "As the major tidal landowner in the UK, The Crown Estate is delighted to have supported the production of this report into the economic benefits of marinas. We are taking an increasingly active interest in the economic opportunities that marinas and other coastal developments can provide in supporting coastal communities.
"This report, which summarises the contribution of coastal marinas to the UK economy, will be an important tool for decision makers involved in the planning and development of future coastal strategies."
Copies of the report arte available from the British Marine Federation.
