UK marine industry resilient as exports surge 33%

British Marine, the membership organisation leading the UK leisure, superyacht, and small commercial marine industry, has released its new annual economic report, detailing the economic impact of the UK marine industry from 2022-23.

The report, titled “The Economic Benefits of the Leisure, Superyacht & Small Commercial Marine Industry, 2022-23,” offers an overview of the industry’s significant contribution to the UK economy, providing analysis and statistics on industry turnover, Gross Value Added (GVA), employment figures, and the balance of trade concerning imports and exports.

It also presents government statistics covering a range of other economic metrics relating to the financial performance of the UK economy and marine industry, as well as sentiment data derived from national and marine industry business and consumer surveys, monitoring quarterly sales performance, business outlook and business trading conditions.

In his foreword, Lord Davies of Gower, UK minister for maritime, international and security, states: “This report offers a fascinating insight into the breadth and depth of the UK’s marine industry… [it] highlights the important contribution of the marine industry to our wider economy.”

Despite the current global economic challenges, statistics for 2022/23 within the report illustrate how the marine industry has demonstrated its adaptability and resilience.

The report highlights a 12.5 per cent growth in industry revenue, reaching an estimated £4.41bn for the 2022-23 period. This growth has been partly fuelled by inflation, with prices rising approximately 4.7 per cent above the average inflation levels.

The industry’s direct Gross Value Added (GVA) contribution to the UK’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) saw a 6.7 per cent increase to £1.68n. The industry’s direct workforce has also grown, with the number of full-time equivalent jobs having risen during 2022-23 by 6.6 per cent to 38,336.

That figure dramatically increases to an estimated 753,838 FTE jobs when taking into account the wider indirect economic contribution the marine industry has had on other sectors, such as hospitality services. This, combined with its increased GVA, underscores the sector’s vital contribution to the national economy.

The UK marine industry has also made a notable impact on the international stage, with a 33.2 per cent increase in exports, amounting to £937m. This success is attributed to the global demand for UK-made boats, including sailing yachts, rigid inflatables, and luxury motor yachts, showcasing the UK’s leading position in marine manufacturing and innovation.

The report also sheds light on the positive trends in domestic demand, which remained strong in 2022, with imports almost doubling in size over the year, growing 90.7 per cent in 2021. It also highlights a surge in early career training, with government statistics showing that apprenticeship starts have grown 23.3 per cent (to 5,080), with 760 apprentices graduating in 2022-23, treble the number in 2021-22, signalling a positive outlook for its future growth and sustainability.

“This report underscores the resilience and dynamic nature of the UK’s marine industry amidst the challenging economic conditions of 2022-23,” says Lesley Robinson, CEO of British Marine. “Our members have demonstrated remarkable adaptability, capitalising on both domestic and international opportunities to drive growth. The report not only highlights the economic significance of our industry but also reflects the collective efforts and dedication of British Marine members.”

British Marine economic report 2022-2023: Key points

• The industry has maintained growth amidst high inflation and declining consumer sentiment.
• The combined economic contribution of the marine industry, estimated at £17.38bn, reflects its broad impact on the UK economy.
• Strong export performance, particularly in sailing yachts, rigid inflatables, and luxury motor yachts.
• Significant growth in imports driven by robust domestic demand for various boat types.
• Growth in full-time equivalent jobs and a surge in apprenticeship starts, emphasising the industry’s role in supporting employment and skills development.
• Britons looked to domestic recreation as an antidote to the cost of living challenges, seeing tourism grow year-on-year, with coastal charter and passenger boat excursions seeing the greatest growth.

“While our 2022-23 economic report shines a light on the significant achievements of the UK marine industry, it also brings into focus the ongoing challenges we face amidst the evolving economic landscape,” says Robinson.

“Growth in industry revenue and a substantial increase in exports, are tempered by the high inflation rates and shifting consumer sentiment. Our industry’s resilience and innovative capacity have been pivotal, yet the backdrop of a global slowdown and the need for continued adaptability remain clear.

“The surge in domestic demand and the remarkable increase in apprenticeships signal a vibrant future, yet they also underscore the necessity of addressing the skills gap and fostering sustainable growth amidst uncertainties.

“As we look to the future, British Marine remains committed to supporting and advocating for our members and the wider industry, ensuring the continued success and contribution to the UK economy.

“Our journey forward is one of cautious optimism, as we work together to harness opportunities while remaining mindful of the hurdles that we may face in the future.”

British Marine members can access the full report free of charge on the British Marine website.

Non-members can purchase a copy of the report for £500 by emailing British Marine.