GMBA appoints new UK representative

Global Marine Business Advisors (GMBA) has appointed David Barrow as its representative in the UK market following the resignation of incumbent David Lewin.

GMBA is a group of 23 marine industry consultants located on five continents and seventeen countries, which supports the global marine industry across a variety of disciplines and sectors.

“It is with a heavy heart we accepted David Lewin’s resignation,” says Veda Pretorius, chairperson of GMBA. “He has been a driving force for GMBA from the start. As the first chairperson of GMBA, he has left a proud legacy, having worked to set the scene for the continued growth and success of our consultancy group.”

GMBA says Barrow brings a wealth of experience and expertise. In 2022, he wrote a document for ICOMIA on “How to Set Up International Distribution Networks” and developed a database of 350 possible distributors for new companies to investigate. GMBA says this experience will be useful for its focus on developing clients’ distribution networks.

Barrow has also worked in manufacturing as director of Sparcraft, as aftersales director of Ancasta, and since 1991, managing director of Barrow International, working between manufacturers and distributors or OEMs.

“David’s network almost has a legendary status within the industry, and like all GMBA advisors can reach global connections who can either implement a solution, or know someone who can,” says Jouko Huju, GMBA Finland.

GMBA says it has seen a surge in interest from many businesses who require support to develop new markets, and need someone to help navigate the many issues they face when entering foreign markets.