Invaluable networking and business advice at the BMF Conference

'How to grow your business' was the theme at the annual British Marine Federation conference this week. BMF members, spanning leisure, superyacht and small commercial marine sectors, came together to network, share best practice and learn from inspiring experts at the two-day event. Excellence in the industry was also highlighted with the presentation of the BMF Awards to eight member companies, whilst Captain John Percival was honoured posthumously receiving the Peter Millward Memorial Award. The conference was held in Liverpool as part of the International Festival of Business 2014.

Howard Pridding, BMF Chief Executive said: "Two of the most important requests from members, as seen in the recent member survey, are to provide networking opportunities across the country and advice and support on growing your business. The BMF Conference delivered both of these. The speakers this year were fascinating and if we all, the federation included, implement much of the advice we will work towards making the marine industry even more successful and profitable."

Andrew McMillan, former John Lewis Partnership customer service specialist, was a real inspiration as this year's keynote speaker and captured the attention of the entire audience. Using examples from Virgin Airlines, John Lewis, easyjet and First Direct, he talked BMF members through the customer service experience and how to get it right. Providing tips, insights and simple advice his guidance should prove very effective to those delegates who take his practices back into their own businesses.

Amrit Sandhar from Best Companies was more challenging. His session was very thought-provoking and challenged the members present to really interrogate their management styles and rate their employee engagement. 'Thirty million employees in the UK; only 1 in 3 is engaged' is an alarming statistic and Amrit clearly demonstrated that improving this engagement really will deliver commercial results for businesses.

Dr Simon Gerrard from Southampton Marine and Maritime Institute (SMMI) talked about the importance of taking part in the on-going Supply Chain Study before Stephen Guy gave members an insight into the Merseyside Maritime Museum, the venue for the conference. Updates on BMF and boat shows activity were also given, before delegates separated into breakout groups to discuss tourism, superyacht and small commercial issues in more detail.

The conference gave BMF members an ideal chance to meet each other and discuss potential business opportunities. The black-tie dinner the night before at Liverpool Town Hall provided a relaxed networking opportunity which then helped to bring people together at the conference the following day.