Q: Am I eligible for a BMF Training Grant?A: If you are a member of the British Marine Federation, you are eligible for a grant of up to £500.00 per financial year, rules apply. BMF Short Courses are not eligible, as they are already discounted. Click here for more information and the application form.
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Q: Does the British Marine Federation cater for new exporters too? A: Certainly; International Development necessarily encompasses encouraging and supporting a company's transition from domestic to international markets and more so as an official sponsor of numerous supported events.
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Q: How do I get involved with exporting? A: We can arrange a meeting and discuss your specific case. We can help and we work closely with a number of organisations with different important roles in supporting the international expansion of the British marine industry.
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Q: What is UK Trade & Investment? A: UK Trade & Investment, www.uktradeinvest.gov.uk is the export development initiative of the UK government, a joint structure of the Department for Business, Enterprise & Regulatory Reform and the Foreign Commonwealth Office (FCO); this means there is an overseas based network of support through the commercial posts in the different British embassies and a local contact (International Trade Advisers ITA) for you to work with. We can put you in contact with a Marine specialist ITA.
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Q: Where can I find a list of marine overseas events supported by UK Trade & Investment funding?A: Please contact the International Team as the list changes each year.
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Q: What market research is available on export markets? A: We commission reports, can refer you to others available or facilitate the process if you need a tailor made study. Go to our section on Market Research.
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Q: If my event or market of interest is not contained within the Programme, are there alternative opportunities? A: Visit www.uktradeinvest.gov.uk and select the market; all running supported events such as missions and exhibitions are listed there. You may need to register on the site to get the full sector information.
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Q: How do I find the level of import duty for my product in my target market? A: The best route is to contact the commercial office of the relevant British embassy in the target market. Visit www.uktradeinvest.gov.uk and select the market; your contacts are listed there.
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Q: How can I gain exposure to overseas press A: An Inward Missions of journalists is organised by the British Marine Federation every two years to test new boats, products and equipment.
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Q: How can I access overseas buyers? A: An Inward Missions of Buyers (International One to One) provides the opportunity for one-to-one meetings to discuss business opportunities directly with key distributors or OEMs. This annual event offers key support to a business export programme and can provide leads to explore new markets and make important overseas contacts.
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Q: Where do I go to find marine courses?A: A good place to start is our list of colleges
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Q: How much will my subscription cost?A: Your subscription is based on your companies’ annual marine turnover. There are a number of bands, with the minimum subscription starting at £200 plus VAT.
Members who do not exhibit at our Boat Shows will qualify for a 20% discount on their subscription, subject to the minimum subscription of £200.
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Q: Our Company’s main area of business isn’t marine related but we do have a marine section of the business, can we still become a member?A: Yes, and your subscription will only be based on your “marine turnover”.
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Q: My company needs Boatlifting and Hoist Training. Have you got any recommendations of providers?A: This training is not available through the BMF,click here to download a list of providers around the country.
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Q: My staff need to receive LPG training. Can they do that through the BMF?A: The BMF organises re-assessment courses every five years. For all other LPG training, please view the List of LPG Training Providers for a course near to you
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Q: My company has a job vacancy and we would like to advertise this on your website. How do we do that?A: All BMF Members can advertise their job vacancies on our website free-of-charge. For non-member companies, there is a charge of £100.00 + VAT. Click here to submit your job vacancy.
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Q: I would like to book a member of staff on one of your short courses. Is there a form to fill in?A: We do have a Short Course Booking Form which you must fill in and return to the Training Department with payment.
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Q: Who is in the BMF Statistics and Market Research service?A: Karen Boss is the BMF Researcher. She has over 10 year’s market research experience, formerly agency side before joining the BMF in February 2005.
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Q: Who is the Environment Executive at BMF?A: Brian Clark is the Environment Executive at the BMF. Brian has been at the BMF since June 2005 and previously worked for the Environment Agency.
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Q: How do I keep up to date on environmental issues?A: Go to www.ecop.org.uk and register your details. Every time there is an update, you will automatically be contacted.
Or
Visit www.thegreenblue.org.uk
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Q: How do I input into consultation responses?A: Visit the Government Relations consultation diary section and download the consultation review. Then feed back any comments to the Environment Executive.
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Q: How do I take advantage of the FREE planning advice?A: If you are a member of BMF, contact the Environment Executive who will process your request for 3 free hours planning advice.
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Q: As a new marine company can I join the British Marine Federation? A: Yes, providing you can supply 3 trade references for your new company and additionally we may ask for a bank or accountants reference.
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Q: Why do BMF members get a preferential rate for your publications?A: One of the key benefits of membership is that our members can obtain all publications for a preferential rate. We negotiate discounts for reports published by partner organisations such as ICOMIA and IBI Consulting. All non-members of BMF can also purchase the reports at cover price.
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Q: I want to commission some market research, where do I find an agency?A: The Market Reserch Society (MRS) is the worlds’ largest association for this sector. It produces The Research Buyer's Guide which is a directory of member organisations in the UK and Republic of Ireland offering market research and related services. (see www.rbg.org.uk). Listed here are agencies for all types of research, be it a full market research project or an omnibus service where you buy per question on a national survey
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Q: Why should I complete the surveys and forms sent by BMF?A: Completing our surveys and forms ensures that the BMF is representing the industry accurately. Responding to our surveys and the full member data collection of the Formal Declaration of Turnover form is crucial to calculate the full industry revenue. Without your feedback, the BMF is in danger of under-representing the industry when it is critical that we promote the size and importance of the industry.
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Q: I want to see who my competitors are, how can I find out who is operating in my sector?A: All BMF members can be viewed by sector by clicking here (link to find a member) but for the whole of the industry, including non-BMF members, you can purchase business lists from independent providers. Lists can be chosen by company name, sector and more details depending on your requirement. We have used companies such Experian for our data model and Dunn & Bradstreet in the past, however we are unable to share the lists as against data protection.
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Q: I want to be a Marine Apprentice?A: Check our list of colleges for a course near you. Contact Paragon and ITE Training Group Ltd/Marine Skills Centre or visit this website for more information. Another route is to contact local marine related companies near you for a work placement as an apprentice, but you still need to find a course to run parallel with your work placement.
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Q: I am looking for a job in the Marine Industry. Can you help me?A: You can forward your CV to us from the Jobseekers Section . A paragraph about you will be posted on our website and published in British Marine News, our monthly newsletter. If any companies are interested, they will contact us and we will forward your CV to them. Also look in the Job Vacancy Section for jobs advertised on our website.
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Q: What is an Overseas Seminar ? A: An Overseas Seminar provides the opportunity to travel to a market to evaluate its potential for your export business. Trips include visits to exhibitions, boat yards, marina developments and event negotiations.
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Q: What is an Inward Mission? A: An Inward Mission is an event where the British Marine Federation invites overseas contacts, typically press or buyers, to visit the UK to build business relations with the industry.
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Q: What export training is available? A: Courses include Managing and Motivating Distributors, Export Masterclass and Export Fundamentals. For further information, please contact our Training Department
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Q: I need a standard contract for selling a boat. Can the BMF provide such a document?A: Yes, BMF have a range of template agreements available, together with a guidance note explaining which is the most suitable agreement to use in the circumstances. To download copies, go to Contracts & Guidance Notes and login.
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Q: Where can I get funding for my training?A: There is some funding available from Train to Gain and The Worshipful Company of Shipwrights who fund training for individuals.
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Q: Where can I find out about the BMET (British Marine Electronics Technician Scheme)?A: Go to the BMET Section to read about this scheme. You can download all the relevant documentation needed to prepare, register for the exam and read the syllabus.
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Q: I have a basic legal query. Is there someone I can call for quick and free advice?
A: BMF provides a free 24-hour legal helpline, through our partner FirstAssist. To access details, log in and visit the FirstAssist section.
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Q: I have a legal dispute and need to consult with lawyers who have knowledge of the marine industry. Do BMF know of any suitable firms?A: There are currently over 15 BMF member companies who practice in the marine law field, who maybe able to advise you. Visit the Member Legal Directory for contact details.
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Q: I am currently having a dispute with one of my customers. Do I have to go to Court in order to settle the dispute?A: No, there are a number of Alternative Dispute Resolution methods that can be used before or instead of taking the dispute through the courts. One of these methods is Mediation which the BMF promotes through the independent Academy of Experts. Mediation is a quicker and cheaper method of settling disputes but does not preclude your right to use the courts should a settlement not be reached. For further information, visit the Dispute Resolution page.
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Q: I have some queries relating to employment issues in my business. Is there somewhere I can get advice and guidance?A: Visit the FirstAssist page and enter the web based manual. Here you will find employment information, supporting checklists and guidance covering recruitment through to dismissal, including recruitment & selection, disciplinary procedures & dismissals, and absence & sickness policies.
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Q: I have a basic legal query. Is there someone I can call for quick and free advice?A: BMF provides a free 24-hour legal helpline, through our partner FirstAssist. To access details, log in and visit the FirstAssist section.
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