As the first day of ASMEX draws to a close, the overwhelming theme was one of the Australian industry banding together and moving forward together.
Day one of the Australian Marine Export Group has drawn to a close, with the conference theme of building a business for future coming through strongly from conference speakers.
MC Martin Redmayne gave a rousing speech to open the day, drawing on his market research to point to a cautiously optimistic industry that was starting to move. From his perspective outside the Australian industry, Redmayne pointed out that the many challenges facing the European and US industries can create opportunities for the Australian market.
Political instability, safety concerns, overcrowding and privacy issues are practically non-existent in Australian waters, meaning it’s as important to market those elements that Australia lacks, alongside its many selling points.
Thom Dammrich, of the US National Marine Manufacturers association was more optimistic about the state of the market. Dammrich cited a slow but steady increase over the last five years; a trend which he believes will continue.
The Hon. Richard Colbeck addressed the attendees and expressed his intention to support the industry. There was a caveat however, with the minister exhorting industry members to fight on their own behalf to ensure industry conditions continue to steadily improve.
Steve Fisher led the charge on the refit front. Fisher discussed the importance of going to the clients, highlighting the tyranny of distance in the wider industry’s perception of Australia. The refit panel which followed agreed identifying relationships and constant communication as key to attracting and retaining superyacht clients for refit and repair.
After lunch, the theme of growing a future proof business continued as three European industry leaders spoke on their views on the industry. Nazir Tagi of Benetti Asia, Martin Baum of Pantaenius and Paul Archer of Arrow Services Monaco, all shared there views of the Asia Pacific market and how Australian companies can best capture that audience.
The day’s sessions wrapped with Marcus Blackmore, yacht owner, speaking on future development for companies already in existence, which the many business owners in attendance listened to closely.
As the day wrapped and delegates prepared for the evening’s award ceremony, recognising the best in the Australian industry, the overriding theme of the day was for steady for growth and planning for a bullet proof future that makes the most of Australia’s assets.
Contact: Isla McKechnie
