Influential force of Liverpool Boat Show steering group revealed
Leading figures from the Irish Sea’s sailing community have come together under the helmsmanship of round-the-world sailor Sir Robin Knox-Johnston to form a steering group for the Liverpool Boat Show 2011.
Representatives from the English, Scottish and Irish boating communities have joined forces with leading North West business and public sector players to sit on the panel, which will meet on a regular basis.
The steering committee’s make-up effectively gives the show’s organisers access to the entire Irish Sea sailing community and its tens of thousands of boating enthusiasts.
The steering group of 17 senior representatives will provide advice and creative input to the organising team behind the inaugral show, due to be held in the city at the end of April next year in the magnificent surroundings of the Albert Dock.
Senior officers from Liverpool City Council, economic development company Liverpool Vision, the Northwest Regional Development Agency and official tourism agency The Mersey Partnership are among those who have pledged their time to the steering group.
They will bring to the project the combined resources and expertise of the region’s key public sector agencies, providing infrastructure, marketing and event management support between now and the event.
They are joined by figures from the north of England’s sailing and boating community, as well as Scotland and Ireland, and by heavyweight boating business players, including Nick Powell, Head of Marketing, Sealine International/Brunswick Group, and Steve Conlon, Business Development Director for the Irish Marine Federation.
The steering group met for the first time this week in Liverpool. They were updated on the plans so far and told that some 10,000 tickets had already been sold to local businesses pledging to take Founder Partner packages for the event.
Sir Robin Knox-Johnston said: “We have deliberately recruited members from a wide range of backgrounds so that we get the best representation we can from all potential stakeholders.
“Leading figures from the region’s sailing and boating clubs will bring with them a wealth of local enthusiasm and the networks to reach a massive audience of enthusiasts around the Irish Sea, whilst representatives of manufacturers and dealers will ensure their interests are given the right priority.
“The show also has unheard of levels of backing from the local authorities who have the power and the resources to deliver major city-wide events on a grand scale.
“The enthusiasm of members at the first meeting was unbelievable. There is a genuine appetite for the event from across the north of the UK as it is seen as filling a major gap in the boating calendar.”
Warren Bradley, leader of Liverpool City Council, added: “I’m delighted that we have senior officers sitting on the steering group to lend our support to an event which we are absolutely committed to. It is so encouraging to see private sector businesses, enthusiasts and the public sector come together in this way to ensure we deliver a show like no other.”
Eastern Airways, Virgin Trains and Guinness are already formal partners for the event, which takes place from 29th April to 8th May.
The show is being delivered by Marine Industry Events Ltd in partnership with Liverpool City Council, the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA), Liverpool Vision, British Waterways, Albert Dock Liverpool, The Mersey Partnership and the new Liverpool Waterfront Partnership.
The show has secured funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the support of key industry exhibitors.
The steering group:
Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, Chairman of the Steering Group
Rob Mackenzie, Managing Director, Marine Ind Events
Jim Teasdale, Chief Executive, Mersey Maritime Group
Jim Wilson, Chief Executive, Wales Watersports
James Gower, Commercial & Marketing Director, Marine Industry Events
Andy Roy, Senior Partner, Baker Tilly Isle of Man - marine division
Alistair Soane – Vice President, Liverpool Yacht Club
John Percival – Principal, Hoylake Sailing School
Nick Powell – Head of Marketing, Sealine International / Brunswick Group
Lorraine Rogers – Chief Executive, The Mersey Partnership
Alison McRae, Director of Destination Liverpool, Liverpool City Council
John Thorpe, Commodore, Manchester Cruising Association
Jim Gill, Chief Executive, Liverpool Vision
Howard Morison, Commodore, Clyde Cruising Club
Peter Dickie – Dickies International
Sheldon Phillips - Head Major Events, NWDA
Steve Conlon, Business Development Director, Irish Marine Federation
Judith Feather, Head of Events LCC
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