UK News

According to a recent report for Maritime UK, the sector reports strong growth with an increase of 12.7% in turnover, 6.6% in GVA and 3.9% in employment over a five-year period.

It also showed that productivity per worker stood well above the UK average at £77,897, compared to £50,830, and that the sector contributes nearly £40 billion to the UK economy.

“As the engine of British trade, the UK maritime sector supports nearly 1 million jobs, contributes tens of billions to the UK GDP and drives exports as well as inward investment. Half a trillion pounds worth of goods pass through UK ports each year,” said David Dingle, chairman of Maritime UK. Continue reading “Good news: UK maritime sector boosts the economy by £22bn”

Sam Newington, the man who built Fairline into one of Britain’s leading boat manufacturers, has died peacefully at home aged 82. The family’s involvement with the marine industry began in 1964 when Sam’s father Jack Newington converted a gravel pit in Oundle, digging a trench to link it to the River Nene. Oundle Marina was created, the basis for a small inland waterways and marina business that hired and repaired boats. It was originally something of a hobby alongside the family’s main business of frozen foods. In 1966 Jack bought a mould for a 19ft glass fibre boat from a failing company. That boat became the Fairline 19 and Fairline was born.

Continue reading “Sam Newington, son of Fairline founder, passes away peacefully”