Coronavirus impacts UK marine
British Marine says some UK marine businesses are being affected by the coronavirus outbreak, which is causing disruption to supply chains.
CEO Lesley Robinson said the trade body would be monitoring the situation and would ‘offer relevant and rapid support and guidance to our members if required.
‘This could include connecting them with alternative UK suppliers in our membership to ensure business as usual continues,’ she added.
Ian Thomson runs Nestaway Boats and sells inflatable boats and epropulsion electric outboards, which are both made in China. He said although factories had now reopened there was a ‘bigger problem’ of ‘getting the goods out of China due to the knock-on effect to shipping’.
He has now arranged for 10-12 inflatable boats to be flown to the UK in order to meet customer orders on time, which will cost the firm additional money.