Case Studies

North Wales Watersports

11/08/2006

The marine leisure market is one of the fastest growing international markets offering high value, innovative products and services, driven by the all year round popularity of water sports and increased consumer affluence.

In 2002, a report was commissioned by the WDA, aimed at identifying the current, short term and long term potential of the marine industry in North Wales.

This report was undertaken on their behalf by BIC Eryri cyf, soon to become BIC Innovation. Amongst many of their findings, it was reported that the industry needed to generate a formalised marine forum which could liaise and interact with the public sector.

With careful guidance and mentoring by BIC Innovation, and after a year of developing contacts and working to gain the confidence of the industry, North Wales Watersports was registered with Companies House as a company limited by guarantee.

Additional help from BIC secured a three year Interreg 3A business measure project and a partnership with, amongst others, the Irish Marine Federation. NWW has gone from strength to strength, with a membership of over 60 marine based local SME’s. It is currently undertaking a variety of marketing, training and infrastructure projects designed to help strengthen the industry’s position and standing as a major contributor to the economy of North Wales.

Stuart Gibson, North Wales Watersports Co-ordinator commented

"Its great to know is that BIC Innovation is still there at the end of the phone, regardless of the fact that NWW has ‘flown the nest"