The British Marine Federation (BMF) has announced that a limited number of redundancies are to take place at its UK headquarters in Egham, Surrey.

The lay-offs at Marine House are part of a series of cost-saving measures that were implemented following a thorough review of budgets. The trade association is now entering a two-week period of consultation.

“We have done all we can to avoid these regrettable reductions,” says CEO Rob Stevens. “I know this is a difficult time for colleagues at Marine House but we will ensure that these changes will not compromise our core services or the industry’s two boat shows.

“The BMF is not immune to the current economic climate but by taking these tough decisions now we are putting ourselves in a sustainable position to continue to serve and champion the leisure marine industry.”

The BMF is the trade body for the UK marine industry, representing British interests both at home and abroad. It has 1,500 members representing an industry worth around £3.1m in turnover. The association also serves as organiser of the London and Southampton boat shows through its NBS subsidiary.