The Liverpool Boat Show has been valued at more than £1million, despite the first show not having taken place yet.

Liverpool Marina is paying £250,000 for a 20 per cent stake in the show, joining Liverpool City Council and British Waterways as backers of the event.

The inaugural show will take place from April 29 to May 8 in the city’s Albert Dock and organisers are predicting that more than 300,000 people will attend.

Marine Industry Events (MIE) is organising the Liverpool Boat Show and the marina’s main shareholder, David Beard, and his operational director, Dave Murray, will take a 20 per cent shareholding in the company and will join its board.

Mr Beard said: ‘This is an important day for us and we are delighted to be on board with MIE who have done such a fantastic job to date in making this event happen.

‘Most of the great coastal cities of the world can boast attractive recreational water space and a vibrant marina, but few are in Liverpool’s class.

‘We look forward to working closely with the city council, British Waterways and Liverpool Waterfront Partnership in making the boat show a success and hopefully attracting other events which will continue to raise the city’s global profile.’

MIE managing director Rob McKenzie said: ‘We are delighted to have the Marina working with us and at the commitment they have shown to helping us make this unique event a resounding success.

‘There is tremendous synergy between their marine-related skills and facilities and our aspirations.’

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