British Marine Federation chief executive John Clarke today told Yachting Monthly there was no connection between falling attendances at the London Boat Show and the resignation of National Boat Shows managing director, Paul Streeter.

‘After six years in the job organising the London Boat Show needs new direction and a new view,’ said Clarke, ‘and Paul wanted to leave to follow a new career in exhibitions.’

Clarke said that the High Street was suffering as much as the LBS had and that the BMF was in discussion with ExCel to try and give the show ‘sunshine in winter’. He agreed that Earls Court had had a ‘wonderful’ atmosphere and that efforts were being made to improve the show at ExCel which, nevertheless, had a much broader audience from around the UK than did the Southampton show.