I am looking at local authorities, government or other business support for us in the Marine Charter Industry.
Most of PCA members are small individual companies either set up as self employed sole traders or ltd companies with those involved taking dividends from their business. A very large number do not operate from home offices and have no registered business premises with rates. This is where we are are seeing our industry massively affected and dropping out of any financial support.
On speaking to members I am hearing a varied response on what their local marinas are doing for them in relation to fees and access if needed. I am aware that British Marine are in consultation with most large marina companies with regards to the annual fees that have just become payable. I would urge you to talk directly with your own marinas and explain what financial difficulties you are facing with no work during what is now the main season. The Marinas are working out a short, medium and long term strategy on costing once they can be sure of the length of time this continues and also what help they may get from the Government for their own companies.
I spoke on 2nd April 2020 to British Marine and also The Federation of Small Businesses. They are still lobbying MPs and Government for support for our section of the industry and have asked that each person writes to their local MP. (needs to be where your business is registered or your own MP). To identify your MP please check out here :- https://www.parliament.uk/mps-lords-and-offices/mps/find-your-mp/
In light of this I have drafted a letter below for you to adapt for your company (please cut , add and paste as needed):-
MODEL TEXT TO MP FROM CHARTER BOAT & PASSENGER BOAT BUSINESSES
PLEASE AMEND AS NECESSARY
TITLE
Your Address Date
Dear [MP NAME]
I write to you in our most desperate hour of need.
I am sure you are overwhelmed with requests for advice and help in the current crisis.
Following the UK public being told to avoid all non-essential travel, our business has seen overnight, quite literally, the end of boating charters from our base.
[PLEASE PROVIDE MORE DETAIL ON YOUR OWN BUSINESS ACTIVITY]
To support the national effort in tackling the coronavirus pandemic, our base has now closed and stopped taking bookings until [DATE]. We are, where we can, offering deferrals and credits, however, in some cases, we are also having to simply provide full refunds. This is significantly affecting our cash flow at the worst financial point in a seasonal business.
[NAME OF YOUR COMPANY] is a member of Professional Charter Association, the independent voice of the Boat Charter. We are also members of [ British Marine] [Federation of Small Businesses]
Please, I would ask, as a small business operating in the Marine leisure industry, that you do all you can to raise this issue amongst your colleagues in Westminster and to ask the Secretary of State how he intends to support the many chaarter boat, passenger boat, and marina operators who provide such a key role in domestic tourism.
If you are able to, I would be delighted to discuss the impact that this pandemic is having on our business with you in more detail.
[SIGN OFF]
Newsletter continues:-
On a separate issue I will as chair be writing on behalf of The PCA to the main government depts and heads covering very similar issue asking for financial support for our industry which in the majority of cases has fallen through support mechanisms . It is also worth checking your local authority websites as some are offering grants which have come from the government.
This is a fair amount to take in but would urge all members to write to your MP requesting support and I will continue to monitor updates
Stay safe and well. Ian
Chair
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Dont forget to keep using social media, it's free and we use it to promote your business too
The Team,
Website Communications
Charters Association,
email: newsletter@chartersassociation.co.uk web: www.chartersassociation.co.uk
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