David Hawkins explained that getting the initial business plan right was essential. ‘We knew the yard’s previous customers were still there but of course we had to convince them to return to us while at the same time seek new potential customers. The previous article in Maritime

Journal generated quite a bit of interest and we focused some of our marketing outside the immediate area and have had positive responses from as far away as Scotland.’

The yard is currently seeking to obtain contracts with larger commercial companies with a view to negotiating volume discounts on yearly refit bookings.

At the time of the visit the Thames Sailing Barge ‘Will’ and the Faversham registered cockle dredger ‘Oly Ray’ were undergoing repair and maintenance work on two of the yard’s four slipways. Recent months have also seen a procession of local pleasure craft using the smaller slipways.

As to the future, the emphasis is on consolidating progress so far and investing in the facilities, including the refurbishment and upgrading of slipways two and three and to expand  services in Ramsgate by providing consumables to the marine industry through direct sales and via the internet. Part of the strategy to raise the profile includes exhibiting at Seawork 2007 this month.

David Hawkins told MJ of the interest generated locally by the slipways in the centre of the harbour and seafront area of the town. ‘The support locally has been good. The many enquiries we get from members of the public interested in the various vessels on our slips confirms the important community and historical interest in the site.’

By Peter Barker