The CMP programme, formed by The Global Marina Institute (GMI) and the British Marine Federation (BMF) is designed to give recognition to long standing and proven professionalism in the marina industry. It sits alongside the well established Certified Marina Manager (CMM) designation.
Walcon Marine celebrates its 50th year in business in 2013. And it seems fitting that the self titled “grandfather of the pontoon business”, Robin Walters, founder and chairman, received the award himself at the recent BMF Marinas Conference from Mick Bettesworth, GMI chairman and managing director, MDL Marinas.
Mr Walters told Maritime Journal that he was surprised to receive the award, despite the fact that Walcon pioneered the first marina concept back in 1964. “Since then we have completed over 100,000 marina installations”, he said.
“Our long term success has been down to the fact that we’ve never compromised on quality, we’ve been winning jobs even through the recession. We know what we’re doing and we focus on edging above the competition with our customer service.”
Although Mr Walters has taken more of a back seat in day to day operations at Walcon; his son James is the MD; he still plays an active role in policy. He was instrumental in instigating the Yacht Harbour Association’s (TYHA) seventh edition code of practice launched at the beginning of May and was involved in its initial set up.
Meanwhile, Walcon are speedily working towards the completion of the King Point Marina project in Plymouth which is imminent. And the company’s self-propelled piling and construction barge, the Walcon Wizard is also booked out solidly until Easter 2014.
Walcon is responsible for the installation of Seawork International’s pontoons every year. Visit them at Seawork 2013 on stand number A57.
