#Trade - Irish yacht brokers were among a range of smaller firms enjoying some buoyant trade at last week's London Boat Show.

And it's this growth within the domestic UK and Ireland market that's keeping the marine industry afloat as Britain's export market faces another difficult year, according to the Guardian.

Domestic sales have offset an 8.7% fall in foreign sales revenues across the leisure boat, small commercial vessel and superyacht markets, claims trade body the British Marine Federation (BMF).

Taking the blame for this are continuing financial troubles in the eurozone and what the industry says is Westminster's failure to provide expected funding to the BMF to attract overseas deals at shows like London and beyond.

The trade body also points out that the renewed focus on domestic sales runs against the UK government's push towards manufacturing for export.

The Guardian has more on the story HERE.