An Essex firm which makes boat propellers discussed how Government can help the marine sector when it met with a Government Minister at the London Boat Show this week.

Minister of State for Trade and Investment Lord Maude of Horsham visited the Bruntons Propellers stand yesterday and discussed its success in exporting its products.

The Clacton-on-Sea company, which designs and manufactures propellers and other propulsion systems for sailing and motor yachts, discussed supporting the sector in key areas such as manufacturing, skills and exports.

Managing director Adrian Miles said: “It was a pleasure to meet with the minister at our stand during the London Boat Show. It gave us a great opportunity to show the innovative and unique products we have developed and manufacture for the worldwide marine market and how a very high percentage are for export sales.

“We were encouraged to hear that he wants to support our sector as we have many new ideas for boosting export trade and being a relatively small company, Government support will most certainly aid our growth.”

Lord Maude said: “I was impressed with what I saw today at the London Boat Show. Marine is an important industry for the UK, making a valued contribution to the economy and boosting exports. UK marine expertise is in demand across the world, particularly in areas such as brokerage and manufacturing, and Government is committed to creating the conditions for growth and effective support for exporters, so that it continues to flourish.”

Howard Pridding, chief executive of British Marine, said they were “delighted” to host the Minister at the London Boat Show.

“The UK’s leisure marine industry is a vibrant sector, worth almost £3bn to UK PLC and supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs,” he said.

“We welcome the Government’s renewed focus on marine and maritime, and with more joined-up working with the Business department, in areas including skills, exports and manufacturing, the industry will continue to grow and export, to provide jobs and to contribute to an improving economy.”