New look for British Nautical Awards

The British Nautical Awards, the Oscars of the British boating industry, are undergoing a 'changing rooms' style metamorphosis under their auspicious new production company the Liz Hobbs Group.

The British Nautical Awards aim to recognise excellence, achievement and innovation from people, products and boats in the British marine industry. Personalities to grace past Award Ceremonies include household names such as Ellen McArthur, Olympians Shirley Robertson, Ben Ainslie and Iain Percy and other talented sailors such as Sir Robin Knox Johnston, Pete Goss, Tracy Edwards and Tony Bullimore.

The new look Awards ceremony will be held, for the first time, at the prestigious Royal Lancaster Hotel in London that presents a host of new opportunities to the event, due to its versatile and flexible layout. The Royal Lancaster's award-winning conference and banqueting suites total over 25,000 square feet, making it one of the largest and most sophisticated venues in London. State of the art technology is operated from concealed control rooms by an experienced in-house production team.

A three-dimensional, ocean theme has been developed to run through the entire evening, from the arrival of guests, the start of the ceremony, the evening dinner and entertainments.

When asked 'why change a good thing?', the BNA's Chief Executive Jackie Phillipson answered, "The British Nautical Awards are a landmark for the British boating industry and as such, we aim to offer an event that not only meets the needs of the Awards, but can reach outside the industry to offer an event that has something for everyone."

Liz Hobbs Group, well known and respected for their modern flair for event management, were recently appointed to manage the 2001 British Nautical Awards ceremony to ensure that everything is 'alright on the night'. Boasting an impressive and diverse portfolio, which includes the Epsom Derby as well as open-air pop and classical concerts, Liz Hobbs MBE, a triple World Champion on the water in her own right, commented:

"Improvements can only ever come through taking advantage of new ideas, and we are confident that the changes we have made this year will create an even more exciting and special night for both the Award winners and guests.

"We aim to retain all of the best elements from previous years, and add to them so that the night will have something fresh and new to offer guests, whether this is their first or third Awards Ceremony."

As the closing date for nominations to the British Nautical Awards approaches, heads are now turning to securing a ticket to the event. Always a full house, tickets to the British Nautical Awards ceremony cost £125 inc. VAT and can be reserved at the BNA Ticket Desk via Carole Taylor, BMIF, Marina House, Meadlake Place, Thorpe Lea Road, Egham, Surrey TW20 8BF, Tel: 01784 223602; Fax 01784 439678; Email: carolt@bmif.co.uk. Cheques should be made payable to Yachting Awards Ltd. It is also possible to pay by most major credit cards.