A COUPLE from Holbeton is hoping to convert South Hams boat owners to the joys of aluminium.

Chris and Sam Starkey are launching a range of aluminium vessels from their new business, Ensign Boats.

And the couple say that although aluminium is rarely used in UK boats, it offers great value for money and has other significant advantages. Popular in Australia and Canada, it is lightweight and withstands wear and tear much better than most materials.

Chris’ background as a marine engineer has involved working on everything from superyachts to small day boats. But his ambition has always been to design his own craft as he felt that there was a lack of practical, usable boats on the market.

He became familiar with aluminium boats after working with craftsmen in Australia, and decided to work with Sam to develop the idea, back in Devon.

The couple have received invaluable assistance from the Marine Innovation Centre at Plymouth University, which was set up with support from the European Regional Development Fund. MARIC works with inventors, entrepreneurs, aiming to make the South West’s marine and maritime businesses globally competitive.

The MARIC team connected Chris and Sam with marine consultant David Hull from Safeguard Nautica, who helped them with compliance testing and research into potential markets. As a result, Ensign Boats has developed a new model that will work for a number of sectors, including scientific research and the offshore wind industry. Chris said: ’Aluminium is a great material for boats – it’s light but tough, as well as being incredibly versatile. Having researched the market, we are now confident that we can persuade British boat owners that our hand-built aluminium boats are the perfect choice.

’It would be great to see aluminium boats becoming as popular here as they are in Australia or Canada.

’As we’ve set up Ensign, MARIC have been enormously helpful in connecting us with other businesses as well as giving their own advice and support. Having MARIC’s support has been like having a business consultant – the team has helped us overcome a number of hurdles.’

Steve Rice, Knowledge Exchange Officer at MARIC, said: ’Making the right connections is crucial when establishing a new business. Helping businesses connect with others in the sector is a key part of what MARIC does. I’m really pleased to see how the contacts Chris and Sam have made are helping them take their aluminium boats to market.’

Ensign is one of a growing number of South West marine businesses to benefit from working with MARIC through GAIN - the Growth, Acceleration and Investment Network, which connects Plymouth University with businesses.

Head of GAIN at Plymouth University Adrian Dawson said: ’This is another example of how the university can offer very practical advice to businesses. It is great to hear how MARIC has helped Sam and Chris turn a great idea into a promising business venture.’

To find out more about Ensign, visit www.ensignboats.co.uk.