When Maritime Journal visited Ramsgate Harbour Slipways Ltd last year, the new joint owner David Hawkins spoke of his passion for the yard he had previously managed for A&P Group and his belief in the potential opportunity of taking over the facility.rnSix months later on a return visit it is clear that belief in the yard was well founded and that commitment and investment is starting to pay dividends by way of firm bookings and enquiries from both previous and new clients.rnDavid Hawkins explained that getting the initial business plan right was essential. 'We knew the yard's previous customers were still there but of course we had to convince them to return to us while at the same time seekrnnew potential customers. The previous article in Maritime Journal generated quite a bit of interest and we focused some of our marketing outside the immediate area and have had positive responses from as far away as Scotland.'rnThe yard is currently seeking to obtain contracts with larger commercial companies with a view to negotiating volume discounts on yearly refit bookings.
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