10 December 2009
Resilient business model is key to survival in global financial crisis

Gulf Craft unveiled the secret behind the company's international success and regional dominance at the eagerly awaited 'Pocket MBA' programme hosted by the Hult International Business School, which took place between 8-9 December 2009 in Dubai.

Erwin Bamps, COO of Gulf Craft addressed a group of distinguished professionals from a cross-section of disciplines at the innovative business seminar on the over-arching topic of, 'Challenges in the manufacturing sector'. The lecture also highlighted the necessity   for the recruitment and retention of qualified personnel in today's increasingly challenging commercial environment. Seminar attendees were able to learn about the key challenges and issues that have affected the luxury yacht manufacturing industry during the global downturn.

"As an industry thought leader, Gulf Craft has long been regarded as a model for business success in the manufacturing and luxury segments. It is no secret that the global yacht industry has been hard hit over the last twelve months, with many European manufacturers bearing the brunt of the tough economic conditions. The impact of the downturn will separate those manufacturers who have resilient business models and strong fundamentals from those who over extended during the boom years."

"Our regular involvement with highly respected business schools is no co-incidence. As one of the UAE's most successful exports, it is only natural that we provide business insights and expertise to the region's top business schools.  The Hult Business School provides professionals with an excellent opportunity to broaden their knowledge of all industries and gain insight from industry leaders about topics as varied as innovation and strategy, decision-making and career planning and how they can be successfully applied to all businesses," said Mr. Bamps.

"Participants were able to gain valuable insights from Mr. Bamps' presentation entitled 'Business at War'. The example of a successful Middle Eastern brand competing on a global scale will no doubt encourage the students to think out of the box in today's competitive world of opportunities and challenges," said Sunil Baby, Associate Director - Career Services, HULT International Business School.

-Ends- 

About Gulf Craft:
Gulf Craft Inc, based in the United Arab Emirates, exports more than 70 per cent of its output and its leisure craft and super-luxury yachts are to be found in virtually every major harbour of the world.

The company's flagship Majesty Yachts brand combines style and elegance with high-technology to create the epitome of truly royal cruising. These elegant thoroughbreds of the sea spare neither expense nor effort to set the definitive 'state of the art' standard for ocean-going luxury.

The Majesty Yachts series begins with a 44-footer, through a series of size options up to the Majesty 135.  Gulf Craft has witnessed a significant increase in demand for its super-yachts and the company's ability to keep up with demand has helped to firmly establish it as a major player in the highly competitive super-yacht segment.

The company also produces the Silvercraft series of family and smaller leisure craft, a wide and diverse range of smaller family and fishing boats that have been the product range at the origin of Gulf Craft's fiberglass boatbuilding heritage.

In 2005, it introduced the Oryx sport cruisers - the sea-borne equivalent of an elite sports car - that became an instant hit within weeks of launching at the Dubai International Boat Show.  Now the Oryx has evolved into a family of high-performance sport yachts and cruisers of different sizes that are exported worldwide. In 2009 Gulf Craft launched the Oryx 54 fly-bridge luxury sports yacht, taking the already hugely popular Oryx range to another level and cemented its popularity among sport boat enthusiasts.

Today, Gulf Craft ranks as one of the world leading manufacturers and exporters of fiberglass leisure craft, one of a handful of boat-builders in the world with the capacity and the capability to produce yachts of more than 100 feet in overall length. With thousands of its vessels cruising international waters, its products are highly respected in the global yacht-building industry.

For further details contact:  
Rijosh Joseph
d'pr
Telephone: +971 (0)4 3444 901
Email: rijosh@d-pr.ae

© Press Release 2009