Statement on acquisition of Gweek Quay 20 July 2017
/To all Gweek Quay residents, boat owners, employees, Gweek residents and contractors,
It is with great pleasure that we announce the acquisition of the business of Gweek Quay. Everyone has experienced many false dawns to the revival of this important and historic boat yard, but, I hope this announcement will start a new way of working with all the Gweek Quay community. The new purchasers are Malcolm and Maria Beaton plus Mark Aichroth. Malcolm is a farmer from Somerset with a passion for turning around businesses. Mark is a businessman, ex soldier and a keen sailor of classic yachts, plus has spent many of his early years in Gillan Cove near Helford.
We realise Gweek Quay’s importance within the maritime industry and the local community, we also realise that it is a home and place of work to many people who consider it their own. This responsibility has been seriously considered prior to purchase. This is a one year project to get the boat yard back on its feet, tidy and a place one would want to visit and bring one’s boat.
This project is both exciting and challenging. We need to perform many tasks to restore the reputation of the boatyard and get it going as a flourishing business. There are tasks that need to be completed; including creating a safe environment, finishing the ground works and pontoons. Additionally, we need to be steadfast in making the business pay for itself and meeting commitments to all those involved. This may well include some change as to how things have been done historically and changes to the administration and running of the business. Change can be difficult but also positive to many. We have quickly realised that the boat yard cannot continue as it is. We will keep you all informed as things progress and what our plans are with frequent updates.
Malcolm and I plan to meet you over the coming weekend and to hear your views of what should be done and your aspirations for the yard. Jill Wedge will circulate times that we are able to meet. In the meantime, please do not hesitate to get in touch on email or telephone and I will endeavour to respond as quickly as possible. Mark.aichroth@btopenworld.com telephone 07767640986.