The BMF has announced this afternoon that its recently appointed president, Brian Peters, has decided to step down. The move comes after Peters’ company, Peters Opal, went into administration last week.

Rob Stevens, BMF Chief Executive said: “Brian has been a great servant to the marine industry, particularly during his time as Chairman of National Boat Shows helping to plan and run the London and Southampton Boat Shows.”

KPMG, the firm of accountants called in to administrate Peters Opal is keen to sell the business as a going concern.

Jane Moriarty, partner KPMG Restructuring and joint administrator said: “Due to difficult trading conditions the company has experienced extreme cash flow problems. Although the business continues to trade, we have unfortunately had to make 130 members of staff redundant.”

All queries regarding waranties should be referred to the offices at the PetersOpal site in Chichester Marina, telephone number 01243 511381. However, a spokesman for Peters claimed that many customers with outstanding waranties were being contacted by the company.

KPMG have set up a contact number for customers who have paid desposits on boats or had them sold by BA Peters PLC: Contact William Lewis, tel: 07771 555540