April 2013 - Job Opportunity
Full-Time Sales Coordinator
We are currently looking for a sales coordinator to operate within our internal sales desk in Inverness. The role requires efficient professional telephone manner, IT skills and preferably a marine industry background or interest. This is a full time, permanent post. If you are interested, please email recruitment@gaelforce.net with your details and CV.
Major Expansion in the Wind for Ambitious Gael Force Group
Eddie Tomkinson, retiring managing director of Varis Engineering (left) with Stewart Graham, Gael Force Group’s managing director, at Gael Force’s base in Inverness.
Leading marine equipment and services company Gael Force has launched a significant growth plan for a range of key markets with the acquisition of Forres-based Varis Engineering.
The deal complements Gael Force’s existing engineering capabilities and enhances the ambitious firm’s drive to build sales from £15 million to £50 million in the next five years, with further growth envisaged longer term.
There are plans to increase the 30-strong workforce at Varis which specialises in the design, manufacture and installation of pontoons, marinas, access bridges and services, together with new and refurbishment works in both distilleries and waste water treatment works.
The acquisition further expands Gael Force’s capabilities in marine floating infrastructure. The engineering arm of the company has developed from designing and fabricating concrete caisson feed barges for fish farms along with specialist mooring services. It is now also focusing on expanding into the emerging wave and tidal energy industries as well as building pontoons for marinas and harbours and a range of floating homes.
It is another major milestone for Gael Force which has grown from a Hebridean-based manufacturer of fishing creels and pots to a multi-faceted business serving markets throughout the UK, Europe and North America in aquaculture, fishing, offshore renewables and the oil and gas industry.
The current combined Gael Force/Varis engineering sales alone are worth about £10 million and the goal is to double that by 2017 by increasing activity in offshore oil related fabrication, renewable energy work and pontoon sales at home and abroad. Gael Force will also provide additional resources to develop business in maintenance programmes for whisky distilleries in Scotland as well as waste water treatment work.
Stewart Graham, Gael Force Group’s managing director, said the acquisition fitted well into the company’s future development strategy and that the aim is to expand the Moray manufacturing base.
He said: “Varis and their product have been in our sights for quite some time. They are entirely complementary to what we do and we will now be bringing the considerable management skills and resources of the Gael Force Group into the operation to drive our plans forward.
“The Gael Force management has plotted a course of aggressive growth over the next five years across the group to a level of £50 million and this acquisition of Varis takes us a significant step towards that.
“The achievement of this current business objective will place Gael Force in markets that will offer us significant long-term opportunities from where we can plan even further growth.”
Eddie Tomkinson, retiring managing director of Varis, added: “After 17 years of building up Varis, it was important to me that we found a new owner who can secure the company’s future in Forres, provide additional resources to expand on our achievements to date and drive the company forward.
“Gael Force brings all this to Varis and I am delighted that we have completed our share purchase agreement.”
In addition to increasing the marine engineering side of the business, Gael Force has targets to develop marine equipment sales at its Inverness megastore and online shop, with plans to open 2-3 more outlets over the next five years.
The news was welcomed by Energy Minister Fergus Ewing. He said: “This acquisition by Gael Force is significant as it demonstrates the company’s desire not only to develop their existing work but also to move further into new areas such as wave and tidal energy which will be vital to Scotland’s future economy.
“This emerging industry will benefit from Gael Force’s renowned expertise, while the company’s expansion will help to create new employment for the North of Scotland and beyond.”
Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch & Strathspey MP Danny Alexander added: “I am delighted to see Gael Force expand and confirm their position as a leader in marine supplies and an important business for coastal Highland communities. Theirs is exactly the sort of story that we want to hear.
“With the rise in offshore energy technologies, and our healthy tourism sector here in the Highlands, the future should look bright for Gael Force and their employees."
The acquisition and Gael Force’s future development plans were also greeted positively in Moray where the latest unemployment figures from Moray Council showed the number of people out of work in the area had risen from 1,274 to 1,430 – an increase of 12.2 per cent – between December and January.
Leader of the Moray Council, Allan Wright, said: “This is good news for Forres and good news for Moray.
“I am hugely impressed with the ambitious expansion plans Gael Force has for the next five years and beyond and it all chimes well with our economic development strategy.”
Forres Councillor George Alexander added: “I must congratulate Mr Eddie Tomkinson and his staff who have done an excellent job in building up Varis Engineering to the business it is today.
“The fact that it has now been bought by Gael Force, another vibrant North of Scotland company, with plans to expand, is exactly what we need in Forres and Moray.”
February 2013 - Job Opportunities
Full-Time, Part-Time and Seasonal Sales Coordinators
We are currently looking for sales coordinators to operate within our internal sales desk in Inverness. The role requires efficient professional telephone manner, IT skills and preferably a marine industry background or interest. We have full time, part time and seasonal opportunities. If you are interested, please email recruitment@gaelforce.net with your details and CV.
Part-Time Megastore Assistant
We are now looking for a part-time staff member to work in our Inverness Megastore. Saturdays only but extra hours may be available in the future. The hours are 9a.m. - 5p.m. For details, or to apply, contact the store manager via e-mail at paul.maclean@gaelforce.net or pop by the store.
November 2012 - Crewsaver Technical Safety Bulletin
Information below taken from www.crewsaver.co.uk
In keeping with Survitec’s commitment to the highest levels of quality and safety, we are notifying the public of a safety alert for specific Crewsaver 290N manufactured during date June 2011 to October 2012. .jpg)
These Lifejackets may be subject to loosening of the bladder webbing straps which may result in the stability of the jacket being affected.
In order to determine if you are impacted, Survitec Group is instructing the return of the Crewfit 290N Advanced Life jacket ONLY for inspection.
NO OTHER CREWSAVER PRODUCTS ARE AFFECTED.
The serial numbers of the potentially affected jackets are detailed below. These should be returned for inspection, and where appropriate, repair or replacement.
Owners of the lifejackets should:
- Not use them
- Return them to the nearest Survitec Service Centre or to Survitec Gosport, to have them inspected and tested.
Owners of these lifejackets seeking further information on the returns process can call the Survitec Helpline on 023 9252 8621
International: +44 (0) 23 9252 8621
There are 6 codes of the Crewfit 290N Advanced Life Jacket concerned:
1. Crewfit 290N Advanced Plus N/H, 1290-ADZPLUS
2. Crewfit 290N Advanced Auto N/H, 1290-ADZAUTO
3. Crewfit 290N Advanced Manual N/H, 1290-ADZMAN
4. Crewfit 290N Advanced Plus Harness, 1291-ADZPLUS
5. Crewfit 290N Advanced Auto Harness, 1291-ADZAUTO
6. Crewfit 290N Advanced Manual Harness, 1291-ADZMAN
Serial Numbers potentially affected:
1. Crewfit 290N Advanced Plus N/H, 1290-ADZPLUS
Serial Numbers:
L1106 00561 to L1207 00550
2. Crewfit 290N Advanced Auto N/H, 1290-ADZAUTO
Serial Numbers:
L1106 00505 to L1207 00550
3. Crewfit 290N Advanced Manual N/H, 1290-ADZMAN
Serial Numbers:
L1201 00582 to L1202 00518
4. Crewfit 290N Advanced Plus Harness, 1291-ADZPLUS
Serial Numbers:
L1106 00501 to L1210 00572
5. Crewfit 290N Advanced Auto Harness, 1291-ADZAUTO
Serial Numbers:
L1106 00511 to L1210 00567
6. Crewfit 290N Advanced Manual Harness, 1291-ADZMAN
Serial Numbers:
L1201 00535 to L1209 00501
August 2012 - Job Opportunity: South East Area Sales Manager
Gael Force Marine Equipment is part of the Gael Force Group and a leading supplier of marine equipment operating throughout the UK and serving commercial fishing, commercial marine and leisure marine market sectors. The company is headquartered in Inverness with branch operations in Stornoway and Plymouth and is actively looking to expand with additional outlets on the Clyde in Scotland and the South coast of England.
In support of this expansion, we are now looking for experienced sales professional to further develop our business in the South East of England who will lead business development regionally and support national objectives as part of our Area Sales Management team.
To qualify for this position you should be a time served sales professional or hold a business studies or related discipline qualification with a minimum of 5 years sales experience, possess strong negotiation and presentation skills and have highly developed interpersonal ability and be able to communicate well both verbally and in written format. Knowledge of the marine equipment industry and/or the marine environment will be a significant advantage.
The role calls for a self disciplined, energetic and dynamic approach to work and the ability to motivate and support a sales team. In addition you must have sound IT skills, understand and be very familiar with web trading and hold a current, clean driving licence.
For the right candidate we offer a competitive salary package and a clear career path within the Group. If you feel you match up to this role, please contact us by email or in writing with a short covering letter summarising how you feel you meet the job requirements and attaching/enclosing your CV.
Please email to recruitment@gaelforce.net or write to Gael Force Marine Equipment Ltd., Personnel Dept., 136 Anderson Street, Inverness IV3 8DH.
Closing Date 10th September 2012
June 2012 - New card offers discounts around Marina
Gael Force Plymouth has signed up to a new initiative devised by Sutton Harbour Holdings PLC. The Sutton Harbour 'Experience' card is available to resident berth holders and visiting boat-owners berthed in Sutton Harbour Marina, Guys Quay Marina or West Pier Marina and offers discounts on participating services at the Harbour.
For more details, visit Sutton Harbour Marina's website here.
June 2012 - Discovery Yachts present Exceptional Circumnavigation Award
Pictured above: Trish and Stewart Graham from Rhiann Marie collecting their award from Discovery Yachts MD Nigel Stuart
Discovery Yachts welcomed owners to their first 'Discovery Owners Dinner' held at the Boathouse, Hythe near Southampton last week. During the evening Discovery 67 owners, Stewart and Trish Graham were presented with the Discovery Yachts Exceptional Circumnavigation Award for their two year adventure aboard Rhiann Marie.
Over 40 guests enjoyed a very convivial evening meeting with new and existing owners from Discovery's range of blue-water yachts. There was much talk of Pacific and Atlantic crossings, island hopping in the Marquesas and San Blas as well as adventures in the Mediterranean, Artic Circle, USA and Antipodes. Stewart and Trish Graham were very popular winners of the Exceptional Circumnavigation Award for their action packed adventures during two years of sailing round the world in their Discovery 67 Rhiann Marie. Aside from breaking his back in a motor biking accident in Malaysia the couple experienced exceptional cruising in the South Pacific, storms and challenges in the Indian Ocean before Stewart completed the circumnavigation by sailing single-handed back from South Africa to Gibraltar!
Guests attending the evening included some of the first Discovery 55 owners from the early days of the company to the owner of the new Discovery 57 being launched at the Southampton Boat Show in September 2012. People had flown in from Hong Kong and Norway to be part of the dinner which marks the first in a series of owners events being organized by Discovery Yachts.
You can read more about Stewart's adventure here.
March 2012 - Gael Force Marine exhibiting at FAS Expo 2012 Glasgow
We'll be exhibiting at Fishing-Aquaculture-Seafood Expo 2012 at Glasgow's SECC from Thursday 22nd March to Saturday 24th March. You'll catch us at Stand E16 where we'll be introducing our brand new range of Seastorm Oilskins and the new and improved Hi-Line ISO Lifejacket. As always, we'll have our core range of creels, rope samples, and some hardware available to browse.
Opening hours are 10am to 5pm on Thursday and Friday, and 10am to 4pm on Saturday 24th. Come along and say hello!
More information can be found online at www.fasexpo.co.uk
February 2012 - SAFETY NOTICE UML Cartridges
United Moulders has announced a Safety Review of some UML Cartridges marked with replace by date 08 2014. Please check your UML Cartridge, and if you have a replace by date of 08 2014 please visit www.uml.co.uk for information on how to replace your cartridge. Please note, this only affects UML Cartidges with the replace by date 08 2014. If you have any concerns, please contact UML through their website.
November 2011 - Gael Force owner completes two year round the world sail
Read Stewart's Round the World Blog here...
Gael Force owner Stewart Graham has successfully completed the final 6,000-mile leg of his journey single handedly through the South Atlantic winter from South Africa to the Canary Islands.
He had to sail away from the coast of Mauritania, where he had been heading to make some repairs after learning of threats of piracy and Al Qaeda activities in the area. He then repaired the boat at sea and experienced a gruelling 600-mile beat into five days of strong winds before finally arriving in the Canary Islands.
The west-about journey has taken Stewart from Gibraltar to the Caribbean, through the Panama Canal, adventuring 10,000 miles across the many remote islands and countries of the Pacific Ocean to Australia, South East Asia, across the Bay of Bengal and to Sri Lanka.
A thirteen thousand mile detour to avoid the Somalian piracy threat took him south to the Maldives, Chagos, Mauritius and Reunion Island before reaching South Africa.
Owner of Highland-based marine equipment, supply and engineering group Gael Force, Stornoway-born Stewart, 47, had been sailing his Discovery 67 mono hull yacht the Rhiann Marie, named after his daughter, since September 2009.
Though finding friendship with people all over the world, he experienced a number of “threatening encounters”, including having the yacht approached at high speed at dawn by a boat with masked men wearing balaclavas, off Columbia. His yacht was hit by lightening in the Caribbean, which destroyed electronics including its essential autopilot system, and he had to cope with storm conditions, high seas, ripped sails and damage to his rigging, plus the constant repairs required to keep a circumnavigation on track, with a minimum amount of sleep.
In February this year, Stewart had eight nuts and bolts, two rods and a metal plate permanently fitted into his spine after an off road motorcycle accident in the jungle in Malaysia. However he was back at the helm just one week after the accident proving his determination to succeed.
Despite suffering the set backs of a broken back and finding that his return route through the Gulf of Aden was a no go zone, due to the activities of Somalian pirates who have murdered other yachts people, Stewart refused to give up, showing characteristic grit and determination in continuing through a Southern hemisphere winter.
Stewart, who took up sailing 10 years ago and now has more than 50,000 miles’ experience, said he had found the journey both physically and mentally challenging.
“It is hard to believe that the two-year adventure has come to an end. The final stage of the journey from the tip of Africa was particularly challenging, however I found the determination to push myself harder as I neared my final destination – home. Family and friends have joined me throughout various stages of the journey and acted as my crew, but sailing the Atlantic single-handed brought new greater challenges, both physically and mentally,” he said.
“The 6,000 miles is almost a third of the circumference of the globe and it was extremely challenging with winter weather conditions. I had to be a sailor, fisherman, cook, plumber, rigger, boat repairer, doctor and navigator and company director all in one. I pushed myself and the perseverance paid off as I completed my circumnavigation.”
“You have to be optimistic and have a great deal of will-power when sailing solo as there is always a new challenge to face. When my sail chafed from the halyard and dropped to the water, it was a gut busting job to recover with only one pair of hands and my injured back.”
Stewart admitted that his wife, Trish, and two adult children were against his plans to sail home solo, but knew him too well to try and change his mind.
He started Gael Force when he was 18 years old, but always has a desire to sail round the world and decided that he had to undertake the task while he was still physically strong enough to enjoy it.
“I would like to thank everyone who has helped and enabled me to complete my journey, not least of which is my wife who sailed 30,000 miles of the journey with me and who accompanied me on the very final leg of the adventure from the Canaries to Gibraltar’
he said.
“We both now have a huge sense of achievement and feel that we need to let the reality and wondrous magnitude of our adventure over the past two years sink in.”
Stewart has written a blog of his two-year journey, which has attracted more than 24,000 readers so far, many of whom have encouraged him to produce a book of his adventures, which he is now considering. Visit his blog at http://blog.mailasail.com/rhiann.marie
September 2011 - Look what's arrived in the door...
It's finally here! The Reeds 2012 Nautical Almanac is now available to grab in-store and online. The Authors have improved the layout for easier reference, plus there are over 45,000 annual changes, so they really have had their work cut out! It's commonly regarded as the bible of almanacs for anyone going to sea and includes: 700 chartlets, Harbour facilities, Tide tables and streams, 7500 waypoints, International codes and flags, Weather, Distance tables, Passage advice, Area planning charts, Rules of the road, Maritime Radio information, Sea Communications, Sea Safety, First Aid at Sea, Documentation and Customs - as well as a free Reeds Marina Guide.
September 2011 - Gael Force owner to sail final 7,000 miles of world voyage single-handed
A businessman from the Highlands of Scotland who has already broken his back and had to avoid pirates on a two-year round the world voyage, is to sail the final 7,000 miles of the journey from South Africa back to the UK single-handedly.
Father-of-two Stewart Graham, 47, owner of Highland-based marine equipment, supply and engineering group Gael Force, is to sail his Discovery 67 mono hull yacht the Rhiann Marie through the South Atlantic winter, hopefully avoiding the hurricane season and being battered by huge seas as he returns home.
If all goes well, Stornoway-born Stewart, who lives in Inverness, expects to make the journey in two months. But if trade winds force him from West Africa across the Atlantic to the Caribbean it will be next spring before he can return with Rhiann Marie.
Stewart had eight nuts and bolts, two rods and a metal plate permanently fitted into his spine after an off road motorcycle accident in the jungle in Malaysia in February on an earlier part of his trip. However he was back at the helm just one week after the accident.
He has also experienced a number of “threatening encounters”, including having the yacht approached at high speed at dawn by a boat with masked men wearing balaclavas, off Columbia. His yacht was hit by lightning in the Caribbean, which destroyed electronics including its essential autopilot system, and he has had to cope with high seas, ripped sails and damage to his rigging, plus the constant repairs required to keep a circumnavigation on track, with a minimum amount of sleep.
Continue reading this article by clicking here...
August 2011 - New Website!
Welcome to the new Gael Force Marine Website! After months of preparation and years of listening to customer feedback we've finally upgraded our website. You will notice a considerable and positive difference in our new website compared to our previous site;
- We've improved marine product images;
- Product datasheets will become more accessible at the click of a button;
- There's an easier and faster ordering system;
- Order tracking to point of dispatch is now available;
However, just because we've changed our website doesn't mean we'll be changing our prices for worse... we'll still be delivering the most competitive prices in the UK Chandlery Market offering the best in leisure marine and commercial marine product.
For regular users of our previous website we hope you will see the benefits of the change quickly. If you have any feedback on our new website then we would love to hear from you... We believe the best way for us to assist our customers is to listen to them - it's pretty simple really! You can contact us at sales@gaelforce.net.
Loch Awe safety message sinking in
A drive to get more water-users to wear life jackets is starting to pay off, according to Loch Awe Safety Company. But the volunteers will not rest until everyone has got the message, according to director Murray Humphries. They have embarked on a innovative project with life jacket supplier Gael Force Marine to provide top quality jackets at affordable prices, increasing the number of fishermen and boaters who have the appropriate safety equipment.
Article courtesy of Oban Times (11 August 2011)
New Chandlery in Plymouth's Sutton Harbour
Gael Force Marine is pleased to announce the opening of the new UK Commercial Chandlery in Plymouth's Sutton Harbour. You will find a stocked range of commercial fishing gear and some boat bits, including Lifejackets, Marine Paint, Marine VHF, Gill Nets, Fishing Chain, Smocks and Bib & Braces - plus much much more! Not only that, our experienced rigger overs and excellent rigging service.