Boat firms in the region are still investing in one of the biggest boat marketing events of the year as they set off for the London Boat Show this week.

Exhibitors from this region include Broom Boats, ASAP Supplies, engine distributer AR Peachment, Haines Marine, the Norfolk Yacht Agency, Jeckells the Sailmakers and Oyster Marine.

Model and heiress Tamara Ecclestone will officially open the 2012 Tullett Prebon London Boat Show at the ExCeL centre in London on Friday.

Murray Ellis, managing director of National Boat Shows, said: 'The show is the perfect start to the season and returns this year with around 1,000 boats, more than 500 exhibitors, new technology and a variety of innovative products.' Guests at the show will include British ocean adventurer Adam Priddy and three-time Olympic gold medallist Ben Ainslie.

Greg Houlston, sales and marketing manager at Broom Boats, which will be exhibiting its new 370 at the boat show in London and also at Boot Dusseldorf, the international Dusseldorf boat show, said: 'In the current climate exhibiting at these events needs to be carefully considered. However, we are confident that the new products on offer, coupled with the new marketing material enables the brand to achieve the targets set for 2012.'

The Tullett Prebon London Boat Show runs from Friday until Sunday, January 15. More details at www.londonboatshow.com.