The summer of 2026 will no doubt be remembered for the weather. Numerous heatwaves, terrible wildfires and of course drought conditions, bringing restrictions and closures to the canal network.
For the second year running, significant restrictions and closures are set to have a devastating impact on boating businesses and the wider inland waterways community.
What is the impact?
The impact extends far beyond businesses located directly on the canals. Pubs, cafés, chandlers, shops and other local businesses along the canal network all rely heavily on passing boaters for trade, and when boats cannot move, that vital income disappears too.
For small, independent businesses like ABNB, the impact is particularly significant. We operate primarily from one main brokerage site which, as a result of the current closures, is now inaccessible by water. This will inevitably have a substantial effect on the number of boats we can sell, customers we can reach and boats that can be brought to us for brokerage.
Larger businesses with multiple marinas and brokerage locations will be better placed to absorb the disruption, but spare a thought for the few small, independently run boat brokerages and waterways businesses facing another incredibly challenging year.
Investing in the future of ABNB
At the start of August, we were delighted to launch our brand-new website, representing a significant investment in the future of ABNB and bringing a fresh, modern approach to buying and selling boats online. Designed with our customers in mind, the new site includes some unique features, including ‘Compare Boats’, making it easier to browse, compare and shortlist boats based on the features that matter most to you. It’s an important step forward for ABNB as we continue to innovate, improve the customer experience and stay ahead in an ever-changing industry.
Supporting the industry
A time to celebrate
We also attended Broker Fest, hosted jointly by British Marine and ABYA, where Emma was delighted to receive her framed certificate confirming completion of the Certified Professional Boat Broker (CPBB) Pathway. This new accreditation recognises professionalism within the industry, and Emma is proud to be one of the first three brokers to achieve it, along with being an Ambassador for the pathway.
Coming up in our winter newsletter …
We will be bringing you the latest from ABNB, including:
- News from the very first Practical Inland Brokers Course, where we are proud to be facilitating and presenting
- Highlights from the British Marine Inland Conference
- A round-up of the year and a look ahead to 2027
Start Your Journey Afloat
Ready to explore life on the water? Browse our latest boats or get in touch with the ABNB team to find out more.
