Nickys Canvasworks, Sail Loft and Chandlery Marine Business for Sale

Located in Brighton and based in one of the UK’s largest marinas, Nickys Canvasworks was established in 2005 and is now offered for sale for the very first time due to the intended retirement of its owners.

This is an impressive and consistently profitable family-owned leisure marine business with an outstanding reputation. It is multifaceted in nature having been crafted and developed over the years to support the needs of its loyal clientele.

There are 3 distinct areas of the business: canvasworks, sail loft and chandlery. Its bespoke canvas work includes production of boat covers and upholstery together with a repair and maintenance service. The sail loft offers fast turnaround emergency and seasonal maintenance repairs, sail cleaning, storage and the supply of new sails. It is an award-winning main dealer for a leading sail manufacturer. The chandlery is focused primarily on the supply of everyday items and services required by marina berth holders and visiting vessels.

As a marina business it enjoys a captive audience, but it also attracts boat owners from throughout the region. It has a large south and south east coast service area, from Dover to Port Solent, with Brighton being conveniently located in-between.

There remains significant scope to grow the business further including by expanding services and adding a second location. Also, the owners have always passionately championed a ‘shop local’ philosophy and thus have not invested in e-commerce. There is unlimited scope therefore for introducing a web shop and trading online.