The boss of a new firm leading the fight against boat theft has urged start-up businesses to take advantage of enterprise agencies.

Tim Bertelsen, 44, says his company, MarineSecure, would never have got off the ground without Eastbourne and District Enterprise Agency Ltd (EDEAL) and he was amazed at the range of help available.

Tim's background was in the insurance industry but he had the idea for going it alone while working for the Department for Work and Pensions.

He said: "I am a keen sailor and have a boat on Bexhill beach.

"Everybody there was fed up with having boats and motors and other marine equipment stolen overnight.

"There seemed to be a massive black market in stolen boating equipment and that is when I had the idea for Marine-Secure."

It is an internet-based registration system for items such as jet skis and fishing tackle.

When registered items are stolen a comprehensive database of boat dealers, clubs, auctions and police authorities are notified by email.

Tim added: "There was nothing like it in the industry before but now dealers who are offered equipment can immediately look to see if it has been stolen at the touch of a button.

"It is cutting off the market for bent goods."

He researched his idea and discovered more than £40 million worth of marine equipment is stolen each year.

He said: "I knew it was a sound idea but as far as translating that into a working business, I was totally in the dark.

"I had my own firm in the Eighties but so much has changed since then, especially technology.

"I went to EDEAL and they assigned me a business start-up mentor who helped me out with publicity, finance help, business planning and lots of other stuff.

"They even helped me send out letters to possible clients. It was all free of charge as well. The people I dealt with were straightforward, had lots of ideas and I owe them a great deal.

"It should be a first port of call for anyone starting up."

Tim has set up MarineSecure in offices in Robertson Street, Hastings.

He says it is the best move he has ever made.

April 26, 2005