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<\/h4>\n<\/h4>\nIn this edition of the Close Up, we speak to Darren Edwards, Purchasing Director of Williams Jet Tenders<\/a> \u2013 the world’s leading jet tender specialists.<\/p>\n Established in 1996, Williams has seen fantastic growth, starting in a humble garden shed the company are now well recognised as specialists in the luxury yacht market. Turning over a cool \u00a323.5 million in 2019 alone.<\/p>\n With a passion for impeccable standards, Williams works closely with the world’s most prestigious yachts builders including Azimut, Benetti, Fairline and Sunseeker.<\/p>\n The company mission statement is clear, to be the global supplier of choice in the yacht tender market between 40ft \u2013 200ft.<\/p>\n In 2019 we sold 950 tenders, during the previous few years we have consistently been around the 850-900 mark.<\/em><\/p>\n We have two distinct sales channels. We work very closely with all the major OEM shipyards globally. Consulting with them at a very early design stage, to ensure our tenders will fit in their garages. We also help design the required launch systems to safely get the tender in and out of the parent yacht. OEM’s account for approximately 30% of our sales. <\/em><\/p>\n The other 70% goes through our 50 strong dealer network. We have spent the last 15 years developing a very robust dealer network so customers can rest assured they will be well supported wherever their boating takes them. We specialise in building tenders that service the 50ft \u2013 130ft luxury yacht market.<\/em><\/p>\n In terms of volume, the best seller is the Sportjet 345 which is designed to fit on 50 \u2013 65ft boats.<\/em><\/p>\n Flexiteek is an optional extra on the Turbojet and Sportjet ranges, with an average optional uptake of 60%+ across the range of models. It’s a very popular addition to every tender.<\/em><\/p>\n The main benefit of Flexiteek is the look and feel. Very often customers have to ask during boat shows whether it’s real or fake, that’s how good the finished product looks. The other major benefit is Flexiteek prevents heat build-up in hot environments. So unlike real teak, it’s a lot cooler to walk on.<\/em><\/p>\n Flexiteek 2G synthetic teak comes in 11 colours, which is most popular with your clients?<\/strong><\/p>\n Teak is undoubtedly the most popular colour option. However, we are seeing a steady increase in the number of Carbon and Grey decks. To match the general increase in demand for darker colour schemes on all of our tenders. Not the most practical in The Med but they do look cool!<\/em><\/p>\n The general push for more sustainable manufacturing techniques in all industry has meant we have had to find more eco-friendly materials. The damage the real teak trade does on an annual basis has been very well publicised. So the acceptance for synthetic equivalents has grown exponentially over the last few years.<\/em><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.flexiteek.com\/en-gb\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/09\/Darren-Edwards-williams.jpg\")
Since he has worked with our UK distributor Flexiteek UK<\/a> since 2007, we asked Darren our need to know Williams questions while finding out why they choose to offer Flexiteek synthetic teak<\/a> on their tenders.<\/p>\nDarren, Williams Jet Tenders are incredibly sought after. How many do you typically manufacture each year? <\/strong><\/h5>\n
How would you describe the Williams customer base?<\/strong><\/h5>\n
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<\/p>\nOut of your range, which is your bestselling tender?<\/strong><\/h5>\n
Can you tell us which tenders you offer Flexiteek 2G synthetic on and why?<\/strong><\/h5>\n
Do you think attitudes to synthetic teak have changed over time?<\/strong><\/h5>\n
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<\/p>\nYou have worked with Flexiteek UK for over 13 years, how would you describe your relationship?<\/strong><\/h5>\n