Authorised Jeanneau and Prestige Yachts dealer extends East Anglian footprint, taking on boat sales and brokerage at Tidemill Yacht Harbour

WOODBRIDGE, SUFFOLK — Burton Waters, the third-generation family-run marine dealership headquartered in Lincoln with 35 years' experience in boat sales, today announced the expansion of its boat sales and brokerage operation into Woodbridge, Suffolk, taking over the day-to-day operation from Howard Ford as he steps back after many years on the River Deben. Howard and Sharon will remain at the Woodbridge office, ensuring continuity for their customers. From 1st June 2026, Burton Waters will offer boat sales and brokerage from Tidemill Yacht Harbour in Woodbridge as authorised UK dealers for Jeanneau and Prestige Yachts.

A respected legacy, continuing in safe hands

"We are genuinely delighted, and a little humbled, to be taking over from Howard," said Adam Cox, Director at Burton Waters. "Howard has built something remarkable on the Deben and earned the trust of generations of boat owners. Our job is to honour that legacy — to look after his customers as he has, and to invest properly in the team and the experience so that Woodbridge thrives for the next chapter.

"The River Deben is one of the most beautiful cruising grounds in the country and Woodbridge sits naturally alongside our Lincoln headquarters and our operation at Beacon Marina in Ipswich. East Anglia is an exciting market for Jeanneau and Prestige, and we're here for the long term. We're also looking forward to working alongside Richard and the team at Tidemill, who will continue to run the marina and boatyard."

Howard Ford added: "After many years on the Deben, I am taking a step back. We're delighted that Burton Waters will be looking after our customers — they share our values and commitment to service and I will now be part of Burton Waters, making sure all continues smoothly."

A partnership at Tidemill Yacht Harbour

Richard, owner of Tidemill Yacht Harbour, said: "We're delighted to welcome Burton Waters to Tidemill. Their depth of experience in boat sales and brokerage is a great complement to our marina and boatyard, and we're looking forward to working alongside them on the Deben."

Continuity for customers

For existing Tidemill customers, all marina operations will continue as normal — Richard and the Tidemill team will run moorings, boatyard work and aftercare from the site. Burton Waters takes over boat sales, brokerage and new Jeanneau and Prestige enquiries.

Customers gain access to Burton Waters' combined inventory of new and pre-owned Jeanneau and Prestige yachts across all three locations. With Beacon Marina in Ipswich and Tidemill in Woodbridge sitting a short drive apart, customers benefit from consistent sales, brokerage and aftercare across both East Anglian sites. Howard and Sharon will remain at the Woodbridge office, Richard and the Tidemill team continue to run the marina and boatyard, and Burton Waters' experienced sales and brokerage staff bring 35 years of family-run service to the Deben.

Burton Waters Boat Sales continues to be led by Adam Cox, ensuring consistent leadership, vision and long-term commitment to the Woodbridge operation and its customers. Burton Waters' East Anglian network — Beacon Marina, Ipswich, and now Woodbridge — gives customers a connected presence across Suffolk for sales and brokerage, while extending the company's service and brokerage reach to boat owners on the Norfolk Broads.

We look forward to welcoming you in Woodbridge and online at www.burtonwaters.co.uk.