Representation and Promotion

For more than 100 years British Marine’s most important role has been to represent its members and the UK marine industry

British Marine exists to promote, support and protect the UK's leisure, small commercial and superyacht industries to key audiences. This is achieved through marketing campaigns, both to raise the profile of members and also to encourage the public to enjoy boating and watersports activities. It is also achieved through British Marine effectively highlighting the marine industry to the highest levels of Government.

British Marine Centenary Walter Hammerton at his ferry in Twickenham One of British Marine's very first actions was to support Walter Hammerton's rights to operate a ferry on the River Thames at Twickenham, in a case that went to the House of Lords back in 1915. We're proud not only that the case was won then, but also that the company is still operating a ferry there and remains in membership. There have been countless instances since when we have represented the rights of individual marine businesses and whole sectors, to ensure that our collective voice is heard and members' rights are preserved.

All of this work relies on one thing - You, the member. Without your involvement and guidance we cannot make these strong cases and get your business and your industry the outcomes or recognition you need or deserve.

A good way to get more involved is to actively participate in our associations and by becoming a member of an association committee. Our Technical team is also keen to involve members that have expertise in specialist fields for which standards might be changing, or negotiations required to ensure we always have realistic and appropriate technical legislation for our industry.

Further details on the current campaigns we are working on are available in this section – you can start by looking at the menu to the right. We welcome your involvement and will assist you to find the right areas to make your valuable contribution, so please do not hesitate to contact the Membership team directly on 01784 223663 or email us at membership@britishmarine.co.uk

Check out the tabs below to find out who we engage with and how we do it.

Policy Makers

The Minister for Transport and British Marine CEO Howard Pridding on the MCA stand at the Southampton Boat Show British Marine works with policy makers across UK Government Departments, in parliament, industry regulators, European and global government bodies and national marine trade associations to highlight the industry's successes and ensure legislation is appropriate and cost effective for the UK's marine industry.

This work is supported through a range of activities, including parliamentary receptions in the Palace of Westminster; MP visits to member companies; VIP tours at our Boat Shows; submissions to government and parliamentary consultations and working with wider international governmental processes.

British Marine also plays an active role with international governments as a member of the International Council of Marine Industry Associations - ICOMIA - to ensure that the marine industry has a single representative voice in all key markets around the globe.

Find out more about industry campaigns >

Strategic Partners

British Marine has long-standing connection with a number of marine and national industry partners to develop and deliver policy which meets the needs of the membership, the wider marine industry and UK businesses as a whole. Together, we deliver stronger representation for UK businesses. This work also provides the opportunity for British Marine members and our associations collectively to get involved with related sectors and bodies that influence our future.

Since March 2016 British Marine has been an active member of Maritime UK, a body representing the £22bn-plus of annual economic activity in the UK maritime sector. This has strengthened our existing links with Government, parliament and many marine industry bodies and together we are working to deliver the key objectives of the collaborative Maritime Growth Study, to ensure that the requirements of the maritime industry in the UK are well represented in the future.

Find out more about who we work with

Public

The British Marine brand provides a mark of confidence indicating that all displaying it have agreed to adhere to our Code of Practice. British Marine invests significant resources into promoting its members through the Look for the Logo campaign.

In addition, British Marine works to promote boating to new audiences through its On The Water initiative and there are may ways that members can get involved by providing content, showcasing their businesses and offering prizes and experiences on the water.

British Marine and its members also own the London Boat Show and Southampton Boat Show – both number among the top 10 boat shows globally and provide key opportunities to promote to existing and prospective boating participants and to raise the profile of the marine industry more widely.

Media

ITV website coverage of the Southampton Boat Show British Marine has a dedicated PR team and engages agency specialists to ensure that the profile of the industry is enhanced in the boating, lifestyle, regional and national press.

We work with television, radio, print, web and social media to ensure our messages reach the widest possible audience. Important focal points each year include the London Boat Show and Southampton Boat Show which provide excellent opportunities to raise awareness of boating to a wide audience.

Our PR team keep its fingers on the pulse of what is happening and also distributes a weekly email newsletter. We also specialise in social media and have around 100 channels covering our various activities, gathering feedback from those we engage with.

Check our News section to see the latest press releases from British Marine and our members.