Meet the Team

Lesley was appointed CEO of British Marine in mid-2018. Prior to joining, Lesley was Managing Director at MDL Marinas, Europe’s leading Marina operator.

Previous to this, her commercial career has spanned leisure, consumer goods, media and IT and she was also a Director of the Money Advice Service, leading corporate services and heading up the Service’s debt advice programme in the UK. At British Marine, Lesley is an executive main board director with specific responsibility for the strategic direction of the organisation, working in conjunction with both board and members, and its execution through her team at Tagus House.

She is also Vice-Chair and Trustee of Ocean Youth Trust South and a Non-Executive Director of Police Crime Prevention Initiatives. Lesley is a qualified chartered accountant by background. Lesley was recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List 2021, appointed to the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) for her services to the Leisure Marine Sector.

In her spare time, Lesley enjoys traveling with her husband (97 countries to date and counting). She also enjoys good food and wine, hill walking and the very occasional half marathon to burn off the resulting calories. Her current passion on the water is Stand-up Paddleboarding.

Simon joined as Commercial Director at the end of 2021. He brings a wealth of sales and marketing experience built up over 25 years launching some of the UK’s largest e-commerce platforms.

At British Marine, Simon is responsible for the Commercial and Communication teams including all of our events and new member acquisition. Simon and his team  relish the opportunity to work with our members to help them achieve their objectives, including building brands and acquiring and retaining customers.

When not running marathons, 30+ to date, including the last 21 London Marathons – he will be found on or by the water. Most recently supporting his boys in their quest to retain their various National Rowing titles won last year!

Earle joined British Marine at the beginning of 2020.  His previous career started in corporate finance working for the Danish Group ISS before moving into the Oil and Gas sector.  From there he successfully transitioned into the SME space with the marine engineering firm Burgess Marine where he oversaw high profile projects including two significant superyacht refits.

Earle is an executive main board member for British Marine and is responsible for the groups Finance, IT and Property departments and works closely with the Finance Audit and Risk committee.  He is a qualified accountant and holds an MBA in Strategic Leadership from Portsmouth University.

Outside of work, Earle is a keen tennis player and whilst living on the Isle of Wight enjoys being on, in or under the water at every opportunity.

Brian returned to British Marine in February 2019 after working for the National Caravan Council as their Head of Government Relations and Policy. Before that, Brian spent 13 years at British Marine, first joining in 2005 as Environment Executive before progressing to Head of External Relations.

Before joining British Marine, Brian worked for the Environment Agency as an Environment Management Officer where he was responsible for dealing with pollution control incidents and environment management inspections of businesses in the Thames Valley.

Brian is now responsible for the development and delivery of thought leadership and strategic policy direction for the Association and implementing substantive change through key stakeholder management at the highest level for British Marine and the UK leisure marine industry as a whole. He is also responsible for developing the research that British Marine produces to support the marine industry.

In his spare time, Brian is a keen DIYer, Spurs fan and supporter of his son’s football teams! You can follow Brian on Twitter here. 

Adrien joined British Marine in 2019. Prior to this, he enjoyed working for a number of established marine brands including MDL Marinas, Gill and Oceanair (now Dometic). 

At British Marine, Adrien is responsible for the Association’s marketing communications. This includes all member and stakeholder communications and the promotion of prestigious events such as Southampton International Boat Show, London Luxury Afloat and the British Marine National Conference.

A keen leisure marine enthusiast, in his spare time Adrien enjoys spending time out on the water with his family and friends.

Brian returned to British Marine in February 2019 after working for the National Caravan Council as their Head of Government Relations and Policy. Before that, Brian spent 13 years at British Marine, first joining in 2005 as Environment Executive before progressing to Head of External Relations.

Before joining British Marine, Brian worked for the Environment Agency as an Environment Management Officer where he was responsible for dealing with pollution control incidents and environment management inspections of businesses in the Thames Valley.

Brian is now responsible for the development and delivery of thought leadership and strategic policy direction for the Association and implementing substantive change through key stakeholder management at the highest level for British Marine and the UK leisure marine industry as a whole. He is also responsible for developing the research that British Marine produces to support the marine industry.

In his spare time, Brian is a keen DIYer, Spurs fan and supporter of his son’s football teams! You can follow Brian on Twitter here. 

David joined British Marine as a Regional Executive in 2019. His background has been predominantly in Design and Account Management. For the last 12 Years specifically Business Development in the Marine Industry - for significant brands such as North Sails, Lewmar and Selden Mast. 

He is enthusiastic about the use of waterborne craft and the Industry that makes it possible. He finds talking to New and Existing Members about what British Marine offer as a Trade body such a pleasure.

In particular David is extremely passionate about sailing and has achieved Multi National Championship wins and a World Championship title in Racing Dinghies. In addition several times winner of the coverted Endeavour - champions of champions event.

Amy joined British Marine in 2020 as the Association Executive in the membership team. Amy has come from a substantial career in customer service, project management and account management, with a childhood and early adulthood background in leisure boating and sailing with the Sea Cadets.

Amy is responsible for managing several of British Marine’s membership associations and their events, as well as overseeing the administration and communications for the membership team. Amy also has excellent skills with reporting and witchcraft (or so it seems) with Microsoft Excel, as she loves to experiment and learn new techniques to make every day smarter and better than the day before. Amy’s real passion for her job comes from her love of helping people and giving the best service she can.

In her own time, Amy loves to tinker with textiles arts, from crochet to sewing, embroidery and sometimes even upholstery. She spends a lot of time with her friends, her boyfriend and her rescue dog, Boycie.

Nickie joined British Marine in during lockdown 2020. Prior to this she worked for a local government in the fleet and transport department for 10 years. Nickie has had a varied career which included owning a pub for 6 years! 

At British Marine Nickie has a face-to-face role within the membership team and gets to meet many members, covering all the inland associations from the Thames to the Midlands regions. Her role is varied and includes booking and minuting committee meetings, arranging events for associations, attending shows, and visiting members.

In her spare time Nickie enjoys a walking her crazy cocker spaniel, gardening, cooking, travelling at home and abroad – her favourite places so far being Italy, Greece and Cornwall and she would love to go to Japan one day. Nickie enjoys spending weekends with her family and has 4 grown up children and 3 grandchildren which include a newborn granddaughter. 

Sarah joined British Marine in 2006. Prior to working at British Marine, she worked for BAA, Heathrow Airport, as an induction and training assistant where she worked on the Terminal 5 project.

Sarah started as a postroom assistant in 2012 and progressed to Facilities Manager at Marine House in Egham. In February 2023 she relocated to Tagus House and now works within the Membership Team as their Membership Services Assistant.

In her spare time, Sarah enjoys spending time with her friends and family, cooking and reading. She also loves music, attending live gigs and visiting the cinema.

Jon joined British Marine in 2014. He works solely for The Yacht Harbour Association (TYHA). Before he joined British Marine, Jon worked for the RYA on a range of projects in the leisure marine industry and the marina sector.

Jon is responsible for managing TYHA, the international members association for the support and development of marinas. He is a member of the ICOMIA Marinas Group and sits on the Global Marina Institute advisory board. Since joining TYHA, Jon has built a close working relationship with the Marina Industries Association and partnered with them in the re-development of the Gold Anchor global marina accreditation scheme.

In his spare time, Jon enjoys mountain biking, kayaking, sailing, hill walking and spending time with his family.

Hayley looks after our International Membership and also the Gold Anchor and Clean Marina Accreditation Schemes. She is responsible for arranging TYHA networking events including, Southampton International Boat Show TYHA Find a Marina Stand, TYHA Biennial Marina Conference and Knowledge Networking Tour. In addition to this, Hayley also works on the creation of the TYHA Quarterly Fore & Aft Magazine and the day-to-day admin and enquiries and accounts.

In her free time, she enjoys spending time with my husband, daughter Bethany and her Shih-tzu dog, Gizmo. She loves to go skiing, travelling, and taking her daughter to different countries.

Manj joined British Marine in January of 2022, bringing with him a wealth of experience and knowledge of the Skills and Apprenticeships sector.  It’s a sector Manj has worked in for 16 years, across varying settings that included Private Training Providers, Charitable Organisations and Further Education College.

At British Marine, Manj is responsible for all domestic and international training events, being the Responsible Officer for our End Point Assessment service and leading a number of projects that serve to expand upon our current course, training and qualification routes.

Away from British Marine, Manj enjoys socialising with family and friends, has a passion for photography and enjoys keeping fit through sports; namely Tennis, Football and Badminton. 

Kitty has a wealth of experience working in education, training and helping young people access employment opportunities.

As the Training and Events Executive, Kitty is responsible for organising all short training courses for British Marine members, she also provides advice and guidance to members about what training course are best aligned with their educational/career plans. She loves working in training and helping our members upskill and get achieve more within their business.

In her spare time, Kitty likes to spend time with her family, and going to Crossfit.

Tasha joined British Marine in August 2023. Coming from a background of 19 years in Further Education, having worked across an array of sectors. Having a focus on quality and compliance, Tasha is well versed in the apprenticeship sector rules and regulations.  

At British Marine, Tasha is responsible for the day to day operations, quality and compliance management of British Marine’s End Point Assessment Organisation. Tasha supports events around apprenticeships and careers in the sector at the Southampton International Boat Show and the trailblazer groups for the standards.  

In her spare time, Tasha enjoys walking, crochet, macrame and spending time with her daughter. Tasha is a keen baker, focusing her attention to creating tasty gluten free treats.  

Liv is from Bergen in Norway but has lived in the UK for nearly 40 years.  In the 1980’s, she worked as a Boat Show Co-ordinator for SBBNF (which later became British Marine) in the London Boat Show team.  She then left for 19 years, before returning to British Marine in 2007, this time working for 13 years in the Training Department.  Her main role was to organise short courses, marina management courses, conferences and bespoke events.  Since leaving British Marine in 2020, Liv has returned for part-time contracts, mainly helping out with organising events at Southampton International Boat Show.

In her spare time, Liv enjoys going to the gym and generally keeping fit, country walks (in Norway, Spain, the UK and so on), travelling, reading, TV dramas, music and culture.  She lives in Surrey and enjoys visiting London.

Ed joined British Marine in 2016. Previously he has worked for Fairline Yachts, Discovery Yachts and Blyth Workcats. He studied Marine Sport Technology at Plymouth University, which is recognised by the Institute for Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST). 

At British Marine Ed looks after the passenger boat, small commercial and superyacht technical guidance and standards. He is also the chair of the PBA Technical Sub-Committee, convenor of ISO working group TC8SC12WG3, participant in WG5 and organiser of the Superyacht UK Technical seminar.

In his spare time Ed enjoys looking after his five beehives based in West Sussex and produces his own honey and lip balms for the team at Marine House. He also enjoys wakeboarding in summer.

Ross joined British Marine as a Technical Executive in 2014.

He has worked in the marine industry since the age of 18 in various roles ranging from a Dive Vessel Coxswain in South Devon and crewing onboard tall ships including Kaskelot, Earl of Pembroke and Phoenix, to an independent surveyor in the Balearics, Spain.

Ross's role at British Marine is to represent the UK marine industry in discussions with national and international standards bodies and regulators and to provide members with comprehensive technical advice and guidance. This role includes chairing the British Standards Small Craft Committee and representing UK interests in the ISO standards development of both small craft and large yacht standards.

An interesting fact, Ross appears twice in the 2000 film Longitude. If you watch the trailer closely you can see him stood on top of the tall ship Kaskelots main T’gallant yard.

Brian returned to British Marine in February 2019 after working for the National Caravan Council as their Head of Government Relations and Policy. Before that, Brian spent 13 years at British Marine, first joining in 2005 as Environment Executive before progressing to Head of External Relations.

Before joining British Marine, Brian worked for the Environment Agency as an Environment Management Officer where he was responsible for dealing with pollution control incidents and environment management inspections of businesses in the Thames Valley.

Brian is now responsible for the development and delivery of thought leadership and strategic policy direction for the Association and implementing substantive change through key stakeholder management at the highest level for British Marine and the UK leisure marine industry as a whole. He is also responsible for developing the research that British Marine produces to support the marine industry.

In his spare time, Brian is a keen DIYer, Spurs fan and supporter of his son’s football teams! You can follow Brian on Twitter here. 

Joanna joined British Marine in 2022 having previously managed a range of strategic programmes for Hampshire County Council and advised its Cabinet on its government relations.  She has always taken a close interest in public affairs having started her career working for Parliamentary Select Committees and over the next three decades worked as a communications and policy adviser for several senior MPs, including Government and Shadow Ministers.

However, Joanna’s passion has always been “on the water” and has a good understanding of its associated industries having grown up in Torbay’s hotel trade, from where she taught people of all ages to sail and secure their RYA qualifications.  A transatlantic sailor, with first-hand experience of the charter sector, Joanna continues to sail whenever she can, primarily racing on international one design Dragon keelboats.  

At British Marine, Joanna is focussed on supporting members by working its Head of Public Affairs to ensure the voice of the leisure marine industry is heard in Westminster and Whitehall and that British Marine continues to build positive engagement with key influencers and national decision-makers.

Adrien joined British Marine in 2019. Prior to this, he enjoyed working for a number of established marine brands including MDL Marinas, Gill and Oceanair (now Dometic). 

At British Marine, Adrien is responsible for the Association’s marketing communications. This includes all member and stakeholder communications and the promotion of prestigious events such as Southampton International Boat Show, London Luxury Afloat and the British Marine National Conference.

A keen leisure marine enthusiast, in his spare time Adrien enjoys spending time out on the water with his family and friends.

Emma joined British Marine in 2022.  Previously, she has worked in a number of communications roles, including at Lloyds Bank, Liverpool Victoria, Denplan and prior to joining British Marine she worked at the Royal Yachting Association for over 15 years.  Alongside her communications career Emma has also enjoyed time as a landlady, air hostess and whiskey rep!

At British Marine, Emma is responsible for all B2B and B2C communications including the Southampton International Boat Show, London Luxury Afloat and the BM national conference, the BM Magazine and our fortnightly e-newsletter, MarineTalk.

In her spare time Emma is a keen yacht sailor and has competed in both the Fastnet and Round the Island race. However, her great love is her cocker spaniel and can be found most days wandering the local beaches and around the New Forest with her pup.

Oliver joined British Marine in 2023. Previously, he worked for a Digital Marketing Agency heading up the Creative Department. Prior to agency life, he was Marketing Manager and Creative at Discovery Yachts.

At British Marine, Oliver is responsible for all B2B Marketing which includes print and digital channels, website, events and all B2B communications.

In his spare time, Oliver enjoys spending quality time with his wife and children, playing tennis, walking and partaking or photographing motorsport. Oliver is also a freelance photographer and designer specialising in marine, automotive and property.

Luke is responsible for driving the marketing campaigns for British Marine’s consumer events such as London Luxury Afloat and the Southampton International Boat Show. This includes creating, booking and tracking advertisements in print, digital, tv, radio and out of home, in addition to exploring marketing partnership opportunities with other businesses.

His background is in marketing, working for a large technology company in Germany, and a number of small, creative agencies in the UK to create a range of marketing materials, both B2B and B2C.

Outside of work, Luke is a big animal lover and enjoys being out in nature to spend time with them. Aside from animals, Luke also enjoys seeing live music and is known to be partial to the occasional skydive!

Chloe joined British Marine in 2023 as Marketing Coordinator. Prior to joining, Chloe was the Digital Marketing Officer at a popular health brand, encouraging children and families to create healthier lifestyles. Recently, she also graduated from Falmouth University where she studied Fashion Marketing.

As Marketing Coordinator at British Marine, Chloe is responsible for providing Marketing support for the whole team and more recently, she has started to manage our National Conference 2024.

In her spare time, she loves keeping fit and taking on new challenges for charity. She has raised over £3500 by cycling 300 miles for Cancer Research UK and swimming over 15K for Bone Cancer Research Trust. Chloe also enjoys spending time with her family, friends and her two Cockapoos.

Loretta joined British Marine in 2007 as a Sales Planner in the events team and over the years her role has evolved to become the Head of Sales within our Commercial Team.

Throughout this time Loretta has worked organising both the London Boat Show until 2018 and the Southampton International Boat Show, which she still thoroughly enjoys being part of today. Constantly looking to improve sales process’ Loretta now heads up the Commercial team who manage all our event sales and British Marine New Member acquisition.

She loves working with people, building relationships and improving service wherever possible. Outside of work, Loretta has two young children and spends a lot of time taxiing them to their hobbies! She loves to travel, unwind by the pool and maybe have a glass of wine (or two).

Erica joined British Marine in 2019. Previously she owned her own business called Life Charms, a gifting jewellery company which was sold in gift shops and garden centres in the UK, through trade shows, e-commence and sales agents. She also attended trade shows and met her customers face-to-face to sell her products.

At British Marine, Erica works in the Sales Account team to sell space and manage the administration for Southampton International Boat Show, and all other events including our British Marine National Conference. 

In her spare time, Erica enjoys DIY, circuit training and is an Advanced Scuba Diver. She tries to dive whenever she goes on holiday.  

Nicolene previously worked in the marine industry at Kelvin Hughes for 7 years and exhibited with them at many boat shows, she then joined a corporate company for a few years and realised how much she missed the marine industry so she is glad to be back doing something she's passionate about.

At British Marine Nicolene works in the Sales Account team supporting the team with administrative duties for The Southampton International Boat Show.

Nicolene loves spending time with her family, cooking and baking and in her spare time she teaches her children to bake too. She is passionate about charity work and has entered many race for life’s in Southampton and even wore her wedding dress to work once before to raise money for charity!

Carrie fell into the marine industry when she joined British Marine in the summer of 2022 on a short-term contract, and loved it that much, she decided to stay when she was offered a permanent position.

Carrie is responsible for sponsorship negotiations, relationship management and the key contact for all sponsor deliverables. Her role is varied, and she enjoys working with many people across our organisation as a result.

The other element of her role is project management, she currently project manages the Southampton International Boat Show and the British Marine National Conference, which gives great insight into all the incredible work the British Marine team do for our members.

On a personal note, Carrie lives on the South Coast in Warsash, with her husband Gray and their two dogs, Barney, and Doris (and her youngest daughter who just won’t move out!)

Carrie is a true Dolly Parton fan and loves being near or on the water and have been known to take a kayak out on a warm summers’ day!

David joined British Marine as a Regional Executive in 2019. His background has been predominantly in Design and Account Management. For the last 12 Years specifically Business Development in the Marine Industry - for significant brands such as North Sails, Lewmar and Selden Mast. 

He is enthusiastic about the use of waterborne craft and the Industry that makes it possible. He finds talking to New and Existing Members about what British Marine offer as a Trade body such a pleasure.

In particular David is extremely passionate about sailing and has achieved Multi National Championship wins and a World Championship title in Racing Dinghies. In addition several times winner of the coverted Endeavour - champions of champions event.

Mark joined British Marine in 2019. Previously, he worked for an array of events companies including IMG running events including Winter Wonderland, The Natural History Museum Ice Rink, The Big Feastival and Hampton Court Palace Festival. Prior to IMG, he was at Brand Events working on the likes of BBC Children In Need CarFest, Pub in the Park and Top Gear Live.

At British Marine, Mark is responsible for all UK and international events including the Southampton International Boat Show, British Marine National Conference and London Luxury Afloat, as well as being in charge of developing new event concepts for the future.

In his spare time, Mark enjoys spending time with his wife and daughters, playing football, cricket and running. Mark is also a keen supporter of AFC Bournemouth, Somerset CCC and Bath Rugby.

At British Marine Kimberley works as the Event Production Manager in the Operations team producing the Southampton International Boat Show.

In her spare time Kimberley spends time with her friends and flying to see her family abroad.

Prior to working for British Marine, William was a freelancer whilst studying and completing his course in event management at Solent University. After completing his university studies, William went on to pursue his passion for event management by taking a course in the field. Experienced in various sectors and contributed to many projects such as, Seaside In the Square, Elrow Horroween, Southampton Marathon, Winchester Marathon, Labyrinth, Mela Festival, Venturefest and pedestrianisation of Bedford Place. 

He then joined British Marine in May 2022 as the operations executive assisting with the organisation of Southampton International Boat, National Conference, London Luxury Afloat and some International Events.

Events extends beyond his professional career as in his spare time, William enjoys attending social events with friends, cooking, reading books and travelling to different countries.

Ella joined British Marine in 2023 as an Events Assistant after recently graduating with a Geography degree. Previously she worked at Marwell Zoo, supporting a variety of events including BRICKOSAURS! Evolution and Glow Marwell.

At British Marine, Ella works on multiple international events including the Monaco Yacht Show, METSTRADE and boot Düsseldorf. She also supports the delivery of ticketing campaigns across the entire British Marine Events Portfolio.

In her spare time, Ella enjoys supporting Charity Fun Days at Marwell and catching up with some old friends (especially the giraffes). She also loves spending time with her friends, baking and travelling.

Earle joined British Marine at the beginning of 2020.  His previous career started in corporate finance working for the Danish Group ISS before moving into the Oil and Gas sector.  From there he successfully transitioned into the SME space with the marine engineering firm Burgess Marine where he oversaw high profile projects including two significant superyacht refits.

Earle is an executive main board member for British Marine and is responsible for the groups Finance, IT and Property departments and works closely with the Finance Audit and Risk committee.  He is a qualified accountant and holds an MBA in Strategic Leadership from Portsmouth University.

Outside of work, Earle is a keen tennis player and whilst living on the Isle of Wight enjoys being on, in or under the water at every opportunity.

Coming Soon

Nicki joined British Marine in 2022.  Prior to this, Nicki worked for many years in legal cashiering and was also part of a purchase ledger team for a national housing association.

Nicki is responsible for the processing of supplier invoices, credit control and direct debits.

In her spare time, Nicki enjoys spending time with her husband and children, attending live music events and travelling abroad.

Callum joined British Marine as an Accounts Assistant in 2021 having previously worked in finance for a few companies whilst studying for his AAT. He has since progressed into the Junior Management Accountant role whilst undertaking the ACCA qualification to become an accountant.

Currently he is responsible for producing the monthly management accounts for the company and the other month end tasks involved in this. This mean communicating with the various different areas of the organisation.

Outside of work & studying, he enjoys spending time with friends and family and is a big football fan and supporter of Manchester United.