Celebrating 2024 successes and looking ahead to 2025
As we approach the end of another busy year, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your continued support and to reflect on some of the achievements we’ve accomplished together in 2024.
This year has been one of progress and collaboration, marked by milestones that highlight the strength and resilience of our industry. These successes not only showcase what we can achieve together but also lay a solid foundation for the year ahead in 2025.
Celebrating our achievements
This year, training has remained a focus for British Marine. Expanding our OFQUAL scope to include Marine Electrician and Surface Finisher qualifications has been a significant step forward in addressing skill shortages and enabling us to help upskill the next generation. We ran two of the new joint ABYA Academy and British Marine Practical Yacht Brokerage courses, which sold out in record time, and also five marina manager courses, both of which are clear testament to the strong demand for training courses and the appetite for professional growth in our sector.
Collaborating with ABYA to raise standards and provide meaningful training opportunities has been an incredibly positive step. This momentum is further reflected in the new strategic alliance between ABYA and the British Marine Boat Retailers and Brokers Association (BRBA). By pooling resources, lobbying on key issues like VAT compliance or broker client accounts, and by sharing knowledge, we’re driving standards up and costs down in the brokerage sector.
We were also delighted to welcome the introduction of the inaugural British Marine Apprentice of the Year Award. This initiative provided a fantastic platform to celebrate and spotlight the emerging talent that will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our industry – with Anisha Roberts, from Williams Jet Tenders, being our first recipient. It is inspiring to see the next generation being recognised for their contributions and potential.
We have also made significant strides in advocacy throughout the year, reflecting our commitment to keeping members informed and supported as they navigate evolving regulations and standards. One notable success was securing an exemption for boat moorings from Scotland’s Visitor Levy, a prime example of how British Marine fights for its members’ interests.
While more recently, we have been working on behalf of members to address the Government’s proposed changes to Inheritance Tax. Alongside Family Business UK and other organisations, we are urging the Chancellor to reconsider plans that would drastically cut Business Property Relief (BPR) and Agricultural Property Relief (APR). The proposed reforms could have devastating consequences for family-run marine businesses, forcing asset-rich but cash-poor enterprises to sell parts of their operations simply to meet the tax burden.
We are lobbying the Government for a formal consultation and encouraging members to engage with their MPs to amplify our collective voice.
On the sustainability front, the launch of our Decarbonisation Hub, has already started equipping members with resources to lower emissions and navigate the transition to net zero. Hosting the ISO plenary week in Southampton, with its focus on electric propulsion systems and sustainability standards, demonstrated how we’re leading the charge in futureproofing our industry.
The Southampton International Boat Show once again proved to be key highlight of the year, showcasing the vitality of our sector. Over 100,000 visitors attended, and more than 10,000 enjoyed on-water activities. The redesigned marina layout was a great success, with its zonal approach, making it easier than ever for visitors to explore over 350 vessels. While the presence of HRH Princess Anne further elevated the show, shining a national spotlight on the importance of the marine industry.
We have also placed a strong emphasis on networking and events and throughout the year we prioritised creating opportunities for networking and knowledge-sharing, with a focus on expanding the range of events available to members, whether regional or sector-specific. A series of targeted initiatives, including the PSA Walk, MTA/PSA Coastal Workshop, Trade Tuesday, and the Inland Conference, proved highly popular, with all events oversubscribed, have helped strengthened our community and fostered greater collaboration among members.
To support this focus, we also have restructured our membership team to better align with the needs of our members and enhance the delivery of these valuable events.
Looking ahead to 2025
Looking ahead to 2025, we are setting ambitious goals across all areas of the business, building on the strong momentum from 2024.
Training remains a top priority, and we are focusing on developing a training strategy which will support the industry’s evolving needs.
A key tenet of this will be the launch of new online courses designed to support onboarding and skill development for both new and existing staff. These courses will play a key role in helping businesses retain top talent and maintain operational excellence. We also plan to launch a new certification pathway for Brokers, which will help raise standards across the sector. Additionally, we are seeking funding from Crown Estates Scotland to conduct a comprehensive review of our sectors training provision in Scotland, which will help us identify areas for improvement and growth.
Sustainability remains pivotal in our priorities for 2025. Further advancing our decarbonisation program, we will be working closely with industry stakeholders to identify and deliver the data, tools, and resources businesses need to stay on track toward the 2050 net zero targets.
The Internationally led Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) project will build on the findings of this year’s Ricardo/ICOMIA report, setting a global benchmark for reducing environmental impact and will empower us to advocate effectively with regulators, guiding them towards policy choices that support our industry’s decarbonisation goals. We’ll also remain committed to influencing the development of upcoming regulations, such as the new Sport and Pleasure Vessel Code to ensure these regulations are well-designed to support industry growth without compromising safety or quality standards.
Our flagship event, the Southampton International Boat Show (SIBS), will see further enhancements in 2025.
Following the success of this year’s marina redesign, we’ll turn our attention to the land-based areas, creating dynamic spaces that facilitate purchasing, learning, and entertainment, such as a new Academy Hub offering advice, products, and services for boating newcomers. We will be relocating the Watersports Zone to the waterfront area to allow for more trials and demonstrations which will really grab visitor attention and offer a range of fully hands-on, immersive experiences. These developments come in response to a trend in consumer demand for more experiential activities.
Finally, enhancing member networking opportunities remains a top priority in 2025, building on the success of our existing events and introducing new ones. At SIBS2025, we’ll be expanding Trade Tuesday, collaborating closely with manufacturers and distributors to ensure we highlight the best of what the industry has to offer.
In addition, our event calendar is packed with a range of networking opportunities designed to cater to different segments of our membership. From the PSA Marine Mixer in January and the SYUK Technical Seminar in March, with its new London location of the Union Jack Club and new additional networking dinner, to the Coastal Conference in April, MTA Awards and Dinner in June and the increasingly popular Inland Conference in November, as well as various drop-in clinics and webinars (red diesel with HMRC, industry priorities and government relations and ICOMIA’s ‘Pathways to Propulsion Decarbonisation’ Report webinars) throughout the year, we aim to provide platforms for members to connect, share insights, and explore new business opportunities.
The full 2025 calendar is available to view at www.britishmarine.co.uk/events-and-courses
Embracing Industry Trends
In 2025, several key trends and shifts are poised to shape the marine industry, offering both opportunities and challenges.
The industry will continue to see a shift towards more sustainable propulsion solutions. As consumer awareness of environmental issues grows, we anticipate an increasing demand for greener, more efficient technologies. The challenge will be balancing innovation with cost, particularly as the cost of living remains a significant factor influencing consumer behaviour. Preserving our waterways, improving water quality, and enhancing infrastructure will also be central themes.
In training, we expect new international markets, such as Saudi Arabia, to present exciting opportunities for delivering our Marina Manager courses and other training programmes. As these regions invest in developing their marine sectors, the delivery of high-quality training could play a key role in raising industry standards globally.
Meanwhile, as overseas package holidays become increasingly more expensive, UK boating holidays are poised to gain more popularity for their cost-effectiveness, short-break appeal, and pet-friendly options.
Events, such as the boat show, will continue to play a pivotal role in connecting the industry with its audience. Interactive experiences, such as on-water activities and demonstrations, will be instrumental in introducing more people to the joys of boating. This trend underscores the importance of delivering immersive, family-friendly, and cost-effective experiences that resonate with a diverse audience.
The industry will need to work harder to attract newcomers and retain existing boaters, particularly in the face of competition from other leisure activities. By proactively embracing emerging trends and evolving consumer preferences, the sector can effectively navigate these changes, fostering sustainable growth and long-term resilience in 2025 and beyond.
A Message for 2025
We, like many of you, remain mindful of the current challenges facing our sector. I want to reassure you that, no matter the challenges you face, you don’t have to face them alone.
The expert team at British Marine are on hand to provide advice, guidance, and advocacy, ensuring the views and rights of our sector are well-represented and taken into consideration.
As we look ahead to the new year, my message to you, our valued members, is clear: please get involved and maximise the value of your British Marine membership. We are here to support you, but the benefits you gain depend on your level of engagement. Attend our events, join our committees or member drop-ins, and take advantage of the training and networking opportunities available.
And don’t forget, the Southampton International Boat Show is your show—run by the industry, for the industry. Mark your calendars (19–28 September) and join us as an exhibitor, sponsor, or visitor. Let’s work together to make it another unforgettable event.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
On behalf of myself and the team at British Marine, I would like to thank you all for your continuous support. Together, we’re building a stronger, more vibrant community.
Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Lesley