Energising Britain's Waterways!

Dr Paul Collins is a historian, industrial archaeologist, writer, and broadcaster with a lifelong passion for transport and the Black Country’s heritage. The author of 23 books and numerous articles, Paul has lectured at Birmingham University, worked as a conservation officer, and now serves as a Resilience Contractor at Aldridge Transport Museum. He is also a familiar voice on Black Country Radio, where he presents Black Country Week, Black Country Matters, and The 70s & 80s Show.

Matthew is Head of Boating and Customer Service at the Canal & River Trust, where he oversees boat licensing, enforcement, boater engagement, and customer service operations. Having spent over 13 years with the Trust in various boating roles, he brings extensive experience and insight into the sector. Most recently, he led the development and rollout of the Trust’s Better Boating Plan, enhancing the experience for boaters across the network. Matthew is a regular contributor at industry events and conferences, known for his collaborative approach and commitment to improving boating in the UK.

Campbell became Chief Executive of the Canal & River Trust in early October 2025, bringing over two decades of leadership experience across the charity and public sectors. Before joining the Trust, he spent six years leading the social justice charity Nacro, following roles as Chief Executive of the Joseph Rowntree Foundation and Housing Trust, and of Shelter, where he guided both organisations through significant transformation. Earlier in his career, Campbell served as Director General of the Office of the Third Sector, Adviser to HM Treasury, and Director of Public Policy at NCVO. He brings a deep commitment to social impact, community engagement, and environmental stewardship across the UK’s waterways.

Dr Peter Mansi PhD EngTech FIFireE MCSFS FFireInv MIAAI IAAI-CFI IAAI-ECT

Fire Investigation Specialist | Former London Fire Brigade Borough Commander | Internationally Certified Fire Investigator

Dr Peter Mansi is a leading fire investigation expert with over 30 years of operational and investigative experience. A Fellow of the Institution of Fire Engineers and Life Member of the IAAI and UK-AFI, he has played key roles in many of the UK’s most significant fire investigations, including Grenfell Tower, the Cutty Sark, and the Great Fire of London cold case. Peter is dedicated to advancing systematic, evidence-based fire investigation methodologies and improving global investigative standards.

Gareth Stephens is Head of Business Boating and Waterside Moorings at the Canal & River Trust, leading on all aspects of commercial boating and property management. With over 20 years at the Trust in operational and leadership roles — and previous experience managing a coastal marina and boatyard — Gareth brings deep expertise in both inland and coastal boating operations. He holds an MSc in Commercial Real Estate and is a Certificated Marina Manager, combining professional insight with a lifelong passion for the waterways.

John Packman is Chief Executive of the Broads Authority and a geographer and town planner by background. Since his appointment in 2001, he has led significant transformation, including acquiring May Gurney’s dredging operation, securing a Private Bill through Parliament to improve public safety, and delivering multiple European projects. Previously, John held senior roles in local government and academia including at Brighton & Hove City Council, Norfolk County Council, and the Ministry of Works and Development in New Zealand. He also serves as the National Parks’ lead Chief Executive for Communications and IT and is a trustee of Future Projects. As he prepares to retire in 2026, John remains focused on key priorities for the Broads: tackling climate change, promoting biodiversity, and ensuring the area’s long-term sustainability.

Karen Roebuck is the Visit Thames Project Manager and a highly experienced tourism professional with over 30 years in destination marketing and partnership development. As Head of Marketing at Tourism South East, she has led numerous domestic, international, and government-funded tourism initiatives — including recovery campaigns following severe flooding along the Thames.

Karen has worked with destinations along the River Thames since the early 1990s and was one of the founding partners of the Thames Marketing Partnership, collaborating with the Environment Agency, British Marine, and Thames Path National Trail to unite businesses along the river. She has managed the Visit Thames website since 2013, overseeing all marketing and PR, and recently led its successful relaunch to strengthen the Thames’ profile as a leading visitor destination.

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 as Head of Technical Services 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.

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.

At British Marine, as External Relations Manager, 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.

Manj joined British Marine in January of 2022, as Head of Training 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.

In his role 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.

Member Services Director 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.

Jon joined British Marine in 2014 as General Manager 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.