British Marine’s Marine Trades Association
British Marine’s Marine Trades Association (MTA) represents an increasingly diverse membership of both businesses and individual members; from retailers, distributors and manufacturers through to specialist services such as marketing and logistics. We meet both Paul Martin, the outgoing Chair and Ben Taylor, the incoming Chair to understand more about this association, and discover its vision for the future…
How did the Marine Trades Association come about?
Paul: No one can actually remember, but I believe The Marine Trades Association began in the 1960s, and was as an independent organisation, set-up predominantly for, and by, the main distributors of marine products in the UK in order to represent their views and the industry as a whole. They hosted a number of events, including their own marine trade show, which ran separately to British Marine’s own boat shows.
Later, the MTA was brought within the British Marine framework and became an association.
Where does the MTA fit today?
Paul: The MTA’s fundamental remit is to represent and promote business-to-business relationships within the marine industry. Initially, the membership was predominantly leisure marine retailers and distributors, but over time the MTA has expanded to become a welcoming home for businesses and professionals who don’t easily ‘fit’ into other associations within British Marine. In effect, the association has evolved from being mainly ‘trade’ members in the traditional ‘commerce’ sense of the word, to comprising a much wider cross-section of businesses and services.
While other associations within British Marine – the Electrical and Electronics Association or the Propulsion and Equipment Association, for example - cater to more specific skilled sub-sectors and are well-positioned to offer technical backup, access to data and so on, in contrast, the MTA comprises a cross-industry network which provides a platform from which a very broad range of business partnerships are able to develop.
What are the benefits of being an MTA member?
Ben: Currently, we have 209 members, many of which are SMEs. We also have an increasing number of members who are setting up their businesses as individuals. The MTA provides a support network for those businesses and individuals, enabling them to come together through events to discuss and identify issues to raise with the British Marine Council and receive feedback, as well as to exchange ideas, form business relationships, and ultimately, create a stronger industry.
Although the nature of our members’ businesses is undoubtedly wide-ranging - from manufacture, retail, distribution to various professional services - the challenges they encounter often go beyond marine-specific issues; for example, understanding how to maximise marketing and communications; implementing new online management systems, etc. There are also implications of wider regulatory and political decisions that can have significant impact.
The MTA provides a unique and supportive network that helps members tackle these challenges within the specific context of the leisure marine industry. It’s a highly collaborative community, with members readily sharing knowledge to support each other.
Paul, what has changed during your recent tenure as Chair?
Paul: For me this was my second tenure as Chair. The diversity of our current membership initially made it difficult to set goals, but I felt it was important for us to see our diversity as a strength. In recognising this, the committee has worked hard to ensure a flexible approach to its activities, and in much the same way as our membership base has evolved, our approach has also been open to change.
I felt that developing our meetings and events would best serve the needs of our members, as they are a crucial part of what we do in enabling networking opportunities. Since covid, we’ve worked hard to strike a balance between online and in-person gatherings. Online meetings ensure time efficiency, while in-person events foster more dynamic interactions, creating space for spontaneous ideas and stronger connections. This balance is key to keeping our members engaged and providing them with the flexibility and value they need.
We understand many businesses and individuals are time-poor and that can make attendance a challenge; however, I know from personal experience that those who do attend often walk away with fresh ideas on best practice that can bring significant long-term benefits to their business. Members who fully engage gain the most from these events, from insights into industry updates and emerging trends to new knowledge about regulations.
We encourage members to take part as much as possible, as each event is an opportunity to connect, learn and stay ahead.
The MTA events calendar has changed quite a bit. Talk us through that…?
Paul: It has! Over the last few years, we have strategically re-evaluated which events we run. Large scale, one-off B2B events such as the Marine Trade Expo weren’t viable in the immediate wake of the pandemic. In re-directing our focus towards events that were more engaging and practical, we introduced Trade Tuesday at Southampton International Boat Show – a joint networking and learning opportunity which is now in its third year. This blended format has been extremely well received and reflects our commitment to adapting to members' needs in ways that deliver lasting value.
Recognising that partnerships can enhance resources and opportunities, we have proactively collaborated with other British Marine associations; for example, with British Marine South and the Professional Services Association, we co-hosted an event in spring 2024, which benefited our members on many levels and which we are looking forward to building on as the new Coastal Conference in 2025.
The MTA Awards is our most long-standing event, which is now held on the eve of Seawork and is exceptionally well-supported; this is an important opportunity to celebrate the achievements of our members, recognise success in the industry and acknowledge deserving individuals, and is always a calendar highlight and great fun.
Going forwards, I know Ben and the committee have some exciting plans to further build on these events.
Ben, what plans do you have as you take over as Chair?
Ben: As Paul mentions, building on the success of these key events and continuing to provide those networking opportunities for members is foremost.
Tied into that is a need for effective communication with our members around these and other networking opportunities, raising awareness of the wealth of knowledge that the MTA membership collectively offers, and encouraging members to engage with that. We are therefore looking at building a comprehensive databank and are reviewing our member communications.
We will also be placing more focus onto our knowledge of international markets. As part of our continuing support for members post-Brexit landscape, the MTA will be giving greater consideration to emerging marine markets including Europe, US and Middle Eastern supporting members in exploring opportunities in those areas.
What would you say to a business or individual who is considering joining the MTA?
Ben: The MTA has evolved significantly over the years, but its main mission remains: to bring people together to create a supportive business network and provide a voice within the industry. By becoming a member of the MTA, you gain a highly knowledgeable community that’s ready to support you.
And particularly for those starting out or trying to establish a foothold in the marine sector, the MTA is a great place to look as its members are drawn from many areas of the industry.
In my experience, the value of the MTA lies in the opportunities to make those face-to-face contacts. It provides a space where you can make direct contacts, share advice, and even establish a supply chain to support your growth. Being able to speak directly with experienced professionals, tap into marketing or operational resources, and learn from each other’s experiences is priceless.
Are there any other opportunities for involvement?
Ben: As a committee, we are always looking for new members. If you’re interested in having a greater involvement in discussions, helping determine issues to raise to Council, and shaping the future of the MTA and the wider leisure marine industry, then do consider joining. There are a lot of people who are very passionate about the industry who want to see it succeed already on the committee, but we’d like to welcome more, particularly those who bring different skill sets and experience.
If you’d like to find out more about joining the committee, or about the MTA in general, contact Ben at: ben@taylormedia.uk
Marine Trades Association
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About Ben Taylor
Incoming Chair of the Marine Trade Association, Ben Taylor is the Founder/Director of Taylor Media and a recognised industry figurehead, having built an international network of influential leaders across the global boating sector.
Through keynote speaking and presenting roles, Ben creates compelling influencer marketing content, driving brand engagement across major marine events and platforms.
His work spans collaborations with organisations like METSTRADE, ICOMIA, and many of the world’s leading shipyards, boatbuilders, and supply chain brands. Ben has sat on the MTA committee since 2021 with a particular involvement in communications and events.
About Paul Martin
Paul Martin has been Chair of the Marine Trades Association since 2022, his second tenure of the role in a 10-year period as an MTA committee member; he also sits as a Director on the British Marine Board.
Paul is currently Associate Director for First Peninsula Marine – a specialist marine sales and acquisitions consultancy.
Having spent more than 30 years previously as MD of his family-owned business, BHG Marine, Paul’s passion and understanding of the leisure marine industry is deep-rooted.
About British Marine Associations
British Marine has 22 associations that members are able to join as part of their membership. The associations exist to communicate and bring together our members based on their geographical location or business interests.
As a British Marine member, you are automatically eligible to join one of our nine regional associations and one of our 13 sector specific associations that best represent your business interests. Depending on your membership package, you may be eligible to join more than one association. Alternatively, there is always the opportunity to join additional group associations, subject to a small additional charge.
Each association provides you with exclusive access to a multitude of networking opportunities whether that is at a regional level or with likeminded businesses in your own sector of the industry. You can discuss current challenges and barriers with your peers, work together on projects and initiatives to drive progress for our industry, or bring forward common issues that British Marine will then lobby for you on a national level.