Gareth Stephens is Head of Business Boating and Waterside Moorings for the Canal & River Trust and leads on all commercial boating and property management. Gareth has worked for the Trust in a variety of operational and leadership roles over the last 20 years and prior to that managed a coastal marina and boatyard operation. 

He has a MSc in Commercial Real Estate and is a Certificated Marina Manager.

Head of Boating and Customer Service, Canal & River Trust Matthew has been with the Canal & River Trust for over 13 years, holding a variety of roles within the boating team. As Head of Boating and Customer Service, he oversees a broad portfolio including boat licensing, enforcement, boater engagement, and the Trust’s customer service operations. Most recently, Matthew has led the development and rollout of the Trust’s Better Boating Plan, a key initiative aimed at improving the experience for boaters across the network. His deep understanding of the sector, combined with a commitment to continuous improvement, makes him a leading voice in shaping the future of boating in the UK. A regular and much-valued presence at our events, shows, and conferences, Matthew brings insight, experience, and a strong connection to the marine community every time he joins us.

Bill Jephson is Deputy Director responsible for the operational delivery of navigation at the Environment Agency. He joined the organisation in April 2025, following a short break after retiring from policing, where he served for 34 years and concluded his career as Deputy Chief Constable of Hertfordshire Constabulary.

While he looks back with great pride on what policing has achieved and a career he greatly valued, his focus is now firmly on the future of navigation at the Environment Agency. He is passionate about the role those working across navigation on the River Thames can play in shaping the strategy for the years ahead and looks forward to working closely with stakeholders and partners to support its future success.

Kacey is a New Business Executive at Haven Knox-Johnston Commercial, where she helps clients find the right solutions for their commercial insurance requirements within the ever-changing marine industry.

Now almost four years into her insurance career, she has gained valuable experience not only in insurance but also in understanding the challenges business owners face when arranging their policies, particularly the financial pressures involved. As a young, female and neurodiverse broker, she brings a fresh perspective to the sector.

She works closely with each client to ensure they feel supported and secure and genuinely understand the cover they are paying for. Working in the marine industry is stressful enough; insurance should not add to that burden.

Since joining the marine sector a year ago, she has developed a deep passion for keeping the waterways flowing. A key focus is helping to bring the next generation of people into the industry, particularly by attracting young, female and neurodiverse talent and demonstrating that this community is both accessible and well worth being part of.

Kit is a Chartered Surveyor and Business Rates specialist with over ten years' experience in rating valuation and negotiating appeals. Much of his career has been spent advising inland marina operators – including successfully representing the occupier in the only marina rating appeal to be heard by the Valuation Tribunal nationally in the past 15 years, achieving a near 50% reduction in Rateable Value. Based in the South West, Kit works with businesses across the UK to ensure they pay no more than their fair share of Business Rates.

Amanda, BA (Hons) MSc FRICS, is a Director in Savills Leisure Division, responsible for undertaking Red Book valuations and appraisals for all aspects of leisure and trading businesses within the UK and abroad.

With over 15 years of experience in the industry, Amanda undertakes valuations and strategic advice for secured lending, accounts, estate strategy, taxation and a variety of other purposes.  Her experience in the sector has led to her appointment as an expert witness in court and arbitration matters.  Amanda has provided valuations for a number of the main marina operators in the UK.  Prior to joining Savills, Amanda was employed by local property consultants in Oxford and also worked for the Valuation Office Agency where she undertook asset valuations for government departments and specialised in taxation valuations.

Kay, MRICS, is a Director in Savills Leisure Division, concentrating on the sale and acquisition of leisure and trade-related property in the UK and abroad with more than 20 years of experience in the sector.

She is experienced in dealing with marinas, holiday caravan and mobile home parks, golf courses, visitor attractions, garden centres, health and fitness clubs, shooting schools and airfields.  Kay also heads up the team’s marketing committee and has strong skills in digital marketing and social media.  Kay has regular contact with the leading marina operators in the UK and through her involvement in a number of marina property sales she has developed an in-depth understanding of the sector.