Compere - Emma York - Founder Fresh Approach Digital

Emma is an award-winning presenter, speaker, trainer and digital communications specialist who helps businesses and individuals build confidence, visibility and impact online. As Founder of Fresh Approach Digital, she works with organisations across a range of sectors, delivering practical social media training, digital strategy and communications support that enables teams to grow their presence and connect more effectively with their audiences.

Known for her engaging and approachable style, Emma specialises in translating complex digital trends into actionable insights, helping businesses navigate the ever-changing online landscape. Her work spans one-to-one coaching, group training, event presenting, public speaking, content creation and digital communications audits, always with a focus on empowering people with the skills and confidence to succeed.

Alongside her digital consultancy work, Emma has developed a strong reputation within the leisure marine sector, where she combines her professional expertise with a genuine passion for life on the water. As a sailing content creator, commentator and industry advocate, she shares stories that celebrate the people, businesses and experiences that make the marine community unique.

Emma is also committed to supporting the next generation of professionals and regularly volunteers her time as a mentor through organisations including The Magenta Project and Digital Boost. Through these roles, she helps individuals develop their skills, build confidence and unlock new career opportunities.

Her contribution to the marine industry and wider business community has been recognised through several accolades, including being named British Marine Trades Association Personality of the Year. Whether presenting on stage, delivering training sessions or creating content, Emma is passionate about helping people communicate more effectively, embrace digital opportunities and make a meaningful impact both online and offline.

Anisha Roberts - Manufacturing technician, Williams Jet Tenders

Anisah is a passionate advocate for skills development and new talent within the marine and manufacturing industries. Currently working as a Manufacturing Technician at Williams Jet Tenders, Anisah completed her Level 3 Engineering Technician Apprenticeship after making a successful career transition from her previous role as a Teaching Assistant into engineering 4.5 years ago.

Since entering the industry, she has become widely recognised for her commitment to helping address the engineering skills gap, regularly attending careers events and visiting schools to promote apprenticeships and careers in STEM. She is particularly passionate about encouraging people to consider career changes later in life, firmly believing in the importance of visibility and representation, often referencing the phrase: “You can’t be what you can’t see.”

Anisah was named the inaugural British Marine Apprentice of the Year in recognition of her achievements and dedication to the sector. She has also spoken at the House of Commons on behalf of the Enginuity Alliance, supporting industry efforts to tackle the skills shortage in manufacturing and engineering.

At Williams Jet Tenders, Anisah works within the manufacturing engineering team, focusing on the integration of new mould tooling and supporting international collaboration projects across Slovenia and China. She thrives on continuous learning, technical development, and helping others see the opportunities available within engineering and manufacturing careers.

A proud mother of two, Anisah is especially motivated by inspiring the next generation, with both of her children now expressing an interest in STEM careers following her own career change journey.

Erin Smith - Sales Account Executive, British Marine

Erin began her marine industry career working as yacht crew in the Mediterranean while studying International Event Management at university, before progressing into a full-time stewardess role aboard a 90m sailing yacht. Her time at sea gave her firsthand experience of the superyacht industry, travelling extensively around the world and developing a strong passion for life and careers on the water.

During her years as crew, Erin experienced many memorable highlights, including Atlantic crossings, transiting the Panama Canal, attending the Monaco Grand Prix, and witnessing incredible wildlife moments such as spotting a super pod of dolphins from the crow’s nest off the coast of Costa Rica. She thrived on the fast-paced and varied nature of yacht life, gaining valuable insight into the realities, opportunities and rewards of working within the superyacht sector.

Following her time at sea and completion of her degree, Erin moved ashore and spent three years delivering large-scale conferences and events across Europe and the USA, before returning to the marine industry in her current role as a Sales Account Executive at British Marine.

Today, Erin combines her superyacht crew experience with her events background to support major industry events including the Southampton International Boat Show. She is passionate about sharing honest insight into yacht crew life, highlighting the opportunities available within the sector, and encouraging more people to consider careers within the marine industry.

Lucy Goff - Co-Founder & Partner, Ocean Legal

Lucy is a leading marine lawyer and Co-Founder of Ocean Legal, specialising in the sale, purchase, construction and ownership of yachts and superyachts. Working with clients internationally, she advises individuals, businesses and industry professionals across all aspects of yacht transactions, commercial contracts and dispute resolution, bringing a unique combination of legal expertise and practical industry understanding.

Recognised as a Rising Star in the 2024 Legal 500 and a Leading Associate in the 2025 edition, Lucy has built a reputation for delivering commercially focused advice and finding creative solutions to complex challenges. Her work spans yacht sales and acquisitions, new build projects, refits, ownership structures, VAT planning, marine finance, charter operations, race teams and sponsorship agreements.

Alongside her transactional work, Lucy supports a wide range of marine businesses, helping to develop commercial contracts and terms of business for brokers, manufacturers, charter operators, repair yards, crew agencies, naval architects and suppliers. She also has extensive experience handling disputes across the leisure marine sector, including marine insurance claims, collisions, yacht casualties, refit disputes, mortgage enforcement and vessel arrests.

Lucy’s recent experience includes advising on numerous yacht and superyacht transactions, supporting Vendée Globe campaign projects, representing management companies on vessel acquisitions and financing, and successfully handling high-profile litigation and dispute resolution matters across the industry.

Beyond her legal practice, Lucy is a passionate sailor with a lifelong connection to the water. Her firsthand experience of boating and racing enables her to understand the realities faced by yacht owners, operators and marine businesses, allowing her to provide practical, tailored advice that reflects the unique challenges of the marine sector.

Through her work at Ocean Legal, Lucy is committed to supporting the growth and professionalism of the marine industry while helping clients navigate the opportunities and complexities of life on the water.

Sophie Kemp - Sailing Yacht Broker, Berthon

Sophie has built her career around a passion for offshore sailing and life on the water, combining professional expertise with firsthand bluewater cruising experience. Now a Sailing Yacht Broker at Berthon International, Sophie specialises in bluewater cruising yachts and brings nearly a decade of industry experience alongside a genuine understanding of long-distance sailing life.

Although her love of the sea did not come naturally, Sophie was introduced to sailing as a child aboard her grandparents’ Sadler 40 while cruising in Spain and the Balearics. What initially began with nerves and uncertainty soon developed into a lifelong passion for being afloat and pursuing a career within the marine industry.

Growing up in South West London, Sophie went on to study Navigation and Maritime Science at Plymouth University, where she further developed her sailing and navigational skills, including completing an Atlantic crossing during her studies. After graduating, she joined the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC) in 2015, spending four months cruising the Caribbean before securing a role with Berthon International via a Skype interview from the British Virgin Islands.

Since joining Berthon’s Lymington headquarters in 2016, Sophie has become highly regarded for her expertise in bluewater cruising yachts and her authentic understanding of offshore sailing. From discussing passage planning and liveaboard cruising to balancing family life on the water, she brings a relatable and practical perspective to the industry, with her son completing his first Channel crossing at just four months old.