27 May 2025
The Professional Services Association’s annual CPD Day, took place on Tuesday 20 May at the Royal Southern Yacht Club in Hamble and was met with widespread acclaim, bringing together a broad cross-section of marine industry professionals for a day packed with informative sessions, legal updates, technical insights, and strategic discussions.
The day opened with a warm welcome from Malcolm Stewart of Haven Knox-Johnston Commercial, setting the stage for a productive and forward-thinking event.
The morning continued with an engaging presentation from Adrien Burnand, Director of Marketing and Special Projects at British Marine, who provided a comprehensive update on British Marine's future. His session covered key topics such as membership development, upcoming training opportunities, the new layout for the Southampton International Boat Show, and the evolving Individual Membership proposition, offering attendees valuable insight into the association’s direction and member-focused initiatives.
Following this, Joanna Richardson, Senior Public Affairs & Policy Executive at British Marine, addressed the current landscape of trade tariffs and the Maritime Decarbonisation Strategy. She highlighted relevant government consultations and encouraged members to engage with forthcoming webinars and evidence calls that will shape the industry’s future.
A key legal session followed, presented by Lou Fuller of Blake Morgan LLP, which was delivered in two informative parts:
- Part 1 provided an essential update on Insurance and Maritime Law
- Part 2 focused on Brokerage, offering clarity on legal considerations within brokerage agreements and practices
After a brief break, Joe Francis of PKF Francis Clark delivered a much-anticipated VAT & Customs Marine Update, helping attendees navigate current regulations and compliance matters. This was followed by an Insurance Update from Keith Lovett of Stoneways Marine Insurance Services Ltd, who shared valuable insights into the current insurance landscape affecting the marine industry.
A networking lunch provided the opportunity for attendees to connect, reflect on the morning’s content, and share professional experiences.
The afternoon resumed with a Marketing Update from Paul Knox-Johnston of Haven Knox-Johnston and Lyndsay McClay from Seadrake Consulting, focusing on branding, outreach strategies, and marketing best practices tailored to the marine services sector.
Next, Ed Tuite, Head of Technical Services at British Marine, gave a detailed Technical Update, including developments in the Sport and Pleasure Code and emerging industry standards.
Catriona Boyd of Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP then took the stage to discuss Casualty Response – Protecting Interests, covering the legal procedures involved in marine investigations and liability limitations.
The event concluded with a panel discussion hosted by Sarah Allen, also from Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP, examining recent incidents, lessons learned, and risk management strategies. This session prompted valuable dialogue among delegates and served as a fitting close to a content-rich day.
Following closing remarks and expressions of thanks, the day ended with Networking Drinks, allowing attendees to wind down and reflect on the day’s insights in the relaxed and picturesque setting of the Royal Southern Yacht Club in Hamble.
What the attendees said
- “Great opportunity to network with people within the industry.”
- “A lovely relaxed setting where questions could be answered, but all speakers did well to explain everything they were talking about so there was no need for additional questions to be asked. Drinks afterwards were good to allow people to network.”
- “Great line up of relevant topics to my sector, such as VAT and brokerage contract.”
- “Lots of opportunities to network, interesting speakers and topics covered.”
- “Many thanks for organising a great event. I thoroughly enjoyed it.”
- “A superb day at The Royal Southern Yacht Club for the British Marine Professional Services Association CPD Day. I learnt a lot from the many great speakers, met some lovely new connections and am looking forward to attending future British Marine events!”
- “British Marine CPD Day at the beautifully located The Royal Southern Yacht Club on The Hamble. A really useful, informative and dare I say fun day with colleagues old and new. Lovely to see so many faces.”
- “A great opportunity to connect with industry peers and stay ahead of the curve as we navigate the evolving landscape of the marine sector.”
- “Great event and well attended. Good Job everyone involved.”
