8 October 2026
Sarah Wallbank invited to support international relationships, collaboration and opportunities for the UK leisure marine sector
British Marine is strengthening its international engagement with the introduction of a new Global Partnerships Ambassador role, designed to help build relationships, identify opportunities for collaboration and strengthen connections between the UK leisure marine sector and international markets.
Experienced marine industry leader Sarah Wallbank has been invited to take on the non-executive ambassadorial role, drawing on her extensive international network and experience across the marine, trade and export sectors.
Sarah is Chief Executive Officer of August Race, the marine care brand behind the Oceans Assured™ sustainability initiative. Alongside this role, she serves on the Trade & Market Intelligence Committee and as Co-Chair of the Diversity Committee at the International Council of Marine Industry Associations (ICOMIA). She is also a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Export & International Trade.
Working alongside the British Marine team, Sarah will support the organisation's international engagement, helping to develop relationships with industry bodies, businesses and potential strategic partners and opening conversations that could create opportunities for British Marine members and the wider UK leisure marine sector.
The role complements British Marine's existing international activity and reflects its ambition to strengthen the UK's connections and influence within the global leisure marine industry.
British Marine has an important role to play in connecting our members with the wider international marine industry and ensuring the UK's expertise, innovation and capabilities continue to have a strong voice globally. Sarah brings together an excellent understanding of the UK leisure marine industry with established international relationships and significant commercial and trade experience. Inviting her to support British Marine in this ambassadorial capacity gives us another route through which to build relationships, open conversations and identify opportunities that could benefit our members and UK marine businesses. We're delighted to have Sarah working alongside us as we continue to strengthen British Marine's international engagement.
Earle Stanner CEO at British MarineI am delighted to support British Marine as Global Partnerships Ambassador. The UK marine industry is recognised around the world for its quality, heritage, expertise and innovation, and there is a real opportunity to build on that reputation by creating stronger international connections. For me, this role is about opening doors, connecting people and identifying opportunities where greater international collaboration can benefit British Marine members and the wider UK sector. I look forward to working alongside the British Marine team and its international partners.
Sarah Wallbank
First international engagement at IBEX
Sarah's first engagement in the new ambassadorial role was at the International BoatBuilders' Exhibition & Conference (IBEX) in Tampa, Florida, where she also attended in her capacity as CEO of August Race.
While at IBEX, Sarah supported British Marine in making new connections and exploring potential opportunities for international collaboration.
Industry organisations, trade partners and businesses interested in developing relationships with British Marine and the UK leisure marine sector are encouraged to connect with Sarah at: sarah@august-race.com or https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-wallbank-fciex-8b83ba105/