Inaugural British Marine National Conference hailed a success

The inaugural British Marine National Conference concluded on 16 March, following two days of inspirational speakers, networking opportunities and celebrations.

Top decision-makers from across the marine industry attended the conference to hear from a whole host of engaging speakers from both within and outside the marine sector, covering everything from high-performance technology and new environmental trends, to dealing with post-pandemic and Brexit-related challenges.

British Marine CEO, Lesley Robinson, and president, Ian Cooke, got things underway before introducing Angus Lugsdin, co-founder and director of Salcombe Distilling Company. He offered insight into how the company uses innovation to elevate and differentiate its brand, seek out ways to inspire its team and ultimately their customers, alongside their progressive focus on sustainability.   

Lugsdin says: “Standing still is going backwards, so innovate or die, is what I’ve always believed in. It’s the process of creation and innovation that keeps most businesses alive. It’s what attracts people to come and work for you, when they see you doing cool stuff that they can relate to and the brand getting out there.

“You also require it to retain talent, because people want to be associated with brands and companies that are growing, so to me, it’s the heartbeat of most businesses. If you are standing still, you’re not progressing.”

The day continued with speaker sessions and breakout groups covering topics such as how to attract and retain staff post-covid and looking to the future of the 24m recreational and commercial craft sector. Sessions also focused on how to maximise revenue through disruption, with real-life examples of how existing marine products have been enhanced and brought to market to attract a new customer base.

To close day one, former shadow chancellor Ed Balls shared his insight into the future economic landscape of the UK marine industry, alongside an industry lead panel debate.

Then the British Marine & Boating Business Awards took place. MIN revealed the winners yesterday.

Winners of the 2022 British Marine Awards gather together at the end of the ceremony, which was presented by Ed Balls

Day two involved a thought-provoking session with Allan Lambert, CEO of Habitat First Group, which focused on the importance of collaboration, ways to help protect the environment, and understanding the different requirements of existing and next generation customers and guests.

Lambert says: “If anything, the last two years have taught us that all chief executives should consider having a green thread running through their businesses. Recent discussions around climate change and carbon zero mean that not only business leaders, but our guests, should start to look at how we’re adapting our business to ensure that we use our resources sustainably and maximise all our efforts to achieve the target of carbon neutral. 

“This is an area that needs great collaboration, and whilst many will be innovative and bring new ideas to market it’s probably an area of business where we could share, work together and steal as many good ideas as possible for the benefit of all of us rather than just competitive advantage.”

The morning continued with further sessions covering subjects such as sustainability and the route to electrification, health and wellbeing on the water, technological advances on the waterways, the art of customer retention and acquisition, and how to challenge your industry and succeed.

Throughout the two-day conference, delegates were also able to chat with a number of exhibiting companies including Go Earth, The Green Blue and IBB Law; engage in one-to-one sessions with industry experts in the members hub, as well as general networking.

“With so many businesses having faced unprecedented challenges over the last couple of years, the conference was the perfect way to not only reconnect with industry peers but provided a forum to listen and learn from each other, seek out new innovations, explore emerging markets and consumer trends while looking at ways to tackle barriers to growth, to ensure future success and our continued place as global leaders in all sectors of the marine industry.

“The lively debate and participation of all the delegates proved instrumental in shaping the conference and making it an overwhelming success,” concludes Lesley.

Chair of the National Conference, Paul Martin, summed up the event by saying: “Following months of meticulous planning and preparation, the inaugural British Marine National Conference was a fantastic event.  

“There were many varied and high-quality speakers and workshops, discussing and debating numerous topics on how to innovate your business and prepare for future business, combined with many networking opportunities to discuss, share and learn best practise from across our industry and to listen to innovative successes outside our industry.  I have taken, and will implement, several good ideas learnt at this event that will have an impact on my business for years to come, and I have been told much the same from many of my industry colleagues.  

“This is set to be the ‘go to’ event for all marine professionals in future years, and combined with an evening of awards and celebration, I will certainly be booking for the next year’s conference without hesitation.”