Winners of 2022 British Marine Awards revealed

Marine businesses and professionals from across the UK have been celebrated at the British Marine & Boating Business Awards.

Award winners were announced during the British Marine Conference networking evening and dinner, held on 15 March at the National Conference Centre (NCC) in Solihull. The winners were selected by a panel of leading industry experts and presented with their award by former Shadow Chancellor Ed Balls.

The first award of the evening was the British Marine Media Innovation Award, which was the only award voted for by the British Marine membership. This was presented to Helen Davison on behalf of the Berthon marketing team who put together a video series titled ‘the Brynhilde Restoration project’, which captured the extensive refit and restoration of a 1958 wooden Bermudian sloop, designed by Fred Parker.

“This is all down to the team,” says Davison. “Not just my department but a testament to everyone involved, passing down their skills, sharing their stories and being able to film it. A real full circle marine industry story.”

Up next was the British Marine Rising Star Award, recognising newcomers in the industry. This award was presented to Simon Uphill from Oyster Yachts Limited, for developing a number of electrical systems for Oyster’s new range of yachts – the most recent being Oyster’s 595, launched in 2021, and the 495 that will be launched in April 2022. 

Commenting on his award, Uphill says: “It’s a real honour to win this award and be named alongside some of the most prominent names and businesses in the industry. It’s a real pleasure to work for a company like Oyster, constantly pushing boundaries on innovation and sustainability and ultimately the efficiencies in boat building. I’m very proud to be part of it and it is lovely to get this recognition. It really is completely out of the blue.”

The evening also marked the first British Marine Lifetime Honorary Membership awards, recognising those individuals who have made an exceptional contribution to the service of British Marine. The recipients were Alan Morgan, David Pougher, Peter Nicholson, David Barrow and the late David Coleman.

“This is certainly an honour, and I was surprised to receive it,” commented Pougher of his award. “It is good to see all the awards being presented, acknowledging the free time and work that people put into a member-owned organisation.  It is brilliant to have the British Marine team running our membership organisation, alongside so many members who are willing to give their time and knowledge.”

Four further awards were presented by Boating Business:

  • The Boating Business Scott Deverell Young Businessperson of the Year – presented to Luke Morrison of Rooster Sailing.
  • The Boating Business Sustainability Award – presented to Ortomarine.
  • The Boating Businesswoman of The Year Award – presented to Pip Woods of Rockley.
  • The Boating Business Lifetime Achievement Award – awarded to Dale Emery of Clamcleats.

“I would like to personally congratulate all of the award winners”, says Lesley Robinson, CEO of British Marine.  “The breadth of talent and the level of dedication that exists within the marine industry is quite phenomenal and it is important that we recognise this.

“The awards go some way in showcasing these exceptional individuals and to express our thanks for all they bring to the sector and the organisations they work for. I would also like to thank Ed Balls for presenting our awards this evening.”