Loretta Westoll-Green is one of British Marine’s longest-serving team members, having worked for the association for more than 17 years. She began her journey as a Sales Executive, selling exhibitor space at both the London and Southampton boat shows; today, as Head of Sales, she is dedicated to the Southampton International Boat Show, and is responsible for a team of two executives and ensuring that show revenue targets are met.
While her title may read ‘Head of Sales’, Loretta describes her role as going beyond that; it is, she says, a "frontline position" where relationship-building is essential. Her network spans across the leisure marine industry, and she is in regular communication with current and prospective exhibitors to understand their requirements, expectations and feedback. “We are there to listen and work in everyone’s best interests to ensure that they come back to support the show year on year,” she explains.
Over the years, Loretta has witnessed profound changes in the industry, driven by technological progress, economic shifts, and the impact of the covid pandemic. She prides herself in being adaptable and always ready to respond to the needs of members. Customer service is central to Loretta’s position at British Marine - a skill that she initially honed in the travel sector, having previously worked as a check-in agent for American Airlines, and later as an operations specialist for a scuba diving tour operator.
Now, Loretta's dedication to the leisure marine industry and its community is unmistakable. "The Southampton International Boat Show is a fantastic showcase of all the industry has to offer, and I’m very proud to lead the sales team working on it," she says.
Loretta is also responsible for designing the layout of the show, each year taking on the task of organising over 370 exhibitors. The task is challenging but one she is highly experienced in handling, and she works hard to ensure visitor traffic flows smoothly across all areas, enabling exhibitors to reach their sales and marketing goals, and impactfully showcase new products. “It’s like a jigsaw,” she says, “and seeing it all come together when the show opens is always a high point. That is 100 percent what it’s all about for me.”
Loretta has to continually evolve the exhibition layout and features to adapt to the demands of the industry and requirements of each individual exhibitor. She explains that the rising shift to online marketing in recent years has added another layer of complexity, requiring the team to find new ways to adapt the show in order to remain relevant, appealing, and cost-effective.
Following the expansion of the marina in 2024, major changes are in store for the 2025 show, the details of which will be formally announced in January.
The upcoming changes to the Southampton show are the most significant that Loretta has witnessed during her time at British Marine. These changes are all about making the show even more enjoyable and memorable for visitors. With smarter use of space, there’ll be room for exciting new attractions, hands-on activities, and more things to see and do. One of the highlights is the new Boating Academy, a fun and interactive hub designed to help everyone—from beginners to experienced boaters—learn, explore, and get the most out of their time at the show. It’s all about creating an unforgettable experience for visitors and setting a new standard for boat shows in the UK.
These changes are being made in direct response to visitor feedback highlighting the growing appeal of the show as a place to gain unique experiences and inspiration. As Loretta notes, “Many visitors now want a hands-on experience at the show. They come not just to shop but to explore, learn, and immerse themselves in the world of boating.”
“That hands-on experience is particularly important for newcomers in enabling them to get a real-life feel for everything boating and watersports have to offer and to be excited by the possibilities,” she says. Loretta feels she is particularly able to identify with the needs of those at grassroots level, having discovered the joys of watersports herself since working for British Marine.
“As a showcase for our industry, Southampton International Boat Show plays such an important part as a gateway to that and is intrinsic in drawing in newcomers to our sector. That in turn will create a more robust future for our industry and has a benefit for every exhibitor. It is with that in mind that we are investing further in hands-on attractions, on-water experiences and other key areas.”
An equal priority for Loretta has been to ensure a continued appeal for dedicated enthusiasts and ensuring that, in planning the changes, the show fully spotlights boating. Consequently, non-marine exhibits are being de-prioritised for 2025 in order to put the focus more directly on the marine sector.
Stand space applications have been open for several weeks, and from her extensive and regular contact with exhibitors, Loretta has already received enthusiastic responses to the proposals. “The positive feedback we received from last year’s marina changes is carrying forward, and we hope for continued support from the industry as we take this exciting next step,” she says.
Key to success in moving the show forwards is for Loretta to stay abreast of industry and consumer trends. Attending international shows like METS and Boot Düsseldorf means she can observe and gather ideas and engage with British Marine’s UK and international members in different show settings. In doing so, she often acts as a connector, facilitating relationships between manufacturers and dealers or guiding members to British Marine’s marketing and events teams for further support.
“My role as Head of Sales is not just about the volume of contacts but about creating meaningful outcomes that help towards British Marine’s goal of creating a stronger industry,” Loretta reflects. “Whether I’m helping a long-time acquaintance or a new exhibitor, it’s all about building strong relationships grounded in trust.” She recalls the difficult period in 2020 when her team had to cancel Southampton International Boat Show on the eve of its opening due to covid restrictions. Despite the disappointment, exhibitors recognised British Marine’s commitment to their best interests, reinforcing the strong relationships Loretta values so deeply.
“What I love most about this industry is the people and the passion they bring to it. It’s wonderful to work in such an environment,” she adds. “Southampton International Boat Show offers the perfect opportunity for everyone - exhibitors, visitors, sponsors, and networkers alike - to come together not only to do business but to learn, share ideas, and spread the passion for boating and the marine lifestyle.
“I’d encourage everyone involved with our industry to engage with the show as much as possible in whatever way they can; if you’re keen to explore opportunities to do so or have questions about exhibiting at Southampton International Boat Show, please drop me a line via Lwestoll-green@britishmarine.co.uk or on 01784 223710.”