7 April 2025

by Emma Slater

Laying the foundations for a must attend event in the marine calendar

The inaugural British Marine Coastal Conference, held on Thursday 3 April 2025 at the National Oceanography Centre in Southampton, has been hailed a resounding success. The event brought together a dynamic mix of industry professionals, thought leaders, and innovators to explore the latest trends, tackle key regulatory developments, and examine opportunities for sustainable growth in the UK’s coastal and marine sectors.

Sponsored by Haven Knox-Johnston Commercial, LA Marine, PKF Francis Clark, and Elite Dynamics, and compered by Emma York, Fresh Approach Digital, the conference welcomed some 85 attendees. It marked a strong and successful first step—laying the foundations for what promises to become a must-attend event for anyone invested in the future of the UK’s coastal economy.

The packed agenda covered everything from tax and legal updates to carbon reduction, marine licensing, border management, disaster preparedness, and the rising importance of coastal tourism, alongside plenty of opportunities throughout the day and into the evening for networking.

Powerful insights from industry experts

The packed agenda featured speakers from across government, science, business, and marine policy, each bringing valuable perspectives on how to build a resilient, forward-thinking marine sector. Here are just some of the key takeaways.

The day opened with a thought-provoking session from Huw Gullick, Associate Director NOC Innovation & Engagement at National Oceanography Centre (NOC).  He shared how NOC’s fundamental scientific research is driving real-world environmental value. From deep-sea discovery to applied science, NOC is at the forefront of understanding and encouraging a flourishing ecology in the world’s oceans — and is committed to making that research accessible and impactful for industry.

Border Force representatives Andy Seaman and Chris Rowland took the stage next, raising awareness of Project Kraken — a campaign described as a “neighbourhood watch” for marinas. Delegates were encouraged to report any suspicious or illicit activity in coastal areas, under the motto: “Report it, let’s sort it.” They also provided practical guidance on using the Submit a Pleasure Craft Report (sPCR) system, which is helping to streamline port entry processes for boats arriving from overseas.

The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) panel, featuring Victoria Regan, Emma Shore, Charlotte Stadden, and Jess Churchill-Bissett, offered key insights into their mission to ensure the sustainable development of UK seas and coasts. Delegates learned about the increasing scrutiny surrounding anchoring practices and the MMO’s efforts to balance environmental protection with industry needs and how they aim to balance economic growth with environmental protection — supporting healthy supply chains and thriving coastal communities.

A strong business focus ran throughout the day. Nicky Kildunne, Development Manager at the Federation of Small Businesses, tackled the real-world challenges that many business owners face.  She offered practical insights for SMEs, and highlighted support pathways for start-up and scale-up funding – especially vital as coastal businesses navigate post-Brexit and post-pandemic recovery.

Tax and VAT updates from Joe Francis and Jim Suswain of PKF Francis Clark explored how regulatory changes are affecting cross-border transactions and provided a practical breakdown of the financial pros and cons of operating as a Limited Company vs a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) — including how the decision can affect VAT liabilities and tax planning.

Driving home the importance of decarbonisation, Lawrence Campbell from The Carbon Trust inspired delegates with a forward-looking session on decarbonisation in the maritime space and the need for the maritime industry to accelerate towards a greener future. During his talk he encouraged businesses to start embedding net zero strategies into daily operations while showcasing current innovation in emissions reduction.

 

Christian Olsen from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) delivered a comprehensive regulatory update, covering key developments including the latest revisions to the Workboat Code and updates relating to the forthcoming ‘Sport and Pleasure Vessel Code’. He also outlined changes to MGN 702 on Small Craft Innovation and shared insights into evolving training and certification pathways - highlighting the MCA’s continued focus on safety, innovation, and skills development across the marine sector.

The evolving regulatory landscape was unpacked by Philippa Langton and Nicky Nelson of LA Marine, who explored how digital communications and data are reshaping compliance expectations. Their presentation also addressed recent legal developments impacting both the commercial and leisure marine sectors – from contracts to compliance – equipping businesses with critical tools to navigate and stay ahead in a rapidly changing environment.

Tourism and visitor growth were high on the agenda, with Samantha Richardson MBE, Director of the National Coastal Tourism Academy (NCTA), highlighting emerging trends, economic projections, and the vital contribution of coastal destinations to the UK tourism economy. She explored future opportunities for coastal tourism development, strategies to tackle seasonality, and how marine businesses can benefit from evolving travel trends and destination marketing approaches.

Paul Dutton, Director at GSB Command Training Ltd, closed the day with a compelling session on crisis planning, drawing on decades of experience in military and police crisis response. His insights into disaster management offered sobering yet empowering advice for SMEs on how to prepare for the unexpected—whether natural disasters or cyber threats. Emphasising the importance of being prepared, he highlighted how clarity, transparency, and honesty in communication are essential when navigating business disruption.

Beyond the conference

Following the main event, delegates gathered for a relaxed networking drinks reception and a members-only dinner at La Regata on Southampton’s historic Town Quay. The Spanish tapas dinner provided the perfect atmosphere for extending conversations and forging new partnerships in a more informal setting.

British Marine would like to extend a warm thank you to everyone who attended, spoke, and supported the Coastal Conference 2025. Plans are already underway for next year’s event—details to be announced in due course.

For further information, contact Beckie Harris at bharris@britishmarine.co.uk

What delegates had to say

Feedback from attendees underscored the conference’s relevance and value: