Navigating the future: Angela Goulding on DF Capital’s commitment to the marine industry and key trends for 2025
As we start the new year, we speak to Angela Goulding, Managing Director of DF Capital’s Powersports section, as she details how the company is working to support British Marine and its members, and provides a comprehensive industry overview looking at key trends predicted to shape the leisure marine sector this year...
In 2024, specialist savings and business finance bank, DF Capital cemented its position as a key supporter of British Marine, showcasing its commitment through the sponsorship of two prominent events at the Southampton International Boat Show: Trade Tuesday and Women in Marine. This partnership underscores DF Capital’s dedication to supporting growth, innovation and inclusivity within the leisure marine industry, while also highlighting its ability to provide a unique perspective informed by cross-industry expertise, garnered from motorhomes, motorsports, prestige automotive, agriculture, industrial, and transport sectors.
As Managing Director of DF Capital’s Powersports section, Angela Goulding has over 18 years of experience in finance leadership - six of which have been focused on the marine sector.
Angela explains: “Our team at DF Capital has the benefit of hearing sentiments across various markets which are seemingly disparate, but which share a lot of commonalities. Even industries as diverse as agriculture and marine share similar driving factors, such as weather impacts, economic confidence, and consumer trends. They also share a customer base that is largely driven by discretionary spend. DF Capital’s insights into these macroeconomic factors allows the company to identify synergies across industries and offer knowledge that’s particularly valuable to our marine customers.”
In 2024, DF Capital launched its Inner Circle initiative - a two-day event bringing together customers from various industries. Angela says: “Shared challenges and consumer trends created meaningful dialogue regardless of the diversity of industries represented; it was highly rewarding for us as a company to enable that. One notable outcome was a marine dealer collaborating with a motorcycle manufacturer to host a joint-customer event – a fantastic example of the power of cross-industry networking.”
Reflecting more widely on 2024, Angela notes key challenges that shaped the year, including adverse weather, economic uncertainty caused by the change of government, and concerns about inflation and interest rates. “The slow start to the year with a wet spring and summer affected consumer spending,” she says. “Additionally, hesitancy around the general election and October budget created a pause in decision-making. Thankfully, the Bank of England’s base rate reductions have begun to restore purchasing confidence, which is crucial for the leisure marine sector in moving forwards.”
Looking ahead to 2025
Looking ahead to 2025, Angela identifies several persistent and emerging trends. “Inflation remains above anticipated levels, and while interest rates are stabilising, they’re unlikely to return to their previously low levels,” she says.
“The marine industry in particular, perhaps more so than others, has undergone a period of reset. Following the post-pandemic boom, we saw supply chain challenges prompting manufacturers to re-think processes and right-size inventory levels.”
This reset has encouraged marine businesses to re-align their inventories with consumer demand and streamline operations. Supporting a move towards greater efficiency and agility has been a key way in which DF Capital has supported its customers.
Now, emerging from that, Angela advises businesses to “expect the unexpected” given the unpredictable geopolitical and economic landscape. “The past few years have taught us the importance of adaptability,” she says.
Environmental considerations are another key trend. Angela notes: “Sustainability is increasingly important for manufacturers, dealers and end-users. From production methods to distribution to end-of-life considerations for used boats, environmental factors are influencing business decisions in all areas.” DF Capital is committed to supporting its customers in navigating these changes, notably offering financial solutions that promote sustainable practices.
Demographic shifts are also reshaping the marine industry. Angela highlights the growing participation of women in boating, both as industry professionals and consumers. “At the Women in Marine event, the enthusiasm was palpable – not just for and among women employed in the industry but in a growing consumer base. The increase in female boat buyers is a trend the industry needs to address through tailored communications and product offerings,” she explains, pointing to data from the US and Europe that shows this shift is already engrained in those markets.
Additionally, younger generations are driving the rise of boat rental and sharing models, providing more accessible entry points to boating. “This demographic values experiences over ownership,” Angela says.
“Forward-thinking companies are adapting by incorporating rental options or partnering with boat clubs.” DF Capital’s role in financing these ventures ensures its customers can capitalise on this growing market.
“Looking further ahead, although this demographic may not currently be investing in boat ownership, that may change in the future. By supporting greater accessibility now, this secures a stronger long-term future for the industry.”
DF Capital’s support extends beyond its range of financial products to active industry engagement. At the Southampton International Boat Show, the company’s sponsorship of Trade Tuesday and Women in Marine highlighted its commitment to networking and diversity. “These events aren’t just about brand visibility for us,” Angela emphasises. “They’re about being an integral part of the industry, building relationships, and understanding the challenges and opportunities our customers face. That ability to listen and identify changes and developments is crucial in informing our ability to adapt and provide the correct support to meet the needs of businesses across the industry.”
“They’re about being an integral part of the industry, building relationships, and understanding the challenges and opportunities our customers face. That ability to listen and identify changes and developments is crucial in informing our ability to adapt and provide the correct support to meet the needs of businesses across the industry.”
The company’s structure enables personalised support for its clients; each customer is assigned a dedicated client manager who provides tailored advice informed by DF Capital’s industry insights. Angela and her team also prioritise attending key events, such as Boot Düsseldorf and other boat shows, to stay attuned to market developments and strengthen connections. “For our national client managers and recently appointed marine relationship manager, these events are invaluable for engaging with the industry,” Angela says.
"Personally, I’ve connected with some incredibly inspiring individuals whose insights have shaped both my professional and personal growth.”
DF Capital’s forward-looking approach has ensured its status as a trusted partner for the leisure marine industry, and there are plans to develop its existing collaborations in 2025 and beyond as the company looks to expand further into the boating sector.
Angela notes there is a strong sense of optimism, as she concludes: “While 2024 has been a year of reset, 2025 holds great potential. Businesses that embrace emerging trends and adapt accordingly will thrive. At DF Capital, we’re here to provide the flexibility and insights needed to drive that growth for individual businesses, and to continue our support for the industry overall.”
About Angela
Angela Goulding has been Managing Director – commercial assets and powersports at DF Capital since the beginning of 2024. She and her team play a vital role in supporting dealers, manufacturers and distributors in the motorcycle, marine, specialist automotive and commercial assets sectors, providing them with award-winning inventory finance and first-class customer service to help manage and grow their businesses and make the most of current commercial opportunities.
About DF Capital
DF Capital provides tailored financial solutions to the marine industry, ranging from inventory finance to cash flow management, enabling manufacturers, dealers, and distributors to optimise their operations. The company also provides sustainability support finance for businesses transitioning to environmentally responsible practices.
To find out more about DF Capital visit | DF Capital
