Dee Caffari MBE to spotlight sustainability at British Marine Expo, in association with HPi Verification Services

Next week, record-breaking yachtswoman, Dee Caffari MBE, will be headlining an expert panel of sailing representatives and industry elite to debate the challenging question ‘Is the marine industry doing enough to protect the environment?’ The debate will take place at the hotly-anticipated British Marine Leisure Boating & British Marine Sailing event at next week’s British Marine Expo 2019 in association with HPi Verification Services.

Joining Dee at the event, on Tuesday 26 March 2019, will be Bianca Carr, Founder of Final Straw Solent, Paul Adamson, Chief Commercial Officer at Oyster Yachts, Dan Reading, Head of Sustainability at World Sailing, and James Scott-Anderson, Environmental, Health and Safety Executive at British Marine.

Exploring sustainability in the UK marine environment and within the marine industry, this important debate will be a ‘must attend’ event for all marine professionals concerned about the plight of our oceans. They will be looking at the latest innovations, thinking and working practices being employed to minimise sailing’s environmental impact and protect the very waters the industry depends on.

Other hot topics being explored at the event will include marketing the industry and businesses to meet the demands of the modern consumer. It will feature a reflective talk on ‘How the world has changed and how other industries are managing?’ from Laura Bailey of UK Cycling Events, and a session led by Alexis Eyre of Five By Five on ‘Thinking about the Why? Why does my business exist? Who is my customer?’

Plus delegates will be able to hear what Southampton is doing to increase participation in various activities from local official and tourism representatives, with a particular emphasis on how this can be replicated in other cities/regions.

The British Marine Leisure Boating & British Marine Sailing event will be rounded off by the British Marine Leisure Boating Customer Service Award 2019 and networking drinks. Now in its 6th year, the popular award recognises a British Marine member who has excelled in customer service.

Lesley Robinson, CEO at British Marine, comments: “We are delighted to have Dee Caffari MBE along with a plethora of sailing and marine experts joining us to discuss some of biggest challenges facing the future of our industry, sport and leisure activities – the environment and participation.

“Both of these topics form a key part of British Marine’s new strategy, which will be announced over the coming months, and we have made a great start already. This includes the work of our Futures service for members and our joint RYA initiative, The Green Blue. In addition, last year we launched Year One of our Environmental Pledge at Southampton Boat Show 2018 and we will be unveiling the Year 2 commitments from that at British Marine Expo 2019.”

Taking place on 26-27 March 2019 at the impressive St. Mary’s Stadium in Southampton, British Marine Expo will deliver a packed schedule of talks, seminars and networking opportunities. Bringing together some of British Marine’s most established events, including the Superyacht UK Technical Seminar, Supply Chain Conference and Meet the Buyer, it is set to attract marine professionals from across the sector. The Expo will also host a Marine Showcase, supported by British Marine Trades Association, welcoming 32 companies presenting their latest and most innovative products and services.

Tickets for the British Marine Leisure Boating & British Marine Sailing event and other events at British Marine Expo, are available at britishmarine.co.uk/bmexpo. Admission to the Marine Showcase is free-of-charge. Member rates apply to paid for events.

Published on: 20 March 2019