British Marine member companies head to METSTRADE 2023 – showcasing the best of British on the international stage

Published on: 09 November 2023

Plus, British Marine shortlisted at the Boat Building Awards and the Women in the Marine Industry International panel and networking event returns

At METSTRADE, the world’s largest marine equipment trade show, taking place between the 15-17 November 2023, 32 British Marine member companies will be showcasing their products and services at the British Marine organised British Pavilion (Hall 3), with a further seven members exhibiting in the Superyacht Pavilion (Halls 10-11).

British Marine resumes its role as a highly popular hub for member exhibitors and visitors in the heart of the British Pavilion on stand 03.221, featuring drop-in networking tables and complimentary refreshments. The British Marine team, including CEO Lesley Robinson, will also be on hand throughout to offer support to members and answer any questions.

British Marine will also be hosting a networking event, alongside the Department for Business and Trade (DBT), on Thursday 16 November from 16.00 on the British Marine stand, providing a great opportunity to spend time chatting to fellow exhibitors and visitors to the show.  

“Attending the METSTRADE show as an exhibitor at the British Marine Pavilion has been a fantastic experience for Makefast. The Pavilion provides a central location for visitors to discover high-quality British businesses, offering invaluable networking opportunities in a vibrant atmosphere,” commented Chris Cooper, sales and business development for British Marine member, Makefast.

Highlighting British achievements

Taking place on the morning of Wednesday 15 November, winners of the world-renowned DAME Awards 2023 will be announced.  Launched to promote marine design in all disciplines and to recognise the best-designed products at METSTRADE, this year sees six British Marine members on the shortlist: Garmin (Europe) Ltd, Carbinium Engineering Ltd, Cyclops Marine, Furno, Scanstrut Ltd and Wescom Group.

Meanwhile members Sunseeker International, Scanstrut, Princess Yachts, Sleipner, Beneteau Group and Fairline Yachts are among 36 shortlisted global companies at the Boat Builder Awards 2023. Jointly run by IBI and METSTRADE in association with Raymarine, the awards ceremony will take place on Thursday 16 November and recognise the significant contributions of individuals, teams and supply chain partners within boat building companies globally. Good luck to all!

This year British Marine is also delighted to be amongst those shortlisted for an award and will be in the running in the People and Skills Development category.

“This nomination is a real testament to the hard work and dedication of our training team”, commented Lesley Robinson, CEO, British Marine.  “As identified by our members, nurturing and developing talent is crucial to continued success of the sector and being able to provide the necessary training and opportunities to those both within the industry or looking to pursue a career in the marine sector is something we are extremely passionate about at British Marine.”

Tickets to the Boat Builder Awards are on sale now at https://www.ibinews.com/bba2023/tickets. A special discounted ticket rate is available exclusively for British Marine members. Email marcomms@britishmarine.co.uk to request your special ticket link.

Women in the Marine Industry International panel and networking event returns 

British Marine, in collaboration with METSTRADE, Soundings Trade Only and Marine Industry News, is delighted to see the return of ‘Women in the Marine Industry International’ at METS on Thursday 16 November (08.30-10.00, METSTRADE Theatre, Hall 13).

Highlighted as one of standout moments of last year’s METSTRADE, the Women in the Marine Industry International event features an exceptional panel of female leaders from around the world who will share their insights, experiences, skills, and vision for the industry’s future. The event will also include a continental breakfast and networking opportunities.

The 2023 panellists are Gemma Gonzalez, Yachting Business unit director, Gruppo Boero; Laurie Louvier, vice president marketing, Dometic; Michelle Hildyard, vice president product management and business development, Raymarine; Nicky Vaux, partner and business development manager, Empire Marinas Group, and host of The Boat Princess podcast; Rachel Bridges, director and general manager, Cummins, Global Marine, with Michele Goldsmith, vice president and general manager of the Soundings Trade Only Group, moderating the panel.

“Following the success of the inaugural Women in the Marine Industry International event in 2022 we are delighted to be returning to METSTRADE again this year,” commented Lesley. “By working together and hosting many more Women in Marine events both on the UK and international stage, we hope to ensure that the marine industry is more inclusive and diverse, ensuring that a person’s sex, age, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, or religion is not a barrier to working in the sector.”

Doors open at 8:15 AM for registered attendees with a METSTRADE badge, and access should be made through entrance C. To register please email mets@britishmarine.co.uk.Women in the Marine Industry International is a free event, and all genders are welcome to attend.

This year, marking its 35th anniversary, METSTRADE trade show brings thousands of visitors right into the heart of the leisure marine industry with around 1,300 exhibitors.

“The significance of METSTRADE for our members with a global focus cannot be under-estimated. For budding exporters, it represents a natural starting point, with the British Pavilion historically being a gateway into foreign markets for numerous businesses. For seasoned exporters, it remains crucial, offering an annual opportunity to strengthen relationships and expand distribution networks. We look forward to connecting with many of our members and their trade partners at the event,” Lesley concluded.

British Marine members at METSTRADE 2023

British Pavilion

Superyacht Pavilion

Exhibitor list correct at time of issue

Other British Marine members can also be found exhibiting across the show.