Published on: 30 March 2021
British Marine is delighted to announce its new Ambassador programme, and the appointment of the first two Ambassadors, with the aim of raising the profile of the leisure marine industry.
This exciting new initiative will see the Ambassadors work with British Marine on a pro-bono basis to help promote the industry in their specialist areas to leverage high level support on behalf of the leisure marine industry and for British Marine members. The Ambassadors will be able to champion the work and interests of the industry to external audiences, using their profile and networks to influence key decision makers where, ordinarily, British Marine would not be able to.
British Marine is pleased to welcome the first two Ambassadors: Richard W. Roberts as Hampshire Ambassador and Hugo Montgomery-Swan as Media Ambassador.
Hampshire Ambassador – Richard W. Roberts
British Marine is delighted to announce Richard W. Roberts as the Hampshire Ambassador who will act as a link between The Southampton International Boat Show and the local communities in and around Southampton and further promote the industry across the south coast. Richard is a local Southampton resident and CEO of TheYachtMarket.com which he co-founded in 2003 to facilitate easy buying and selling of boats online. Growing the platform since then has given Richard in-depth insights into how the marine leisure boating, and wider marine industries across the world operate.
After securing a two-year Title Sponsorship deal for TheYachtMarket.com to sponsor the 2017 and 2018 editions of the Southampton Boat Show, Richard gained an even deeper understanding of this part of the industry and lead him to realise he has more to offer – hence Richard deciding to build a closer relationship with the Show’s organisers, British Marine.
Upon his appointment, Richard said: “I am pleased to be taking on this Ambassador role with British Marine. Having lived in Southampton most of my adult life, serving as an elected Town Councillor and being a keen boater, this role brings together my passions. The Southampton International Boat Show not only contributes a Gross Value Added figure of £24m per annum to the city but offers the opportunity for residents to be involved. I am driven by introducing more people to boating – especially those who may not normally get the opportunity. When TheYachtMarket.com sponsored Southampton International Boat Show, we helped organise a regatta to get more new people on the water – all about providing a free and inspirational boating experience to under-privileged kids from Southampton in a true 5 Star Experience. I am extremely excited about this year’s show, and the plans for a Community Day.”
British Marine has a unique relationship with Hampshire. British Marine’s office and the industry’s only international boat show are based in the city of Southampton, while Hampshire and the Solent are arguably one of the busiest areas of the country for recreational boating. Therefore, Richard’s Ambassador role will be hugely important for the industry and British Marine.
Media Ambassador – Hugo Montgomery-Swan
Hugo Montgomery-Swan has been appointed to the role of Media Ambassador and will look to bring together a network of communication specialists, facilitated by British Marine. With an aim of raising the profile of the industry, this network will provide guidance and support across the media community as well as helping British Marine reach all who need to hear industry messages.
Hugo is the UK’s longest serving boating magazine editor, beginning his editorship of what is now, Powerboat & RIB Magazine, in 1995. He has published 6 news stand consumer magazines over this period as well launching and co-organising the highly successful specialist boat show, RIBEX, which ran from 1998 to 2012. He is also a published book author, having written, ’Heavy Weather Powerboating’, the motorboater’s essential guide to surviving extreme sea states, (published by Adlard Coles), and is now in his third edition as guest chapter writer for the yachting classic, ’Heavy Weather Sailing’, (also published by Adlard Coles).
Upon his appointment, Hugo said; “This new Ambassador role will be hugely exciting as we work to promote the leisure marine industry through the media and collectively spread the messages that are of importance. Essentially too, my role will include working to ensure the boating media are properly represented for the first time within British Marine. This will include the establishment of legal and other specialist services for those working within the media as well as reward schemes, training and the encouragement of new talent.”
Lesley Robinson, CEO of British Marine, commented; “It is a great pleasure to announce Richard and Hugo as our first British Marine Ambassadors. They both have a high level of experience and gravitas in their field and are willing to volunteer their time to support the industry. Each have exciting ideas and plans for their new roles, and I look forward to working with them both on behalf of the leisure marine industry.
“British Marine has plans to appoint further Ambassadors in other areas where we know there is important work to be done, including diversity. Further information and calls for applications will be made in the coming months.”