British Marine has crowned the first-ever winners of its new National Awards, celebrating the businesses and people helping the UK marine industry thrive. The winners were revealed during the British Marine Trades Association annual dinner held at voco Southampton Hotel (Monday 21 September), where professionals from across the sector came together to applaud their achievements.
The 2026 British Marine National Awards winners are:
- Business of the Year: Rockley Watersports
Rockley Watersports was recognised for 50 years of resilient, values-led growth and its enduring commitment to making watersports accessible to people of all ages. The family-run business was also praised for the trust it has built with generations of customers and its important contribution to developing skills and career pathways into the marine industry.
- Sustainability Award: BlueTree Boatbuilders
BlueTree Boatbuilders received the Sustainability Award for Project Harmony and its pioneering work to develop long-lasting, timber-built leisure craft designed around circular principles and electric propulsion. Through responsible sourcing, bio-based materials and continued research, the company is working to demonstrate a more sustainable, zero-emission future for boatbuilding.
- Product or Service of the Year: Computer Network Defence Ltd
Computer Network Defence Ltd was recognised for Osprey®, its purpose-built maritime cyber security platform. Designed specifically for vessels with limited space, connectivity and onboard cyber expertise, the compact appliance combines enterprise-grade protection with straightforward installation, remote monitoring and minimal demands on crew.
“The launch of the British Marine National Awards has given us a fantastic opportunity to recognise the talent, innovation and dedication found throughout our industry,” explained Earle Stanner, CEO of British Marine.
“The quality of entries across all three categories was exceptional and showed just how much our members are achieving. Congratulations to Rockley Watersports, BlueTree Boatbuilders and Computer Network Defence Ltd on becoming our first national winners.
“I would also like to thank every business that entered, the association members who voted, and our judges for the time and expertise they brought to selecting the winners.”
Commenting on their win, Rockley Watersports’ who clinched Business of the Year said: “Rockley has been going for 50 years and we remain incredibly passionate about what we do. We want to make boating, watersports and outdoor adventure accessible to young people, older people, everyone, and bring generations together to enjoy being active and spending time on the water. This award is wonderful recognition of what began 50 years ago and continues today with a new generation. We are extremely proud.”
Winners of the Product or Service of the Year, Computer Network Defence said: “Winning this prestigious award means so much to everyone at CND and came as a complete surprise. It is testament to the hard work of the whole team, who have come together to build an amazing product. I would like to thank every member of staff for everything they have done to make this possible.”
While BlueTree Boatbuilders who won the Sustainability Award commented: “To receive this recognition after persevering for so long means a great deal to us. We believe the future is bright, and we are delighted that British Marine has recognised what we are working to achieve and taken it on board.”
The awards programme began back in November 2025 with an extensive sector-based process involving British Marine’s 11 member associations. Businesses nominated themselves in one of three categories; Business of the Year, Sustainability Award, or Product or Service of the Year, before association members voted to select a sector winner in each category. Thirty-three sector winners then progressed to the national judging stage.
An independent judging panel worked in three teams to review the entries and choose the overall winners. British Marine thanks Lindsay McClay, Seadrake Marine and British Marine President; Robert Parton, British Marine Immediate Past President and Owner of Aqueduct Marina; Ben Taylor, Taylor Media Ltd; Joe Lynch, CEO of ICOMIA; Brian Clark, British Marine Membership Services Director; and Nickie Sanders, British Marine Association Manager, for their time and expertise.
British Marine also congratulates all sector winners and every business that took part in the awards. Plans are already underway for the 2027 British Marine National Awards, which will get underway with the Inland Sector Award winners being revealed at the British Marine Inland Conference in November.
Businesses interested in taking part are encouraged to keep an eye on future British Marine communications for further details and nomination information.
