British Marine has announced the winners of its inaugural National Awards, with Rockley Watersports, BlueTree Boatbuilders and Computer Network Defence receiving the three national awards.
The winners were announced during the British Marine Trades Association annual dinner at Voco Southampton Hotel on 21 September. The awards recognise businesses and people from across the UK marine industry.
The 2026 British Marine National Awards winners are:
- Business of the Year: Rockley Watersports
- Sustainability Award: BlueTree Boatbuilders
- Product or Service of the Year: Computer Network Defence
Rockley Watersports received the Business of the Year award in recognition of its 50 years of operation and work to make watersports accessible. The family-run business was also recognised for its relationships with customers and contribution to skills development and career pathways in the marine industry.
BlueTree Boatbuilders received the Sustainability Award for Project Harmony, which involves developing timber-built leisure craft using circular design principles and electric propulsion. The project incorporates responsibly sourced and bio-based materials, alongside research into alternative approaches to boatbuilding.
Computer Network Defence received the Product or Service of the Year award for Osprey, a maritime cyber security platform designed for vessels with limited space, connectivity and onboard cyber security expertise. The compact appliance provides security protection, remote monitoring and installation requirements intended to minimise 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”, says 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 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.”
Rockley Watersports, which won Business of the Year, says: “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.”
Computer Network Defence, winner of Product or Service of the Year, says: “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.”
BlueTree Boatbuilders, which won the Sustainability Award, comments: “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.”
A sector-based process
The awards programme began in November 2025 with a 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.
Association members then voted to select a sector winner in each category. The 33 sector winners progressed to the national judging stage.
An independent judging panel worked in three teams to review the entries and select the overall winners. The panel comprised 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.
Plans are underway for the 2027 British Marine National Awards. The process is due to begin with the Inland Sector Award winners being revealed at the British Marine Inland Conference in November.
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