Lesley was appointed CEO of British Marine in 2018. Prior to joining, Lesley was Managing Director at MDL Marinas, Europe’s leading Marina operator. Previous to this, her commercial career has spanned leisure, consumer goods, media and IT and she was also a Director of the Money Advice Service, leading corporate services and heading up the Service’s debt advice programme in the UK.

At British Marine, Lesley is an executive main board director with specific responsibility for the strategic direction of the organisation, working in conjunction with both board and members, and its execution through her team at Marine House.

She is also Vice Chair and Trustee of the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women, a Trustee of Ocean Youth Trust South and a Non-Executive Director of Police Crime Prevention Initiatives.

Mike has been leading the transformation of Portsmouth International Port since his appointment as port director in 2017.This has involved concentrating efforts in making sure the UK’s most successful municipal port plays a prominent role in positioning Portsmouth as the country’s leading marine and maritime city, and it is fast establishing itself as innovative and sustainable industry pioneer.

With a wealth of experience with 30 years in the ports industry, Mike has previously worked at seven major UK ports. Roles include Port Manager at Grimsby and Immingham the largest port complex in the UK, where he oversaw the movement of 54 million tonnes of cargo each year. Mike was heavily involved in the development of the Immingham Renewable Fuels Terminal, the world’s largest biomass handling facility and has also held senior roles at a number of ports in East Anglia and Humberside.

Alongside his position as port director, Mike has been chair of the British Ports Association (BPA), an industry trade organisation representing the interests of UK ports to the various tiers of national and devolved governments in the UK and internationally. He is currently a director for Port Skills and Safety and Maritime Solent UK.

Fran Collins joined Red Funnel as CEO in June 2018, having spent over 20 years in the merchant navy. In November 2019 Fran received the Merchant Navy Medal for her contribution to the shipping industry.

Fran was previously at Condor Ferries, where she was Chief Officer. On gaining her Master Mariners unlimited, she subsequently became Condor’s first female Master.

In 2008 Fran transferred into shore-based management, and since then has continued to develop her career through several executive roles which have included operational management, business leadership and the delivery of strategic projects.

Linda is a Partner in the Marine, Shipping & Logistics team. She specialises in many aspects of shipping and logistics law involving the carriage of goods by sea, air and land, working with UK and international businesses across the globe.
 
Linda acts for clients all over the world and has an excellent understanding of trade issues which arise out of the carriage of goods by ship, air and land. It is common to find lawyers specialised in one of these fields but rarer to find a lawyer who fully appreciates the entire trade chain. She offers a pragmatic and incisive view to try and get issues and disputes resolved as cost-effectively as possible.

Lee’s rich experience provides clients with an unrivalled insight into the fast changing media landscape. Key deliverables from Lee include brokering deals with journalists, developing PR strategies; scripting and directing videos through to media training, crisis management and event management.

He is also in demand for management consultancy and motivational speaking. Lee is recognised by the European Union as an international media expert for his work on an anti-corruption behavioural campaign in Latvia. Understanding the value of collaboration, he has worked with and alongside some of the best creative agencies in the world.