UK-based valeting and protection coating manufacturer August Race Group was recognised for its achievements in the marine industry on Monday evening, winning the Business of the Year Award at this year’s British Marine Trades Association awards.

Sponsored by Barton Marine, EP Barrus and others, the event was hosted by Ben Taylor, chair of the Marine Trades Association (MTA), at the Grand Café in Southampton. The annual ceremony was well attended by marine industry professionals from across the UK.

“We feel very honoured to have received this award,” says August Race co-founder Peter Wallbank. “We are truly passionate about the marine industry and the part that we play within it, so to be recognised by our peers in this way means a lot to us both as a company and as individuals.” 

Other award recipients included:

• Young Business Professional of the Year: Joe Salmon, Salmon Marine
• Excellence in Exporting: Wessex Resins
• Chairman’s Special Award: Haven Knox-Johnston
• Personality of the Year: Emma York, Fresh Approach PR

August Race CEO Sarah Wallbank describes the MTA awards as the highlight of the year. “To catch up with friends and colleagues and to be recognised there as Business of the Year this year is a huge honour,” she says. “We have been fortunate to have been inspired and encouraged by so many within the industry over the years we have attended, and it was gratifying to see so many new faces there this year. I hope to continue that encouragement forward both in my role at August Race and also as chair or British Marine South West.”

August Race, having recently secured key distribution agreements in Canada, the US, India and South Africa, has seen significant growth in recent years and is rapidly becoming a recognised global brand in the marine and RV sectors.