SAL Marine, UK-based marine engineering, parts and distribution business, has appointed James Bland as shareholder and director as the company continues to grow.
The company, which has been trading for more than 40 years, was founded by Simon Lyth and built its reputation as a marine engineering business serving the South Coast of the UK.
In 2021, the business was acquired by the company’s current director Wayne Taylor who had joined the company straight from school in 2003, and progressed through the business to become workshop manager before moving into a directorship in 2017.
Volvo Penta direct dealer appointment
Following the acquisition, SAL Marine has expanded significantly, growing from a team of five to ten employees and increasing turnover from approximately £1.2 million to £3.8 million.
In 2024, SAL Marine was appointed as a Volvo Penta direct dealer, an appointment that prompted an operational move, with the business relocating from its long-standing premises to a new 4,100sqft facility in Lymington, Hampshire.
The new site has been configured to support larger-scale distribution, retail and trade sales, alongside a dedicated showroom space.
Bland’s appointment marks the next stage in the company’s development.
Challenging economic period
He began his career in the marine industry at the age of 16 as a marine engineer and has since built experience across commercial applications and sales.
Taylor and Bland first met in Japan in 2018 during a Suzuki marine trip and remained in contact.
Bland later relocated from Devon to Lymington to join the business and after 18 months with SAL Marine, has now become a shareholder and director of both SAL Marine and its parent company, Marine Game Holdings.
“Taking the company from £1.2 million to almost £4 million in five years, through Covid and a challenging economic period, is something I am very proud of,” said Taylor.
It is important that we do not compromise the service and standards that got us to where we are today.
Wayne Taylor
“However, as we grow, it is important that we do not compromise the service and standards that got us to where we are today.”
He continued: “I have been fortunate to find someone who is experienced, like-minded, technically skilled and focused on building on those foundations.
“Together, we can take SAL Marine forward while ensuring we continue to be recognised as skilled experts in our field for OEM and boat owner support.”
Taylor added: “James and I look forward to exploring the full extent of our potential together and supporting clients throughout the journey of boat building and boat ownership.”
