24/9/2025
Raising professional standards, expanding training opportunities, and ensuring the long-term success of the brokerage sector through professionalism and innovation
Today (Wednesday 24 September, 2025) marked a major milestone for the marine brokerage industry, as the Strategic Alliance of British Marine Boat Retailers & Brokers Association (BRBA) and The Association of Brokers and Yacht Agents (ABYA) officially launched the new ‘Certified Professional Broker (CPB) Career Pathway’ at a special breakfast briefing during the Southampton International Boat Show.
The event brought together brokers, industry peers and stakeholders for an exclusive networking breakfast, before hearing from Alastair Walton, Chair of BRBA, and Chris Ibbotson, Chair of ABYA, who unveiled the pathway – the latest development from the strategic alliance between the two organisations aimed at strengthening professional standards in the sector.
Commenting on the new pathway, Alastair Walton, said: “The launch of the Certified Professional Broker Career Pathway is a landmark moment for our industry. This initiative delivers the structured progression and professional recognition that brokers have been asking for, while at the same time raising standards and strengthening the reputation of brokerage both here in the UK and globally. It demonstrates what can be achieved when we collaborate across organisations for the benefit of our members and the wider sector.”
Chris Ibbotson, then added: “Brokers are at the very heart of the leisure marine industry, and with this new pathway we are giving them the tools, training, and credibility to excel at every stage of their careers. Whether you are just starting out, or an experienced professional seeking certification, the CPB pathway ensures that you can develop, gain recognition, and deliver the highest possible service to your clients. This is about building trust, professionalism and opportunity for the future of brokerage.”
About the Certified Professional Broker Career Pathway
The new pathway offers a structured route for career development, combining practical training, examinations, professional membership, and continuous learning.
Participants begin with the two-day Practical Yacht Broker Course and exam, before progressing towards Certified Professional Broker status through a 12–18 month programme that includes the submission of a professional portfolio, a series of five online webinars on specialist topics including: Recreational Craft Directive, Know your customer, VAT, Brokerage law and Digital Marketing, and a final assessment exam.
An annual programme of Continuous Professional Development will then be required to maintain professional standards. A fast-track route has also been built into the pathway for experienced brokers.
Certification is designed to provide far-reaching benefits, from boosting credibility and client trust to increasing earning potential and career opportunities. It gives brokers a competitive edge in the marketplace, enhances confidence in dealing with legal and regulatory requirements, and ensures clients receive the highest levels of service and professionalism.
Certification also unlocks access to valuable professional networks, supports continuous learning, and is recognised internationally – offering brokers greater opportunities both at home and abroad.
Building on the Strategic Alliance
Since formalising their collaboration through the strategic alliance at last year’s Southampton International Boat Show, the BRBA and ABYA have already begun delivering tangible results for the industry. Earlier this year saw the introduction of the new joint industry-standard brokers contract – the BRBA/ABYA Sales Purchase Agreement – and today’s launch of the Certified Professional Brokers Career Pathway marks another significant milestone. Together, these initiatives demonstrate the organisations’ shared commitment to raising professional standards, expanding training opportunities, and ensuring the long-term success of the brokerage sector through professionalism and innovation.
