Meet the Team

Tony Marsh - President

Tony Marsh is the Managing Director of L H Woodhouse & Co Ltd, a longstanding contractor to organisers and exhibitors at outdoor shows and events nationwide. The business is a leading supplier of Marquees & Trade-stands, Covered & Open Grandstands, Temporary Stabling and Ground Protection. The company specialises in continuous hire equipment innovation, most recently introducing the Woodhouse Temporary Stable Barns in July 2008. Woodhouse fulltime employees are skilled and experienced professionals who have chosen to work in this challenging industry.

"Woodhouse is dedicated to improving the standards of the high quality equipment we hire out, the safe working practices we adopt on site when working alone or alongside fellow like minded contractors. Hence our commitment to MUTA, our pride in being a MUTAmarq accredited contractor and our active involvement in bringing other contractors into the Association for the industry’s benefit."

Simon Bell - Treasurer

Simon is the Technical Director of Custom Covers (1984) Ltd and has been working in this manufacturing industry since 1996. Custom Covers manufacture a wide range of industrial covers, including covers and decorative linings for tents and marquees. This gives Simon a good appreciation of all aspects of the MUTA membership from supplier to end user. He is currently Treasurer of MUTA.

Simon is a graduate of Southampton University, where he read Naval Architecture. He then spent 13 years working in the commercial shipbuilding arena, covering both fabrication and repair. He spent 5 year living abroad, returning to manage a quality management assessment scheme and assist in developing marine safety management codes.

Simon says: "MUTA has been representing the made up textiles industry since 1919 and has adapted to meet the changing types and uses of fabrics since then. Its challenge is to continue this tradition and continue to give the industry a voice and support."

Cameron Stewart - Marquee Inspectorate

Cameron Stewart started Field and Lawn (Marquees) Ltd in 1986 and remains Managing Director to this day – the company is now one of the biggest marquee hire companies in the UK, with six branches from Edinburgh to London.

Cameron was born in Edinburgh, was educated at Loretto School and at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and spent five years in the Royal Scots before entering the marquee industry. He is married with 3 daughters; his interests include cycling, fly fishing and shooting.

Adrian Dann - Marquee Standards and Skills

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Ian Dawson - Manufacturers and Suppliers

Ian Dawson set up Kayospruce over 25 years ago when, as a sailing enthusiast, he saw a gap in the market for short lengths of marine fabric. He started selling sailcloth from his home to local sail and cover makers in Southampton and Portsmouth, and very soon after moved the business into a local warehouse. The business has expanded ever since, diversifying into the outdoor furnishings and structures market.

Ian has sat on the MUT A Council and Executive Committee since 2007. He says:

"We like to be at the heart of the industry and membership is an absolute must."

Mark John - AIMODS

Mark John is the Managing Director of Airquee Ltd, one of the UK's main inflatable manufacturers with a global distributor network. The company's head office, based in Bristol, and its own wholly owned subsidiary in Eastern Europe designs, manufactures and supplies many global brands and enterprises with inflatable games, air structures, promotional products and soft play foam products. Experiencing 20% growth year on year, Airquee Ltd will employ 100 people full-time by the end of 2012.

"I'm proud to be the Chairman of the AIMODS section, and the PIPA scheme, which has evolved and developed to become synonymous with the industry standard (BS EN 14960) which is gathering pace and momentum throughout Europe. The perseverance of MUTA in establishing itself as a leading authority in the inflatable industry is a testament of its resolve and determination in raising standards."

Jon Parr - Membership

Jon is relatively new to the industry, having started The Stunning Tents Company in 2004, which brought the first Giant Hat Tipi into the UK hire market. Since then his business has grown rapidly, and he has helped 5 other rental companies become established using the same type of tent. Giant Hat Tipis are now a regular sight at weddings, parties and festivals across the country. He joined MUTA’s Executive Council in the second half of 2009 to represent the interests of members running smaller businesses. Prior to starting The Stunning Tents Company, Jon had a successful international career working for a major IT consultancy.

"MUTA delivers a range of valuable member benefits. But perhaps the most valuable is providing a framework in which to continually improve our Health & Safety processes and procedures. MUTA’s leadership in this area will continue to drive improvements across the industry."