The eight founding members all traded in textiles, either as importers or as the end product manufacturers. They were involved in everything from recycling and manufacturing of jute bags, to making tarpaulins, loin cloths, and waterproof goods for the London horse-drawn carriages. Tent and marquee hire featured too, including frame and pole tents.

In 1939 many tents were required for the war effort, never to be seen again. So after the Second World War new stocks had to be manufactured to get the agricultural shows up and running again.

It was not until 7 May 1974 that the association changed its name to Made Up Textiles Association Limited, and we are known by a contraction of that name today - MUTA. 

To this day, the President's badge of office is a silver sailmaker's palm (a device for pushing needles through thick fabric) and a needle on a webbing sash. An earlier logo depicted the same.

MUTA was formed to help keep the industry together and to talk with one voice to Government departments and Standard making bodies. Today MUTA is actively involved in representing the industry within the British Standards Institute, CEN (European Committee of Standardisation) and the AGOTS committee of the Institute of Structural Engineers.  Its work in these areas is benefited by all in the industry - members and non-members alike. Its vital work is what helps us shape our industry, rather than leaving us all on the receiving end of rules that others create.

MUTA's networking through meetings and dinners helps to create fellowship amongst its members who, although often competitors, frequently help each other out when the need arises.

Today, the majority of members are hirers of marquees, tents or structures.  We still represent a thriving group of suppliers and manufacturers as well and these find a ready market amongst the hirer members.

To further strengthen MUTA, the following recent initiatives have been implemented:

• The launch of the 'Use a MUTA Member' campaign - putting promotion of our members to their customers at the front and centre of our marketing for the first time.
• Strengthening the inspection regime to underpin the core message that our members work to the highest standards.
• A fresh new look at our website and documentation to present a modern, up-to-date image to the outside world, and to make access to benefits even easier for our members.
• A complete change of personnel in our Member Services Team to deliver a much enhanced service to members.

Executive Committee

	Simon Bell, Treasurer, representing Suppliers & Manufacturers 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.
	Tony Ward, representing Hirers Tony Ward is the Managing Director of PapaKåta. Providing exclusive Sperry® Tents and Tentipi Tipis to over 3,000 events across the UK. From bases in York, Henley-on-Thames and Perth Scotland, PapaKåta provide a full event service, supplying furnishings and event management. Trusted by their clients - individuals planning their dream weddings, festival event organisers and household names such as BBC, Nike and BMW, PapaKåta also work with a range of industry suppliers who share their passion for event design and quality.
	Johnny Cooper, representing Hirers Johnny is the Managing Director of Coopers Marquees Ltd who are based in Yorkshire but travel all over the UK. The greatest proportion of Coopers Marquees work is providing hospitatlity space for annual sporting events.
	Joe Baillie, representing Hirers Joe Baillie is the Director of Baillies Marquees and has been working in the events industry for the last 20 years. Baillies Marquees is a family run business and were one of the first independent companies from Scotland to join MUTA.
	Sam Robinson, representing Developing Hirers Sam is the Managing Director of Boutipi and a non practicing solicitor. Boutipi is a family run business based in Yorkshire and has been awarded England's wedding marquee provider of 2018 at the Wedding Industry Awards. The only wedding awards decided by customer votes.  The team advocate the highest standards in all aspects of their events (consumer or corporate), from the initial contact, to the event itself and the follow up.
	Dean Foster, representing Hirers Dean is the Managing Director and co-owner of Cambridge Marquees. Since purchasing the business in 2001, the company has evolved to offer a comprehensive range of first class marquees for weddings to corporate events in the Cambridge and East Anglia area.
	Harvey Hillson, representing Hirers Harvey is the Managing Director of E.H. Events & Marquees. E.H. Events have been providing marquees, sound and lighting equipment for a wide range of events for 5 years. The organisation adopt a strong ethos for honesty, integrity and safety which has helped them grow and prosper.

Member Services Team