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.
	Mark John, Inflatable Play Mark 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.
	Richard Monaghan, representing Hirers Richard is the Founder and Director of PapaKåta. Supplying Giant Teepee and Sperry tents to over 1,200 events, PapaKåta is trusted by individuals planning their dream wedding, and household names like Mini, Nike & BBC alike. PapaKåta is a full service provider supplying furnishings, facilities, power generation, and event management services, working with a range of industry suppliers who share their passion for quality.
	Jon Parr, President, representing Suppliers & Manufacturers Jon is the Managing Director at Tentipi (UK & Ireland) Ltd. He brought the first Nordic tipi to the UK at the beginning of 2005, and founded the world's first full-time rental business using these tents. He now spends his time distributing Nordic Tipis in the UK and around the world, training and supporting customers who use them.
	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.
	Andrew Spiers, representing Suppliers and Manufacturers Andrew is the Sales Manager at Verseidag GmbH – UK Branch and has been working with them for nearly 10 years. Verseidag are a manufacturer of PVC for the tent industry but having the benefit of a UK warehouse in Cambridgeshire. He strongly believes in excellent customer service but with a passion to deliver to the needs of the customer.
	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.

Member Services Team