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

	Dean Foster, President, 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.
	Johnny Cooper, Treasurer, 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 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.
	Craig Bidder, representing Hirers Craig is the Director of Sami Tipi family run business based in the Midlands providing Nordic Tipis and Sailcloth Tent hire for weddings and events within the Midlands and surrounding areas. Established back in 2012 Sami Tipi have gone from strength to strength winning best marquee provider in the East Midlands for the past 4 years at the Wedding Industry Awards and Bridebook Awards.
	Lee Dalton, representing Suppliers Lee is Sales Director at Roder UK Ltd, having first joined in 2005 as a Sales Rep. He has 15 years experience working with tent rental companies, supplying structures to large existing hirers, and many new start businesses as well. Benefiting from a Global network of sister companies, and with many years of German engineering excellence behind them, Roder UK has been a fixture in the marquee hire business for over 30 years.
	Robert Carter, representing Suppliers Robert is a Director at J & J Carter Ltd and has over 25 years experience in the temporary structure industry. He also serves on the BSI Committee "B/525/0-/05" Tensile Membrane Structures Design and Construction. The company was established in 1988 and started by manufacturing marquees and covers. Since then J&J Carter has diversified into the design and build of tensile fabric structures, biogas systems and other fabric structures. Based in Hampshire the 1.5 acre site boasts 2000m2 membrane production hall and further 400m2 steel and aluminium fabrication facilities.
	Phil Grenville-Hunt, representing Hirers Phil has been involved I have been involved in senior and business management for over 40 years and joined Mar-Key Marquees in early 2014. His responsibilities range from H&S, HR and business management, keeping a close eye on legislation and the legal aspect of customer contracts and suppliers. Phil has always been drawn to the challenges that exist in business no matter how large or small the company. It is with this aptitude that he is able to focus on his contribution and making a valued one to the temporary structure industry.
	Janet Fletcher, representing Hirers Janet is a Director of Tents and Events (Scotland) with her husband. Since 1998, they have worked throughout Scotland on a wide range of projects from large sporting/cultural events to small family occasions. Janet’s work history includes BBC Scotland, Cowal Highland Gathering and a large family hotel which has helped her gain experience in hospitality, events and customer service.

Member Services Team