| Journal: TWUK | Section: |
| Title: | Issue Date: 04/09/00 |
| Author: | Page Number: 63 |
| Copyright: Other |
meetthe
MD
This week: Alistair Whyte,Red Funnel Ferries
Age: 55
I DON’T know what prompted me to go to sea. The only family connection was a story of my grandfather who wanted to go to sea but his family was strongly opposed to the idea and he never realised his ambition. I just knew that I wanted to see the world, so the logical thing to do was to join the merchant navy.Following my initial training at nautical college, at what is now the University of Strathclyde, I became an apprentice midshipman with Blue Funnel on the princely salary of £9 per month.
With Blue Funnel, I certainly saw most of the world, sailing to Southeast Asia, the Far East, Australasia and Europe. I spent two-and-a-half years working on passenger ships, cruising around Australia.
During this time, I experienced things I will never forget – including typhoons in the South China Seas.
I worked as chief mate on the passenger ships, which also carried sheep, pigs, cows and goats – quite an experience.
I suppose the greatest change I have witnessed over the years has come about through the development of new technology.
For example, with modern telecommunications, ships are primarily controlled from the shore – in the old days, the ship’s master was in sole charge of his ship while it was at sea; communications have changed that focus radically.
I enjoyed life at sea as a single man but by the time I was married and my wife and I were starting a family, I came ashore. My next job was as general manager of a stevedoring and shipping agency in Scotland, where I stayed from 1973 to 1977. Then, with my young family, I travelled to Singapore for a two-year contract in shipping management.
We were very happy there and I was impressed by the strong work ethic I encountered in Singapore but as the children started to get older, my wife and I decided we would prefer to be based back in the UK.
I then joined Associated British Ports in 1979 and worked for them in a variety of roles all over the country.
I was delighted when ABP bought a ferry company, Red Funnel, 11 years ago and asked me to run it, as I felt I was going back to my roots.
The company has operated the Southampton to Cowes Isle of Wight route for 136 years and is the original Isle of Wight service.
At that time, it had an excellent reputation and a long and respected history. It was regarded as warm and friendly, if a little old-fashioned.
My goal was – and still is – to retain that very special, personal element, while introducing the latest technology and constantly improving the service to our customers.
We offer a unique, mini-cruise experience to our ferry passengers, which is an integral part of the holiday experience. The growth in tourism to the Isle of Wight, especially short breaks and days out, has been phenomenal, although I still feel the unspoilt beauty and the many attractions of the island are not appreciated enough.
The business has grown steadily, both through our regular commuter traffic and our holidays and short-breaks programme. It is crucial to remember at all times that the customer is king.
People these days are generally well travelled and rightly demand a high level of service, whether on a short break or a long-haul holiday. To compete in this rapidly changing world, we have to keep one step ahead of the competition.
It is a question of meeting the ever changing needs of the many and varied groups who make up our customer base – we are always working on new initiatives, such as loyalty cards for regular travellers, day trip to the island’s many popular attractions and short-break packages to attract more visitors in the shoulder seasons.
Whatever the challenge, my years at sea have taught me the importance of pulling together as a team – and having a lot of fun in the process.
CURRICULUM VITAE
1959: joins Blue Funnel Line servingworld-wide on passenger and cargo vessels
MY TOP TIPS
l Never forget that the customer comes first – they always have a choice.
* You cannot overestimate the importance of good employee relations – if your staff are happy, they will radiate a positive atmosphere when dealing with customers – the reverse is also true.
* Keep abreast of developments in technology – things are changing faster than ever before and it is essential to stay ahead of the game.
* Invest in the highest quality equipment and systems – it pays in the long run.
* Enjoy your work – enthusiasm is catching.