Commercial customers will get the chance to meet Wightlink’s business team at an all-day event on the Isle of Wight tomorrow (Thursday).
Head of Business Development Kirstie Higgins-Day, Business Development Managers Justin Stoneley and Toni Ballamy, and Business Development Lead Mark James will be at the Isle of Wight Construction Training Group offices at Spithead Business Centre (Unit B7), Newport Road, Sandown from 09:00 to 16:00.
Kirstie and her team are keen to hear the views of their customers over a coffee. At the last event, several issues were raised and subsequently addressed by the Business Hub team.
Three examples include:
- Feedback that the website was too clunky for regular business travellers making multiple bookings. Action: Wightlink offered a managed bulk booking service, the option to book 12 months in advance, and access to a bespoke freight booking platform.
- Feedback that customer communication, particularly during disruption, needed improvement. Action: Wightlink launched a customer WhatsApp channel, began building a business customer out-of-hours contact database and is carrying out a project to improve crisis and disruption planning.
- Feedback that better seating onboard is needed for business customers who need to take breaks or concentrate. Action: Wightlink is planning to introduce Business Lounges on its ships, starting with St Clare in April 2026.
Kirstie said:
“This reflects how we listen carefully to our customers and act on what matters to them.
“Easter is often a time when businesses look ahead to the busy summer period and our message is that we are here to listen and act.
“So come along and have a coffee and a chat about how we can continue supporting your business.
Article continues below this advertisement “Whether you have questions, ideas or simply want to put a face to the name, we would be delighted to see you.”
It all boils down to prices, cheaper fares is the solution for
everyone in today’s tough economic climate.
Business seat lounge, what a load of
Business seat lounge, what a load of bullshit. Is this going to be at the expense of the current quiet lounge on St.Clare that anyone who just wants a more peaceful crossing can go to and relax.. The other 2 examples are more legit but the most pressing problem and the one they seem to be ignoring is the cost. It’s so high it’s damaging the island in a big way. Tourism is down and on the decline all the time. Some islanders can’t afford to travel and family & friends struggle with the fares. More and more businesses are closing on the island, due to the cost of living . People book hotels and other accommodation and then cancel when they realise how much the ferry is costing. Ferry companies play a big part of destroying the island and that’s what should be on the top of their agenda not business lounges.