Optimise4

Tamar Cruising secures Cremyll Ferry contract

We are pleased to have been able to help the Cremyll Ferry operator, Tamar Cruising successfully secured a five year contract to continue to provide Cremyll Ferry services, a short crossing of the River Tamar connecting Devon and Cornwall.

A Cremyll Ferry Service has crossed the Tamar since 1204 and is an historic access link for people wishing to travel quickly between Cornwall and Devon. The crossing takes just eight minutes and runs throughout the year, proving popular with locals and visitors alike.

Plymouth City Council and Cornwall Council own the ancient right to run the ferry services and recently put the route out to tender. Tamar Cruising has operated the route since 1985 and recently celebrated its 25 year of cruising. But this did not mean the family run business would automatically win the contract to run the daily service between Cremyll Quay and Stonehouse.

Before developing the tender response, Tamar Cruising went through a process of reviewing and evaluating the business to ensure the company was in the best possible position to win the contract.

Natasha Northcott, Marketing Manager at Tamar Cruising said: 'It was clear to us that to play an active role in the regeneration of the area and to meet future demand would take more than just continuing to run the ferry service. We wanted to utilise our fantastic heritage and experienced crew to maximum effect. We brought in Optimise4, a specialist business consultancy, who have worked with us to help us think like a big firm whilst retaining what makes us special. As a result we have embarked on an extensive marketing plan that incorporates re-branding, promoting the ferry as a tourist attraction in its own right, opening up new routes and building stronger relationships with partner attractions such as Mount Edgcumbe House and Park.'

Tamar Cruising competed in a tough contest to win the contract. Commenting on the good news, Jean Knight, Partner at Tamar Cruising said: 'We are delighted to have won the contract to continue providing the Cremyll ferry service. Having operated this crossing for 25 years, we know the importance of running a safe and reliable service for the hundreds of regular commuters, day trippers and tourists that enjoy this trip each week.'

Francis Knight, Partner at Tamar Cruising added: 'We have had amazing support from local residents and look forward to providing them with an even better service over the coming years. There's so much to look forward to and we and are extremely grateful to Optimise4 for their professional support and bid writing expertise. Our thanks also go to Plymouth and Cornwall Councils for taking the decision to award the contract to Tamar Cruising and we look forward to working with them to deliver future successes for all.'

Tamar Cruising is now part of a more integrated transport network, linking with buses, attractions and ticketing schemes to vastly enhance the customer experience. The new web site, launches on 19 July with full details of the new ticket types, routes, fares, timetables and much more.

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