By Carole Dennett
A prominent retired businessman has issued a challenge to ferry operator Red Funnel, urging them to engage with the Islanders’ Charter – a document outlining service standards and accountability expectations for Island residents.
The charter, produced by the Island’s MPs and the leader of the Isle of Wight Council, offers a roadmap for improvement in cross-Solent services following reports that the ferry company was for sale.
Sir David Clementi, a former Deputy Governor of the Bank of England with extensive experience across leadership roles in the financial sector, is also a keen sailor and has owned a home in Cowes for more than 25 years. Using Red Funnel’s Red Jet services regularly, he speaks from personal experience about the “significant deterioration in services” provided by the operator, particularly in recent years.
The Islanders’ Charter, published in December, was a cross-party initiative from Island MPs Richard Quigley (Labour, IW West) and Joe Robertson (Conservative, IW East) alongside Isle of Wight Council Leader Phil Jordan (Independent). It presents a constructive framework to improve ferry services and sets out expectations for any future owner of the company. Developed following meetings with Maritime Minister Mike Kane, the charter presents the united views of the Island’s senior elected representatives.
Despite its significance and the impact it could have on Island residents, Red Funnel has not issued any public response or commitment to the charter’s principles. Sir David criticised this lack of engagement in a letter to local media today. He wrote: “To ignore the charter, as Red Funnel seems to have done, suggests that they care little what customers think. If a buyer has a business instinct, and not just a financier’s concern with financial returns, it would surely want to engage and to learn what the customers and their elected representatives think.”
Speaking today, Sir David reinforced the need for constructive communication with Island residents. He said: “The Island has the right to expect better engagement from a company that plays such a key role in its transport infrastructure. Any serious buyer will recognise that the long-term success of this business depends on understanding and addressing the needs of Island residents.”Following the publication of the charter, the IW Observer reached out to both Red Funnel and Real Asset Investment Management, the company currently engaged in exclusive talks to acquire the ferry operator. Neither responded. We have contacted them again following receipt of the letter.
Sir David Clementi’s letter in full and a link to the Islanders’ Charter is below:
Dear Editor,
The two MPs on the Isle of Wight, together with the leader of the Isle of Wight Council,
recently published a Charter relating to the Island’s ferries, making clear the level of service
and accountability to Islanders that those who live on the Isle of Wight are entitled to expect.
We have seen no response from Red Funnel.
As we know, the Red Funnel level of service between the mainland and the Island has
deteriorated over the last few years, and investment in a new fleet is needed. If, as is heavily
rumoured, Red Funnel is talking to a new financial buyer, it is important that any such buyer
engages with those who live on the Island, making clear whether they accept the expectations
set out in the Charter.
To ignore the Charter, as Red Funnel seems to have done, would suggest that they care little
what customers think. Any possible buyer has a chance to correct that impression. If a buyer
has a business instinct, and not just a financier’s concern with financial returns, it would surely
want to engage and to learn what the customers and their elected representatives think.
Sir David Clementi, Cowes
Isle of Wight Observer