Bristol Lives: Bristol Ferry Company

Bristol Ferry Company's regular, reliable and friendly ferry service has earned them the title of Small Attraction of the Year at the 2013 Tourism & Hospitality Awards. Find out what they had to say about winning in our exlusive Q&A...

Congratulations on your win! Tell us a little bit about your business?

Thank you! Bristol Community Ferryboats are a fleet of five blue and yellow boats operating around Bristol Harbour and the river Avon. In 2013 we became a Community Benefit Society; we have 872 shareholders, most of whom live locally - it's a type of cooperative. We're focused on providing the best service we can to Bristol's community and visitors and we offer a range of timetabled waterbus services, public river trips and private hire for parties and events.

What does winning this award mean for you and your company?

It's a great vote of confidence considering how much Bristol has to offer. It's very motivational. We feel happy and proud - there's been a lot of hard work here this last year and it's lovely to be recognised for that. The next couple of years are important for Bristol - it being European Green Capital for 2015. We're part of the Green Capital Partnership and accolades like this help us gain exposure at a time when it's increasingly important to offer congestion free alternatives to road transport.

Why do you think you won?

I think we won because we offer something for everyone - we offer a reliable and friendly service which is not only an attraction in itself but links so many other great attractions together.

What do you think made you stand head and shoulders above the rest?

The 'can't do enough' attitude of our staff over customer service really makes us stand out. We're a passionate bunch when it comes to promoting Bristol and people leave our ferries well informed and with a smile on their faces.

How are you planning to celebrate your victory?

We have regular celebrations here at the ferries! It's something about working on the water... Perhaps our next big party will be in April when we have our yearly booze cruise on Bristol's brilliant City Sightseeing Bus.

Are you feeling confident about progressing to the VisitEngland Awards?

Destination Bristol has told us that they think we're one of the best attractions in Bristol and we think Bristol is one of the best attractions in England. There's going to be a lot of great competition but I think we're in with a good chance.

Business is clearly booming, why do you think so many people visit Bristol?

There's so much going on in Bristol, it's a very unique place. There's something for everyone - it's historically fascinating , it's culturally rich, there's so much good food around, loads of great music, the countryside is close-by and crucially, the people who live here are friendly and welcoming. This city is full of life.

What’s your favourite thing about Bristol?

For me, the heart of the city is Bristol Harbour. It's what Bristol grew up around, it's vibrant and it's constantly changing.

Tell us a little bit about the role that you play within the business?

I've been working at the ferries for 11 years - one of the great things about the job is that it's very varied - one day I'll be driving the boat, the next tying up the ropes, another day sanding and painting and the rest of the time I'm in the office working on social media and marketing and taking bookings. Since the ferries became a community benefit society, the entire staff have experienced far greater job satisfaction because everyone is important - we're a big ferry family.

What advice would you give to someone looking to succeed in your industry?

To quote Kahlil Gibran "If you cannot work with love, you should not work at all."