What’s your role at Concierge Yacht Consignment?
"Operations Director"
What brought you there – what’s your experience?
"I’ve got more than 30 years’ experience in transporting boats, but also precious cargo of all kinds – up to and including prize racehorses. I understand all the challenges – and more importantly the trade secrets – of moving valued things of all kinds to and from a huge range of locations."
What does a typical working day look like?
"We’re a global business, so the morning starts with answering enquiries that have come in overnight. Then it’s straight into finding the best delivery routes and solutions, ensuring we get competitive quotes, but with the emphasis firmly on quality.
I always make time every day to keep up with any developments that could either be a help or hindrance to the business and its customers – anything from weather patterns to new transport routes. We never take anything for granted or stand still. That’s an office-based day, but obviously things can vary widely when we’re handling a delivery. I could be anywhere in the world supervising the preparation, loading, transit and unloading. We’re there at every stage to ensure the optimum experience, with full insurance."
Is it that level of personal service that makes Concierge Yacht Consignment different to rivals?
"Yes, hence the Concierge in our name – we are that trusted partner you can turn to that will treat your boat or vehicle as if it were their own.
Compared to our rivals, we offer a more personal service, which also reflects the evolving options available in today’s shipping landscape. Someone like Peters & May have been going for 50 years, which is admirable, but it’s easy for long-running companies to become staid in their ways.
Concierge Yacht Consignment has all the experience and expertise you want, but with a more modern approach and additional logistics support: if you want it, moved, we will try and make it happen!
It’s all about flexibility and a tailored response. - every Concierge Yacht Consignment quote is bespoke to a customer: we’re not just quoting off a rate card, but crafting a tailored solution to specifically meet your needs."
The company name is Concierge Yacht Consignment, but you move more than just boats.
"Yes, we can and do move all kinds of vehicles - including helicopters or automotive, such as supercars. Our customers often have more than a boat to relocate, and we’re here to make that happen, seamlessly."
What are the biggest lessons you’ve learned?
"It’s a cliché, but it’s true: expect the unexpected!
It means having to build time into transport plans to allow for, say, poor weather – especially if you’re dealing with deck cargo, where you may need to factor in a week to two-week lay window.
On a related note, the other key lesson is about clear, constant communication – know exactly what’s going on, and ensure you keep the customer updated at all times."
What’s your dream boat?
"My money-no-object dream boat would be a superyacht built to my exact specifications. When I daydream about it, I keep adding new features – I’d need about a billion pounds to have it built!
A slightly more attainable dream is a Sunseeker 95 Yacht – such a beautiful boat."
And your dream journey?
"I’ve travelled just about everywhere in my business career, so when it comes to leisure time, I don’t want to journey too far, or it feels like a busman’s holiday! I really enjoy the simple pleasures of sailing over to France. Honfleur has a lovely harbour, and the area is beautiful, with many wonderful bistros where you can sit and enjoy stunning food and wine, surrounded by history. Heaven!"
What are you most looking forward to as Concierge Yacht Consignment grows?
"Expanding the team, increasing the quantify and variety of projects we work on, and continuing to innovate so we can offer everything people need. We don’t want to get stuck in our ways, as we feel some rivals have. We offer a truly flexible, bespoke option and I look forward to that constantly evolving to keep us ahead of the curve."