UK Transport Awards 2020

10 SME NEWS / SME Transport Awards 2020 , Hobbs of Henley Ltd Best Luxury River Boat Hire Service - Oxfordshire Feb20129 Contact Information: Company Name: Hobbs of Henley Ltd Contact Name: Suzy Hobbs Telephone Number: 01491572035 Address: Hobbs of Henley, The Boat House, Station Road, Henley-on-Thames, RG9 1AZ Web Address: www.hobbsofhenley.com With over 150 years of experience, Hobbs of Henley are the operator of the largest fleet of boats seen anywhere on the Thames. The family’s expert knowledge of the river, boating and event management industries has seen the firm become the No.1 choice for luxury boat hire services in Oxfordshire. Exploring Britain’s most historic river while letting the world drift by is what the firm have become renowned for. To start, Suzy gives us a brief overview of the firm and the type of clients with whom they typically work with. “As experts in passenger transport, we transport members of the public in scheduled river trips and corporate clients on exclusive charters. Operating from our boatyard at Station Road, our one-hour river trip is designed to make passengers feel relaxed while taking in the sights of the River Thames. If you are looking for a unique venue to celebrate a birthday or host a private event, we are often the place people come to with our excellent catering service and local produce from our bars on board making the occasion a day to remember.” Since inception the UK transport market has changed considerably for Hobbs of Henley with steam power giving way to diesel and petrol combustion engines. Going forward as Suzy explains further, the firm will be looking to reduce their emissions by exploring other means. “One way we might be able to reduce our emissions is through electric propulsion, as electric propulsion engines are safer and more efficient than chemical ones, so they require much less propellant to produce the overall same effect.” Despite passenger transport on the Thames being a popular leisure activity, there are several factors for firms to consider if their business is to be a profitable one as Suzy continues to explain. “Many family run boating businesses provide boats for transportation, however the desire to work on the river isn’t always there from some. Other possible threats are of course the condition of the river and its infrastructure which as you can appreciate can’t be controlled.” To stay ahead of emerging industry developments, the regulators of the business attend events scheduled by the British Marine Thames Valley and the Passenger Boat Association and Suzy feels these are key to maintaining their strong client’s relationships. “Without attending these events our members wouldn’t be aware of any regulatory changes or periods of consultation.” As a business dating back to 1870, the firm are well renowned for their boat passenger transport and in order to maintain their reputation, staff members need to buy into the company’s ethos as Suzy explains further. “We have a very high standard of service that goes back to our Victorian Established in 1870, Hobbs of Henley is a family-run boat hire company, transporting members of the public across the River Thames. Following on from their success in the UK Transport Awards 2020, we got in touchwith Suzy Hobbs to find out more. forefathers and as we strive to deliver the best boating services, we need everyone to be on the same page. Additionally, to develop the existing talent we currently have, we provide training both onsite and offsite, with a strategic review naturally taking place every five years.” Finally, Suzy comments on the future of the business and the steps they will need to take to ensure the firm is still prospering in 5-10 years’ time. “Many of our staff members have been with us since they left school, so naturally if these people need to be replaced at any point, we will be looking to recruit the best in maritime recruitment. “As experts in boat transport, we are always looking at the ways in which we can improve our passengers’ experience with us. With us in mind, one particular idea we came across was to provide interactive cruises where passengers can learn about and make their own gin on board.”