The Orkney-based ferry operator collected the national award at a ceremony at Westminster Park Plaza in London in recognition of continued growth, investment and commitment to the communities it serves.
The award recognises excellence across service delivery, reliability, and customer experience: areas which have remained central to Pentland Ferries as the business has continued to develop in a challenging economic environment.
Collecting the award, alongside directors and Banks’ family members, managing director, Helen Inkster, said, “We are absolutely delighted to be named Ferry Operator of the Year.
“Pentland Ferries has continued to invest in its people, its operation and the service we provide, while maintaining our focus on delivering a safe, reliable and good experience for our passengers. To see that commitment recognised at a national level is hugely rewarding.”
Despite the wider pressures facing the transport sector, Pentland Ferries has significantly grown its workforce, strengthened its financial position and increased passenger and vehicle numbers, while continuing to focus on providing an affordable and dependable service.
That combination of commercial resilience and investment in the service was a key feature of the company’s award entry. As was its strong commitment to the Orkney community and environmental stewardship.
For Pentland Ferries, the national recognition is also a reflection of the contribution made by its wider team, from those operating and maintaining the vessels to the people working behind the scenes and with our customers to keep the service running smoothly.
Helen added, “We have a very committed team and a family ownership that takes a long-term view. That gives us a strong foundation from which to keep investing in the business and, importantly, in the service that people in Orkney rely on.”