Long-serving staff at ferry firm are recognised

Wightlink Business Development Director Clive Tilley, Trade Sales Coordinator Maria Johnson (30 years), Resource Planning Officer Jo Wells (20 years), Customer Relations Officer Wendy Hamm (20 years), Operations Director Elwyn Dop

During March, 13 people clocked up 20 or even 30 years’ service with the company.

They work in a variety of roles on ships, catamarans and at Wightlink’s six ports in Portsmouth and Lymington on the mainland and at Ryde, Fishbourne and Yarmouth on the Isle of Wight.

All received a long-service award and vouchers from the company, together with congratulations from their colleagues.

Trade sales co-ordinator Maria Johnson, from Southsea, joined Wightlink in 1987.

She said: ‘I’ve worked in sales and marketing for most of my career.

‘We started with electric typewriters, then three of us shared a computer when they were first introduced into offices. I often joke I’ve been here longer than the furniture.’

Operations director Elwyn Dop thanked staff members for their loyal service.

He said: ‘Wightlink staff are very important ambassadors for the company.

‘Almost two thirds of our colleagues have been with us for more than 10 years and we are delighted so many people choose to build a career with us.’