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From a race against time to a thriving independent business, Coastal Cruises Poole celebrates its second anniversary on 22 October, marking two years of harbour adventures, unforgettable memories and a team effort to protect a much-loved part of Poole’s tourism industry.When Carol Scott learned in 2024 that the Poole operation was facing closure, she knew she had to explore every possible option to save it. Having spent years working alongside the team, she understood what was at stake: jobs, livelihoods and a familiar sight on Poole Quay.What followed was a six-week race to secure the business and prepare for an independent future. From setting up a new company and website to establishing booking systems, supplier accounts, uniforms and signage, there was a seemingly endless list of tasks to complete.Despite the uncertainty, long days and considerable pressure, the management buyout presented an opportunity to protect the team and keep the boats sailing.And so, Coastal Cruises Poole was born.Two years of adventures on the waterSince becoming an independent business, Coastal Cruises Poole has continued to welcome passengers aboard its three vessels, Solent Scene, Island Scene and Fortuna, offering a range of sightseeing cruises and experiences around Poole Harbour and the spectacular Jurassic Coast.From families discovering the harbour and visitors exploring the iconic Old Harry Rocks to friends celebrating special occasions and passengers enjoying food and drink with a stunning coastal backdrop, the boats have continued to create memories for thousands of people.Behind every successful sailing is a dedicated team of captains, crew, office staff and kiosk colleagues. Their work extends far beyond welcoming passengers aboard, encompassing boat maintenance, safety checks, weather monitoring, bookings and the countless details required to keep every trip running smoothly.Reflecting on the past two years, Carol said: “I always knew we had a good team, but these last two years have shown me just how much we can achieve together. There have been challenges along the way, but everyone has pulled together, and I’m incredibly proud of what we have built.”Hard work, teamwork and a few laughsWhile running a cruise business requires dedication and hard work, the Coastal Cruises Poole team has found plenty of opportunities for fun along the way.From friendly office-versus-crew photo competitions and playful teasing between the quay and the wheelhouse to the occasional debate over who should be responsible for sampling suppliers’ products, team spirit has remained an important part of the business.Recently, the team travelled to France aboard Barfleur as a thank-you for their hard work throughout the summer season. The trip included sunshine, food, dolphins and a beautiful sunset, giving everyone the chance to relax and enjoy some time together away from their usual responsibilities.Carol added: “After such a busy summer looking after our passengers, it was lovely to spend time together and enjoy being the passengers for a change. There are certainly a few photographs that will be staying firmly in the team chat!”Thank you for keeping us sailingAs Coastal Cruises Poole celebrates its second birthday, Carol is keen to recognise the passengers, local businesses, suppliers and tourism partners who have supported the company since its launch.Every booking, recommendation, online review and return visit has helped the independent business establish itself and look towards the future.“Two years ago, the future was incredibly uncertain, and there was a lot to learn in a very short space of time,” said Carol. “Looking back now, I’m proud of what we have achieved, but most of all, I’m proud of the people who helped make it happen.“We are also hugely grateful to everyone who has chosen to sail with us, whether for a family day out, a special celebration or simply to enjoy a beautiful afternoon on the water. Your support means a great deal to us.And as a special thank you to our passengers we are offering an amazing 50% discount off all of our sightseeing sailings on Saturday 24th & Sunday 25th October 2026. Visit www.coastalcruisespoole.co.uk quoting Birthday50 in our promo code.“We have plenty of ideas and adventures planned for the future. The team may look slightly nervous whenever I announce that I’ve had a brilliant idea, but I like to think they would be disappointed if I stopped!”As Coastal Cruises Poole enters its third year, the focus remains firmly on delivering memorable experiences, supporting local tourism and continuing to share the beauty of Poole Harbour and the surrounding coastline with visitors and residents alike.Happy second birthday, Coastal Cruises Poole — and here’s to many more years of adventures on the water.

7th October 2026: GES has further strengthened its creative capabilities with the appointment of Francesca Culy as Creative Lead. An anthropology graduate with experience spanning art and marketing, Culy brings a combination of creative thinking, cultural insight and commercial understanding to the newly appointed role.Working alongside GES’s wider creative and design teams, she will coordinate creative projects and contribute to the development of ideas and solutions. The appointment represents another step in GES’s continued focus on creativity as a core part of its client proposition. It follows the appointment of new Creative Director, Penny Banks, in 2025, reflecting the company’s commitment to investing in the people, skills and expertise needed to strengthen its creative output.Penny said: “Creativity has an increasingly important role to play in helping our clients stand out and create experiences that genuinely connect with their audiences. Francesca brings an interesting combination of skills and experience to the team.We have continued to look at how we build the right creative structure and talent, and we’re delighted to welcome her to the team.”Francesca’s previous roles have included a project and marketing coordinator position at an art consultancy in Sydney, Australia. Commenting on her appointment, she said: "I’m really excited to be joining GES and to bring together my experience across creativity, culture and project delivery in a global live events environment. I’m looking forward to exploring how creativity can shape experiences that are more thoughtful, sustainable, and connected to the communities around them, while bringing different perspectives to the work. I’m excited to collaborate with the wider team and see where we can take those ideas.”

Coastal Cruises Poole invites the community to join a very special farewell cruise as one of Poole Harbour’s most familiar ships prepares to make her final departure.On Monday 12th October 2026, Coastal Cruises Poole will take to the water to escort Barfleur on her final sailing from Poole, marking the end of an era for a vessel that has been a much-loved sight in the harbour for more than three decades.For generations of local residents and visitors, Barfleur has been part of the fabric of Poole’s maritime landscape, carrying thousands of passengers between Poole and Cherbourg and becoming an instantly recognisable sight as she arrived and departed from the port.Now, members of the public will have the opportunity to be out on the water to witness her final departure and give her a proper Poole send-off.Coastal Cruises Poole’s Solent Scene will depart from Poole Quay at 7.30am sharp, with passengers able to enjoy bacon baps, tea and coffee as they begin this unique morning on the water.The boat will sail close to the Ro-Ro berth to watch Barfleur’s final loading before taking up position for a special farewell sail-past. In accordance with the Harbour Master’s Notice, Solent Scene will then follow approximately 50 metres astern as Barfleur makes her way out of Poole Harbour.The cruise is expected to return between 9.00am and 9.30am.Carol Scott, Director of Coastal Cruises Poole, said:“Barfleur has been such an important part of Poole’s maritime story for over 30 years, and for many people she has been a familiar sight throughout their lives. We wanted to give people the opportunity to come together, get out on the water and give her the farewell she deserves.“It will undoubtedly be an emotional morning, but also a celebration of the memories, journeys and connections Barfleur has created over the years. We are honoured to be able to play a small part in this very special moment in Poole’s maritime history.”Passengers are encouraged to wrap up warm and bring their cameras for what promises to be a unique opportunity to witness a piece of Poole’s maritime history from the water.