Q1. Tom, this is your first job in the Irish Maritime industry, can you tell us a little about your background and previous work experience?

I’m a Cork native commuting between the Capital and the real capital! I did a B.Comm in UCC and started my career in Diageo as a Finance trainee, I honed my skills in Project Management, Corporate Finance Analysis and Financial Planning with United Distillers in Scotland, Connecticut, New York and London.

I worked my way up in the Hotel and hospitality industry working to Vice President of Finance and Finance Director of the Forte Meridian Hotels Asia Pacific and Forte Meridian Hotels Europe, based in Hong Kong and Paris respectively.  I have always been very fortunate that I’ve enjoyed working with different nationalities and work cultures and seen the benefits of that. 

I relocated to Ireland in 2000 and worked as the Finance Director of Vodafone Ireland Retail, I re-branded and reorganised five independent mobile retail chains into one chain trading under the Vodafone brand. I was then headhunted by Choice Hotels Ireland as Group Commercial Director, this was a varied and demanding role, the business grew over 50% p.a. and we in effect became the largest hotel operator in Ireland with 4,000 bedrooms and 20 hotels. I then moved onto the position of Head of Property and Development where I worked closely with the company founder to built and convert opportunities for the 4 star Clarion brand in the UK & Internationally.

Q2. Could you let me know what inspired you to make such a move?

As a Corkman living in Ireland and holidaying in the South West with experience in business and hospitality, I saw the major impact that the loss of the Cork Swansea link had on the region from the hotels to the B&B’s to the local retail trade. There was a pent-up demand for the resurgence of a ferry service. I was really impressed with the community effort and drive that was paramount to getting the line back into operation. The absolute determination and commitment from business in the Cork & Kerry region to find a vessel, buy that vessel and to get the Cork – Swansea line up and running again was inspiring and something that I really wanted to be part of.

Q3. The Cork Swansea resurrection is truly an amazing example of people power but what are the specific goals that you wish to achieve?

Our core objective in Fastnet is to operate a profitable ferry service. We have a clear set of goals over the next 2 years that we will deliver on. We are aiming to raise the balance of required funds of €2.5 Million, We want to build a top class team who will make the Cork Swansea ferry service a reality. We aim to create a flagship service that will showcase what’s best about the South West of Ireland, we will market the service and grow tourism and employment. We aim to facilitate trade between the southwest of Ireland and Wales /UK and we will ensure the long term viability of the business.

Q4. Given the current pattern of consolidation on the Short Sea routes, do you see the opportunity for traffic growth for Fastnet largely dependent on Passenger Traffic or can you compete on Freight?

Passenger Traffic is vital for the success of the Fastnet line and for our supporters in the south West of Ireland, we plan to work with the co-operative and stakeholders to exploit their business contacts that they have in order to built up awareness of  the ferry service. Our inbound client base is reliably strong and sufficient so that we can start working on building our client base for the outbound service.

We believe we can also offer a great service to the freight industry and will have a product that offers a real alternative route to and from the UK. The M.V. Julia is far more suitable a vessel for freight then her predecessor. There is a freight capacity of 30 trucks and we are aiming to build up a core freight customer base by targeting companies to enter into a long term trade relationship with the Fastnet line.

The overnight crossing offers real monitory benefits to a company saving 600 km on a journey to the UK and we are ensuring that our competitive pricing and the cost & time benefits for freight clients will be an attractive proposal.

Q5. Since the MV Julia was bought on a cooperative basis, how will you manage the relationship between the stakeholders having their say and the operational decision making process of running a profitable Shipping line?

The ultimate owner of the M.V. Julia is the co-operative but the stakeholders are all aware that the core objective is to deliver a profitable ferry service and every member of the co-operative is committed to that. They see the benefit of the growth of a reliable ferry service which is aligned to their desire to see the inbound business & tourism revenue the Fastnet line will deliver so it really is a ‘win-win’ opportunity for them.

My priority now is to build up the Fastnet team, we have a committee elected by the Shareholders to hire directors to the board of the Fastnet Line. I have a core senior management team already in situ and they have certain objectives, one of which is the long term profitability and continuity of the Cork – Swansea service. With that our other objectives will include achieving growth in inbound tourism into the South West of Ireland, improving the Wales/UK connectivity with Ireland, job creation in the communities we serve and providing a cost effective, regular and reliable freight service to out client base.

Q6. Given your experience in other industries, Are there some fundamental principles that you adhere to in order to run a successful business?

• Having 100% clarity on what you want to achieve
• Build a strong team and making it happen
• Stay focused - have a strategy, don’t stray from the strategy and keep an eye on the strategy.
• Stick to you principles & integrity
• Deliver what you’re committed to
• Treat your staff, customers and shareholders as your long term partners.

Q7. How reliant will Fastnet be on other local bodies for the promotion of the service?

As a community based start-up travel business launching in 2009 we are going to need as much help as we can get! So far we have had tremendous support from local bodies on both sides of the Irish Sea and this is now increasingly turning from moral support into monetary and partnership support.

And one more thing …. The quick fire round:

Educational Background: Presentation Brothers College, Cork & UCC

Hurley, Gaelic, Sailing, Rugby, Horses or Handball: Munster for Rugby and Cork for Hurling, Topaz for sailing and the M.V. Julia for work

Last Book you read?: The Great Crash of 1929 (JK Galbraith) – frightening close to the traits and patterns of today economically & Dora the Explorer –  my children’s choice!

Last Movie you saw:  Peppa Pig - my children’s choice again I’m afraid!

Best bit of business advice you’ve received: 1st Day in Diageo Park Royal Brewery – You own your own career.