
Freight vessel contract agreed for Jersey and Portsmouth
He added: "This gives us security while the future fleet strategy is agreed with our stakeholders."Arrow was purchased by IOMSPC in September 2022 as a back-up freight vessel to the Ben-my-Chree, the company's main vessel at the time, for about £8 million. But in 2023, the company purchased a £78m vessel known as Manxman, IOMSPC's first new passenger and freight ferry since 1998.It signalled the end for the Ben-my-Chree as the island's main ferry which had now been retained for back-up passenger and freight services.

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BBC News
a day ago
- BBC News
Fast DFDS Poole-Jersey ferry paused during winter timetable
Ferry operator DFDS will temporary pause a high-speed service for Jersey during the company has released its winter sailings schedule, with 118 departures between Jersey and Portsmouth and 88 for the St Malo service up from 1 November to 10 the firm - which took over the island's main ferry services in March - said lower passenger numbers over winter had led to a decision to halt its fast Poole sailings between November and 30 route director Chris Parker said the company understood the decision would disappoint customers, but the winter schedule had been "designed to meet demand while delivering a dependable service". He added the timetable would offer capacity for up to 77,000 passengers between Jersey and the UK and 134,000 passengers for French sailings between November and March, which was "well above the historical demand" for Parker said: "We understand that this decision will impact islanders and disappoint some travellers, and we are sorry about the inconvenience this will cause."We are focusing on delivering a long-term sustainable service for Jersey, including investment in future tonnage for the island." DFDS said its Levante Jet boat, which normally covers the Poole route, would be used to cover St Malo crossings, while the Tarifa Jet goes into a dry dock in added the Levante Jet would then go to a dry dock until the summer when the Tarifa Jet returned, with the latter helping provide sailings to Poole during company said schedules from 11 January onwards were being finalised.A total of 110 freight service crossings have been scheduled up until 10 January as part of the winter timetable, DFDS added.


Business News Wales
2 days ago
- Business News Wales
Entrepreneur Launches Festival-Focused Airsoft Venture with Business Wales Support
With over a decade of airsoft experience and a passion for the UK festival scene, Ben Strange spotted a unique Targeted start up support from Business Wales has enabled a North Wales entrepreneur to launch Within Range Airsoft, a mobile airsoft shooting experience designed for the UK's festival and events circuit. With over a decade of airsoft experience and a passion for the UK festival scene, Ben Strange spotted a unique opportunity. He founded Within Range Airsoft to fill a gap in the market for next-generation mobile airsoft installations suitable for festivals, corporate events, and private functions. Ben approached Business Wales in September 2024 with a concept to bring interactive, skill-based airsoft target ranges to outdoor events. 'I kept seeing the same kind of experiences offered at each event I attended,' explained Ben 'I thought, if people like axe throwing and shooting old fashion pellet guns at ducks, they'll be blown away by airsoft.' Event's specialist, Hadi Brooks, a Business Adviser with Business Wales, became key to developing a targeted strategy to move from concept to market readiness, developing financial and marketing strategies, securing a Start Up Loan, and adopting a sustainability-focused growth model. With Hadi's guidance, Ben secured a loan of £20,000 via the Start Up Loans Company, part of the British Business Bank, as well as investing £10,000 into the business himself, which enabled him to purchase a van, military-grade netting, gazebos, and safety equipment, including goggles. The result was Within Range Airsoft, a self-contained 3m x 9m enclosed airsoft range equipped with 'AttackSense' electronic targets. Under Ben's guidance, players engage in competitive shooting games that test accuracy, reflexes, and speed, in a controlled, mess-free environment suitable for all ages from seven upwards. 'Turning my passion into a business was a big leap,' said Ben 'everyone dreams of turning their hobby into a career. The reality is that it the process is daunting, and that hobby quickly becomes a lot of work. Hadi's expert support made the whole process feel achievable. Her help allowed me to structure my ideas into a workable plan to get the idea off the ground. I love airsoft more than ever, and now my day job finds me attending festivals to share the fun with others.' Customer demand will see Within Range Airsoft appearing at festivals across the country this summer. With the UK hosting over 190 festivals each year, Ben has his sights set on expansion. This could include establishing a permanent facility in North Wales and creating employment opportunities while continuing to serve the events market. An outdoor enthusiast, Ben is committed to committed to Business Wales' Green Growth Pledge, to help ensure environmentally responsible practices, including the use of biodegradable BBs and a bespoke catchment system to prevent environmental disruption. 'Ben came with a strong idea, a clear vision, and a real passion for building a business that offered something fresh and interesting to event organisers and visitors.' said Hadi Brooks, 'He really committed to learning, took full advantage of the resources available, and worked hard to build a business with both commercial and environmental integrity. When you see Within Range Airsoft at the next festival you attend, give it a try. You'll likely find that Ben is probably having just as much fun as you.' Business Wales is funded by Welsh Government. For more information and support to help your business discover opportunities, and to speak to a specialist advisor, contact Business Wales. Visit or call 03000 6 03000. Rydym yn croesawu galwadau'n Gymraeg – we welcome calls in Welsh.


Sky News
3 days ago
- Sky News
Miniature classic car-maker Hedley Studios revs up rescue deal
A company which makes miniaturised electric versions of classic cars has secured a rescue deal led by an American merchant banking group. Sky News understands that the future of Hedley Studios - formerly known as The Little Car Company - has been salvaged through a pre-pack administration deal. FRP Advisory is understood to have acted as administrator before selling the business to an entity controlled by Island Capital Group. Hedley Studios was founded in 2018, when luxury car-maker Bugatti approached Ben Hedley to see if he could recreate a 1920s Type 35 racing car at half-scale to mark its 110th anniversary. In a statement issued in response to an enquiry from Sky News, the company said it had built and delivered more than 500 vehicles to clients in more than 60 countries in the last 17 months. Hedley Studios manufactures its cars at three-quarters the size of the original model, with the resulting vehicles typically costing £75,000 or more. "We're thrilled to welcome Island Capital Group as a strategic partner in the next phase of Hedley Studios' growth," Mr Hedley said. "Its investment and belief in our vision mark a pivotal moment for the company as we accelerate our expansion and reach new global audiences. Hedley Studios makes its cars in partnership with a range of luxury manufacturers, including Aston Martin, Bentley and Ferrari. Andrew Farkas, founder, chairman and CEO of Island Capital, which initially backed Hedley Studios in 2023, said: "This latest investment is testament to the entrepreneurial spirit of Ben and his team in building a successful British luxury brand in a short period of time. "Automotive enthusiasts globally are increasingly keen to honour these historic icons, bringing them to new audiences in a new, fully electric way.