Memorandum submitted by Gillian Smith
(BW 72)
1. I work as an IT Manager for an Engineering
Services and Project Management company in Coventry. I was introduced
to the canals some six years ago and have progressed from an annual
weeks holiday, via an investment in a trip boat, to owning a pair
of commercial narrowboats with the intention of running a cruising
restaurant in the Midlands. The latter previously belonged to
a liquidated company that was successful in what it delivered
but struggled with the infrastructure and subsequently failed.
I understand from the records the original company suffered long
delays and loss of business because of problems, particularly
planning, dealt with by British Waterways and this was the subject
of a successful formal complaint.
2. The purchase of my boats from the liquidator,
although drawn out was short compared to the negotiation process
with British Waterways, which is still ongoing. The business has
excellent potential and good public support. It could provide
a substantial trading licence income for BW but they are hampered
by their rules and lack of commercial vision. These rules, or
conditions, appear to be ignored however if it suits an undisclosed
purpose. For example, despite being in full negotiation with BW
and having submitted applications seven weeks earlier, I was served
with a 28-day notice for a licence issue and threat of losing
my allocated mooring. Yet for several months, there have been
boats displaying out of date or no licences moored in the same
area.
3. From my point of view it is apparent
that different areas of BW do not communicate well and lines of
responsibility are unclear. For example the commercial management
should be responsible for commercial moorings and separate from
other types of moorings, eg residential. That would ensure that
any business visions for an area are followed. It would also ensure
that where necessary tender processes are followed to give BW
the best return on any investment. In my case, whilst negotiating
with one BW manager another department allocated a critical commercial
mooring without reference and this then came as a surprise to
the person who was dealing with my applications, which has now
stalled.
4. To encourage more businesses onto the
canals there needs to be a better understanding of commercial
requirements and the ability to compromise. Whilst not wanting
special favours, the requirements for businesses are very different
to that of a holiday boater with all the regulations that need
to be followed. BW need an understanding of all these in order
to provide options that work. For example Heath and Safety, Environmental
Health.
5. There also appears to be resistance to
change. It is great to have traditions and the old working boats
but a modern audience can demand a different approach. The general
public have a view that boats are cold and damp and really only
for the summer. What I intend to offer is different and will dispel
some of that thus bringing people onto the waterways. I just hope
my business eventually gets a chance, before my working capital
runs out.
Gillian Smith
March 2007
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