Highland business stays afloat during recession

A long-established family firm whose winning combination of boats and location draws visitors back to the Highlands year after year is thriving despite the recession.

Inverness-based Caley Cruisers, which next year celebrates 40 years of hiring out vessels on Loch Ness and the Caledonian Canal, saw direct bookings rise this year to 578, a 15% increase over last year, while forward bookings for 2010 are currently 20% up on 2009.

The company's reputation for providing quality holiday experiences draws up to 40% repeat business from customers, most of which come from the UK and Germany.

Director Audrey Hogan said: "Visitors come here and fall in love with the beauty of the Highlands. Many have never been to the area before and they love taking in the stunning scenery while travelling on the water.

"Some of our customers hire the same model of motor cruiser year after year, and if we decide to upgrade and sell that particular model they have been known to get a bit annoyed - and sometimes even buy it themselves!  Other customers come back again and again, and bring their friends along."

She added: "To remain successful, it is important for us to maintain and constantly improve the quality of our product to cater for customers’ high expectations; which is why we will be giving 11 of our boats a complete interior refurbishment over the winter period ready for the 2010 season.

Caley Cruisers, which employs up to 20 people during its peak season in the summer, was founded by the Hogan family in April 1970. It is one of the longest-running family firms in the Highlands.

The company currently operates 30 motor cruisers – two new ones are being built this year to substitute for two of the older boats – which are available for weekly and short break boating holidays on Loch Ness and the Caledonian Canal.  Its premises incorporate a purpose-built marina, boat servicing facilities and a well-stocked chandlery.

Audrey said: "I don't think there are many businesses that are as self-sufficient as we are. We do our own boat building, maintenance and interior refurbishment.  As a result, we don't have to rely on anybody else, and by building up the skills of our workforce we can maintain our reputation for quality."

For more information on Caley Cruisers visit caleycruisers.co.uk.