Boating head to be replaced

THE Canal & River Trust (CaRT) is replacing the manager responsible for the floating bookshop scandal (CaRT to close floating bookshop), writes Allan Richards.

The Trust is advertising for a new Head of Business Boating to replace current boss, Phil Spencer.

Tender

It was Phil Spencer, on the 14th November, who announced the results of the tender for two new permanent trade moorings in Paddington Basin. In a press release he stated ‘We received many more applications than we were anticipating and took extra time to make sure we could find the best option for this location and for visitors to the canal at Paddington. We are pleased to announce that we have selected British Land, who put forward a creative and competitive bid for two moorings: an independent coffee boat and floating ‘welcome centre' to give more information about the canals to people visiting the area'.

Outrage

However, Phil Spencer's actions in favouring multi national British Land's tender for creating the areas 13th coffee shop over that of ‘Word on Water' the unique floating bookshop already using the mooring, caused public outrage. Almost 5,000 signed a petition to save the floating bookshop and the story ran in several newspapers.

.... very damaging publicity for the Trust that needs to find a better balance between its need to make money and its charitable objectives.

Suzie Mercer

Phil Spencer is not the only one to leave following the floating bookshop scandal. His direct report, senior business boating manager, Suzie Mercer, whose responsibilities include the London area has already left.

[The new Head of Business Boating will be on a salary of £60-70k and have responsibility for about 20 staff.]