THE OWNER of a family-run boat touring business has spoken of his delight to win an award for his hard work.

John Simcock, owner of Sussex Boat Trips, received the award for his new business on Monday, April 25 at The Grand in King's Road, Brighton.

It was the gold award for the new tourism business category at the South East England Tourism Awards.

The business, which is based in Newhaven, opened in June 2021 and offers sightseeing along the Sussex coast including the Seven Sisters cliffs, Rampion wind farm and Beachy Head lighthouse.

The Argus: The business does tours to Rampion windfarmThe business does tours to Rampion windfarm

John, who is also a volunteer on board Newhaven Lifeboat, said that winning the award made all of the hard work over the past 18 months “totally worthwhile”.

The father-of-two said: “I’ve met so many amazing people along the way and the encouragement shown by everyone who’s been out on the boat with me is incredible. 

“To be recognised as the best new tourism business in the Southeast and to now be able to represent the region in the national final in June surpasses all I could’ve wished for when starting out on this new journey.

The Argus: It also tours to the Seven SistersIt also tours to the Seven Sisters

“To have so many distinguished figures within the tourism industry recognise our business for the success that it is, is simply mind blowing.”

In 10 months since starting his business, John, from Seaford, has welcomed almost 2,000 people onto his boat called Illuminate.

The business has received all five-star reviews on its TripAdvisor page and is the top-rated activity business in Newhaven.

He added: “The ability of provide an exhilarating experience in the fresh air for all of the family after all that’s happened lately has been a privilege for me and my team.”

The Argus: From left, Fran Downton, chief executive of Tourism South East, Neil Young and John Simcock, both from Sussex Boat Trips and Dr Philip Alford from University of SouthamptonFrom left, Fran Downton, chief executive of Tourism South East, Neil Young and John Simcock, both from Sussex Boat Trips and Dr Philip Alford from University of Southampton

Sussex Boat Trips will be offering new experiences this summer, including a three hour trip in August to witness the Eastbourne Airshow from the sea.

John added that he would like to make their activities more accessible to schools and colleges to “highlight the numerous environmental processes impacting on our coastline today”.

Sussex Boat Trips will now represent the Southeast in the national final of the business awards in June.

For more information on Sussex Boat Trips, visit its website.