Saga over Topsham to Turf Ferry as dispute between bosses persists

A popular ferry service that transports customers to an iconic Exeter pub has come to a halt amid a dispute between its two bosses.

The Topsham to Turf Ferry business, whose Regnum boat takes passengers to and fro from Topsham and the Turf Hotel, has become embroiled in a wrangle between its two directors, which has prevented it from renewing its licence.
Paul Craven and Justyna Zawadzka are equal shareholders in the company, but after their personal relationship ended, the ferry service has become a casualty.
Mr Craven, who also owns the River Exe Cafe and runs the Turf Hotel, which is only accessible by foot, bike or boat, has decided to issue a statement about the saga, saying that the “deadlock” is not only affecting his staff at both his restaurants, but also “the communities and visitors who want to continue to enjoy the Exe Estuary and its amenities”.
He states he had bought the ferry business in 2021 when he operated it as a sole trader, but its existing ferry needed extensive repair, and so he bought the current boat, Regnum separately.
Topsham to Turf Ferry was incorporated as a company in 2022, at which point Mr Craven claims he invited Ms Zawadzka to become a co-director and 50 per cent shareholder.
“Unfortunately, two years later the relationship with my co-director ended and so began the process of unravelling our personal and business lives,” he said.
“In an attempt for us both to achieve a clean break, and to be able to move on, I have offered to buy her shares. Alternatively, she has the option of buying my shares and clearing the outstanding company debt. 
“Because we have been unable to reach an agreement, the company remains in joint ownership, and my co-director continues to operate the company against my wishes and using the ferry I purchased.”
On Facebook, Ms Zawadzka has contested this, claiming the ferry was purchased jointly, and that it operated as a partnership before the company was incorporated.
She claims she put money into the business, that the licence had always been issued in her name, and that the company did not have outstanding debts, an issue she states was dealt with by commercial proceedings in Bristol.
“On the deadlock: my co-director stopped replying or communicating with me about the ferry months ago,” a Facebook post from the Topsham to Turf Ferry account added.
“Instructions were given to the harbourmaster without any discussion with me at all — I had no notice of them and no opportunity to respond.
“An agreement can’t be reached in silence, and I remain willing to have that conversation whenever he is.”
The dispute only impacts this ferry service, and does not impact the Puffin water taxi that takes guests from Exmouth to the River Exe Cafe, nor a ferry service that Mr Craven runs from the Turf Hotel to Exmouth. An Exeter City Council service from Topsham’s Ferry Road to Topsham Lock is also unaffected.
Mr Craven said while the dispute persisted, the harbourmaster, employed by Exeter City Council, is “following due process” and therefore is “unable to issue a new licence for the ferry”.
“The licence must be issued to the company and not to my co-director personally as she does not own the boat,” he added.
Mr Craven, who established The River Exe Cafe in 2012 and took on the management of The Turf Hotel last year, said while he had wanted to keep the dispute a “private matter”, it had been brought into the public arena.
“This has had a direct impact, not only on me, but my family, my team, and many people across the River Exe community,” he said.
“I ask only that you take time to understand the full picture before forming a judgement or voicing an opinion based on factual inaccuracy and social media speculation.”
He added that he would not be making any further comments.
Ms Zawadzka also said there was a “great deal more” she could say but had “chosen not to”.
“It isn’t the point, it wouldn’t get the ferry running, and it isn’t a conversation that belongs on Facebook,” she said.
“Speculation helps nobody, and there are staff, suppliers and families affected on all sides. Please don’t send abuse to anyone over it.
“I’m sorry for everyone who’s lost the crossing this summer. I want the ferry running again, and I’m still trying to get to a position where that’s possible.”
An Exeter City Council spokesperson said the dispute did not impact its ferry service, which operates the short distance between the landing in Ferry Road in Topsham, and the Topsham Lock.
“The Topsham to Turf Ferry is not a city council-run service,” the spokesperson said.
“While the council is committed to operating an open and transparent licensing process, it would not be appropriate to comment on individual cases where there may be confidential matters or private disputes involving the parties concerned.
“Any applications submitted to the council are assessed in accordance with the relevant legal and regulatory requirements before a decision is made.”