Insights from Island Carriers: Emma Squire

Emma Squire has taken an interesting route to her role as Island Carriers Manager. Before joining the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group, she worked as a personal trainer and landlady, bringing with her a strong work ethic and teamwork.

She joined Isles of Scilly Freight in November 2018 in a mixed driver and admin role, where she got to grips with how day‑to‑day operations worked. Over time, she stepped up into managing Island Carriers, drawing on everything she’d learned along the way.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

The variety is definitely the best part. No two days are the same, and I really value being part of a team that plays such a vital role in keeping everything moving across the islands. There’s a real sense of purpose in what we do, and it’s rewarding to know that our work supports so many aspects of island life, from residents and businesses to essential services.

What is the most challenging aspect of your role?

The most challenging part of the role is also what makes it rewarding – managing changing priorities and ensuring everything runs smoothly across multiple transport links. Things can shift very quickly – weather, schedules, customer needs, or unexpected delays. It’s my job to keep everything aligned.

Could you share a memorable moment from your time here?

One particularly proud and memorable moment was watching my team unload the landing craft at sunrise, delivering cabins for the SWW water project. Seeing the skill, teamwork, and dedication involved really highlighted the impact of what we do.

What does a typical day look like for you?

There really isn’t a typical day. Each day brings different challenges, coordination, and problem-solving, which keeps the role interesting and engaging.

What’s something people might be surprised to learn about your job?

People might be surprised by just how connected Island Carriers is to every part of the company. We’re involved in much more than just the deliveries on St Mary’s – we link into the airport, the boats, the travel hub, and lots of behind‑the‑scenes work that keeps the wider operation running. It’s a role that demands communication across multiple teams, and it’s rewarding to know that what we do helps everything fit together.

Island Carriers is currently seeking van drivers to join their team, with full time, permanent and seasonal roles available. To find out more about this role, visit our careers page.