Gunwharf Executive Travel was established in 2013 by Mark C, whose remarkable career forms the very backbone of our service. From humble beginnings as a Royal Navy Junior Seaman, Mark rose to the rank of Commissioned Officer, specialising in Naval Intelligence and Security. His credentials include Developed Vetting (DV) for Top Secret operations, defining a level of trust experienced by very few.
Mark's postings spanned critical appointments in the United Kingdom, Washington DC, New Zealand, and the Middle East and North Africa. His four-year tenure in Washington saw him collaborating closely with US intelligence agencies during the harrowing events of 9/11, an experience that imprinted resilience, leadership and a profound sense of responsibility.
As Head of Intelligence for the Royal New Zealand Navy, Mark spearheaded security operations before applying his expertise globally, delivering government-level intelligence and security training. His responsibilities ranged from high-risk government assignments to managing international travel logistics for high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs). Overseeing secure transfers by private jet, residence and hotel security, and confidential ground transport, Mark honed the precision and discretion that are the hallmarks of Gunwharf Executive Travel.
These decades of elite, secure operations underpin every aspect of our luxury travel in Southampton today.
Precision, Discretion and Calm Execution
Mark returned to the UK with the express vision of establishing a chauffeur company that mirrors the discipline and standards of his career. At Gunwharf Executive Travel, we deliver not simply a ride, but a professional chauffeur experience where:
We proudly serve Southampton's executive, corporate and leisure travellers with genuine attention and care.
Gunwharf Executive Travel's reputation has flourished on the cornerstones of reliability, discretion and repeat recommendations.
Over the past decade we have become:
Number 1 for Transportation in Southampton on TripAdvisor
The preferred choice for luxury cruise guests and private aviation clientele
Known for secure, confidential transfers for high-profile, high-net-worth individuals
A partner to leading cruise lines, corporate groups, and private clients
Our growth is fueled by loyal customers who recognise our commitment to discreet service and uncompromising standards.
Any job cancelled within 24 hours of the time of hire will forfeit 100% of the cost.
Any job cancelled within 48 hours of the time of hire will forfeit 50% of the cost.
There will be a £25 administration charge for cancellations made more than 48 hours prior to the time of hire.
Yes. We monitor all inbound flights in real time to ensure your driver is ready when you land. If your flight arrives early or is delayed, we adjust the pickup time accordingly so your journey continues smoothly without any unnecessary stress.
Your driver will normally meet you in the arrivals hall after you have cleared customs and collected your luggage. Clear meeting instructions will be provided before your journey, and your driver will be available by phone if required.
We recommend booking as early as possible to secure your preferred vehicle and time. However, we will always do our best to accommodate short-notice bookings, subject to availability.
We operate a small, carefully selected fleet consisting of three premium vehicles: a Luxury Range Rover Autobiography and two Executive Class Mercedes-Benz E-Class vehicles (Saloon and Estate).
These vehicles are chosen to provide the highest standards of comfort, safety, and reliability for airport transfers, cruise transfers, and executive travel.
Through our trusted professional chauffeur network, we can also arrange additional luxury or executive vehicles if required for larger groups or specific requests.
Luggage capacity depends on the vehicle selected. Our Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate offers generous space for larger suitcases, making it ideal for airport and cruise transfers, while our Range Rover Autobiography provides a luxurious and comfortable option for smaller groups travelling with standard luggage.
If you are travelling with extra luggage, large suitcases, golf clubs, or special items, please let us know when booking so we can recommend the most suitable vehicle for your journey.
Absolutely. Punctuality is one of the core principles of Gunwharf Executive Travel. Every journey is carefully planned in advance, taking into account traffic conditions, flight times, and pickup locations to ensure your driver arrives promptly and your journey runs smoothly.
For added peace of mind, ,you also have the ability to track your driver in real time, which many clients find particularly reassuring for early morning airport pickups.
Our clients rely on us for important journeys such as airport departures, cruise transfers, and business travel, where timing is critical.
Gunwharf Executive Travel focuses on delivering a more refined and professional experience than typical private hire services. With a carefully selected fleet, experienced ex-military drivers, and a strong reputation built since 2013, our clients value the reliability, discretion, and attention to detail that we bring to every journey.
Yes. We regularly provide transport for corporate clients, international visitors, and cruise passengers travelling through Southampton and the South Coast. Our service is designed to be professional, discreet, and easy to arrange, ensuring a smooth travel experience from start to finish.
Gunwharf Executive Travel stands for the very highest quality chauffeur hire in Southampton. We ensure seamless, confidential journeys throughout the South of England, whether for port transfers, private aviation or luxury day tours. Our team is committed to providing security, comfort and peace of mind throughout your experience.
If you value luxury travel in Southampton supported by discreet, professional and secure service, we invite you to book Gunwharf Executive Travel. Contact us on 0800 654 6787 , email bookings@gunwharf-executive-travel.co.uk, or book online today to secure your luxury chauffeur.