Isle of Wight ferry firm Red Funnel has sent a message to staff at Steve Porter Transport, as the Island business and the group that owns it is placed into administration.

Earlier today, another Isle of Wight business told the County Press they could no longer use Steve Porter Transport to supply their goods after next week.

There had been rumours about the future of the distribution and haulage firm, which is owned by the KNP Logistics Group.

Red Funnel told the Isle of Wight County Press: "Our thoughts are with everyone at Steve Porter Transport and the wider KNP Logistics Group after hearing that the business has been placed into administration.

"We understand this will cause some nervousness among businesses on the Island.

"Red Funnel is working with other freight distribution partners and Island logistics businesses to ensure the continuity of supply to the Island.

"Red Funnel provides a lifeline service to the Isle of Wight, and we're committed to assisting Steve Porter Transport's customers during this difficult time."

Cowes-based Steve Porter Transport Group merged with Knights of Old Group, now KNP Logistics,  in September 2019.

At the time, the company, employed around 45 people and said it would continue to be based in Cowes, in addition to secondary sites in Portsmouth and Southampton.

Managing director Malcolm Gibson said the merger would secure "the long-term future of the company, fitting in nicely with the Porter family’s ongoing plans" adding it allowed for future investment, raising the profile of Steve Porter both on the Island and on the south coast.

The Steve Porter Transport Group was founded on the Island in 1981 and has been a major player in distribution and transport on the Isle of Wight, including working closely with Red Funnel.

In 2011, it acquired the East Cowes and Cowes-based ferry firm's distribution division.

In March 2022, new vehicles were added to the Steve Porter Fleet, which was operating 33 vehicles.

At that time it welcomed a Mercedes-Benz Actros 1824 rigid and two DAF (2022) CF370 26 tonne lorries.

The County Press has contacted Steve Porter Transport for comment.