Meet Steve, our Branch Manager in Fareham:
How long have you worked at U-Drive?
7 years and 3 months
Tell us about your career progression and training
I began in Spring of 2018 as a Customer Service Representative, completely new to the vehicle hire industry. My colleagues at the time were incredibly supportive, sharing their knowledge and helping me understand the day-to-day operations of a busy rental branch. As I progressed to Assistant Branch Manager, I continued to develop my operational knowledge and leadership skills with the support of my Branch Manager and the wider company. I was proud to be put forward for the Chartered Management Institute Level 3 in Principles of Management and Leadership, which I successfully completed at Distinction level.
Most recently, I’ve stepped into the role of Branch Manager. This has brought with it a new level of responsibility and a broader overview of the branch operation, including team leadership, management, customer experience, and commercial awareness. I’m continuing to grow into the role and build on everything I’ve learnt so far.
Please describe the different roles within your team
As Branch Manager at the Fareham depot, I work closely with our Assistant Branch Manager, Afonso, and a dedicated team of Drivers and Valeters behind the scenes. They handle everything from cleaning and preparing vehicles to delivering and collecting them, whether it’s for corporate clients, customer appointments, or inter-branch transfers.
Everyone plays an important part, and thanks to the team’s flexibility and teamwork, we’re able to handle whatever the day throws at us. We’re all working toward the same goal: giving great service and getting the right vehicle to the right customer.
Which part of your role do you enjoy the most?
I thrive on the fact that no two days are ever the same. I genuinely enjoy the variety that comes with the role. Bringing everything together, from managing vehicle availability and coordinating bookings to resolving day-to-day logistical challenges, is a key part of ensuring we deliver a seamless experience for our customers.
