This week is RHA’s National Coach Week – The UK coach sector employees around 45,000 people across approximately 700 coach operators, handling 400 million passenger journeys, contributing around £6bn to the UK economy each year.
To celebrate National Coach Week, this week, the Women in Bus and Coach “Spotlight On” initiative shines a light on the incredible contributions of women in all roles across the coach sector.
Today we focus on and find out about:
Amanda Harrington
Sales & Marketing Director
Bakers Dolphin
How did you get to where you are today?
I joined Bakers Dolphin in 1986 and I worked in most areas of the business and was keen to learn everything I needed to know about the coach sector. From the age of 22 I then wanted to focus and was determined to try and be the first woman to join the Bakers Dolphin Board of Directors and eventually managed to earn a place on the Board of Director in 2001.
Did you experience any challenges getting to where you are today?
I did experience many challenges and during the early days I had a lot of setbacks especially whereby new people were brought into the business and promoted above me. However, this did not stop me from wanting to continue with this wonderful family business it just made me more determined to prove myself even further!
What do you like about the sector?
No two days are the same and it is such a lovely business to be working within and the job itself is just so varied. Seeing our coaches on the road and our lovely branding of the yellow and blue coaches as I drive to and from work is something I am very proud of. I absolutely love my job!
What does a typical day look like?
Costings for future business is a priority i.e. new days Tours – Holiday and private groups.
Touching base with the staff and ensuring everything is moving forward and sales are still a big priority.
Social media- ensuring everything is up to day.
Looking for ideas and content for all our brochures.
Customer correspondence.
Forward planning and production of the company brochures are on-going all the time making sure our strong brand stands out at every level.
I also speak to the drivers of our holidays/day tours very regularly to ensure everything is running smoothly.
What has been your coach Sector career highlight?
There has been many has this year I will be celebrating 38 years with Bakers Dolphin but the one stand out moment was when I was awarded Coach Tourism Manager of the year in 2010 and then going on to win the Coach Monthly ‘Special Award’ in 2012 – that was a special moment for me personally to be recognised within this wonderful Industry!
Where do you see yourself in 5 year’ time?
Well last year was a record year for Bakers Dolphin and I want to continue on making sure we move with the times and ensure we exceed our customers expectations and that all our staff and clients know how important they are to this local family business!
Thank you for sharing your story Amanda, you are truly an inspiration!
To find out more about who Amanda works for, and career opportunities visit: Careers – Bakers Dolphin
