OF OUR INDUSTRY
KATE WILLITS, DIRECT CARS TAXIS, NEWCASTLE
www.directcarstaxis.co.uk
Kate has been part of the family-run business for ten years now. It was established in 1984 and Kate’s mum was a tremendous inspiration to her in the way she ran the firm. Kate was recently spotlighted by Autocab in an interview carried out for International Women’s Day and was asked if she would encourage her children into the business. Based on Kate’s experiences she answered wholeheartedly YES and introduced her young daughter, who has also been brought up with the business and is confident she could easily pass the baton too, with her strong and fearless personality.
What is your greatest success?
“My greatest success is seeing my family business which I have grown up with and been an integral part of now for almost ten years continue to be successful and go from strength to strength even during a pandemic where there was so much uncertainty within the industry.”
What has been your hardest challenge?
“My hardest challenge has been breaking down objec- tions and barriers and being heard in a male dominated industry about which I’m so enthusiastic and passionate.”
What would you like for the future of the industry?
“Its hard to say what the future holds in the industry at a time where there are so many fundamental changes with legislation, new ride-hailing apps in the market and advancements in technology, but I am looking forward to seeing positive changes which are beneficial to private hire operators and drivers and I am hopeful that drivers are given some assistance towards remaining within the taxi trade.”
LISA RIDSDALE, STATION TAXIS, MALTON
www.taxisinmalton.com
Lisa has been in the taxi trade for 30 years and been an integral part of building up the business. Having been involved in all aspects from driving for the company, opening accounts and managing the base, Lisa has loved every minute of it all. Station Taxis in Malton is a family- run business established in 1991 which has grown to be the largest taxi company in Ryedale. Although a small
APRIL 2022
“I really want the industry to be able to work together properly. This is my aim, which is why we joined the Take Me Group and I believe in their ethos and hope to help drive more women to enjoy this trade as much as I do.”
CONCLUSION
All three of our operators have clearly demonstrated the space that there is for ‘Females in the Fleet’. Strong effective leaders who have survived the impact of Covid and other challenges. All three are united in supporting the drive to encourage more women to join the industry and thrive through collaboration.
Article written by : Rachel Dale Head of Operations, AAA Taxis Herts
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fleet, it offers vehicles that carry from 4 to 16 passengers. Recently the firm provided the first eco-friendly green taxi in the area. Lisa’s company carry out all their own servicing and repairs in house for their vehicles. Living in such a beautiful part of the country, Lisa enjoys time off walking her dog in the Yorkshire Wolds and Dales.
What do know now you wish you’d known when you started?
“I wish I’d known how taxi company’s drivers are so distrustful of working together. My husband and I have turned a small company into something we’re very proud of and are one of the top ten largest employees in our area. I’m now a regional manager for the Take Me Group which is a new challenge in the trade I love.”
What has been your greatest success?
“My greatest achievement has been putting back into the community I was brought up in. I’m really proud of this. I have made mistakes too. My greatest mistake is a general one - I sometimes get carried away and run before I can walk with a project, but this I because once I start a project I’m all in and want it to be the best it can be.”
What do you want for the future of the industry?
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