How long have you been at Signature, and what do you do?
I have been working with Signature since it started, and took on a fulltime position in Feb 2013. Primarily, my responsibilities focus on developing and enhancing the various bespoke systems that are used within the group. This includes designing, developing and reviewing the business processes and procedures. I also produce reports to analyse the performance of each division to enable me to develop strategies for the deployment of IT to maximise efficiency, decrease response times and provide a more consistent message. With a good internal system we are able to offer customers a quicker and better service from start to finish.
What’s your favourite car in the fleet?
Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 ROADSTER – for the sheer look for it – not at all practical for me in terms of getting in and out of it!
What would you do if given your favourite car for a weekend?
Take a leisurely drive – I’m not a big one for going fast, I just like to enjoy the trip. On second thoughts, I would probably take the Viano so the whole family could go out.
You have a background in IT, and cars are now brimming with hi-tech gadgets – do you have any favourites? What functions really appeal to you as a driver?
The one feature I have always wanted in my car was a Head-Up display. It is very cool to be able to see that extra information – anything that assists the drive is great, like park distance control and rear view cameras. I certainly wouldn’t want to bump the car when reverse parking!
I’m particularly excited by the Head-Up display that’s just been unveiled on the Discovery concept car in New York – being able have a ‘see through’ bonnet would be amazing, no more potholes!
Cars like the luxury Viano and the Range Rovers are also great with their rear cabin entertainment systems, which keep the kids entertained on longer journeys – a real must have!
What technological improvement would you like to see in a car, and why?
I would love to see new and better batteries with solar panels to help top up the charge, so the car can give you over 250 miles – or more – on a charge during daylight. With most journeys being relatively short this would save significantly on fuel costs. Electric cars can have performance figures that are better than some performance cars. For an extreme technical improvement perhaps night vision driving – getting around without any lights on!
Did any of the cars exceed the expectations you had before you saw them for the first time?
Like most of the staff here, the arrival of the Aventador was exciting and it really had the wow factor. I am certainly looking forward to the Huracan arriving, there seems to be as much hype for this newer model. Perhaps Dee can arrange for me to go out for a spin in all the cars so I can pick a favourite!
What interests you most about cars?
Before starting at Signature I would have said in all honesty not much, I primarily saw them as a means of getting from point A to point B. However, having seen the fleet up close I can really appreciate the design, technology and attention to detail applied to these high end marques. Just sitting in the back of the Rolls Royce Ghost is enough to take your breath away in terms of luxury and refinement. Having said that, when a new car arrives I am usually the first to get in and test the gadget and gismos!
If you could design a car, what would the main features be?
I’d probably look to implement a car with advanced safety systems. I’d definitely have cameras and a computer system that could identify other road users and cars, read the traffic lights and stop you from hitting someone, particularly if they’ve started to cross the road in less time than it would take a person to realise what was happening.
Sum up the Signature Experience in 3 words.
Meticulous, Excellent, Amazing.