Steve Bailey, Service Delivery Manager North, reflects on the last ten years of his career with Dawsongroup.
What has been the most rewarding experience working at Dawsongroup?
I’ve been working in the transport industry my entire life and, when I started at Dawsongroup, I thought this meant I had a reasonably good knowledge of buses and coaches. It didn’t take me long to realise I had a lot to learn about compliance. Every day is a school day here, and regularly learning something new is a particularly rewarding part of the job!
Can you share a moment when you felt particularly proud to be part of the company?
Dawsongroup really prioritises our customers, ensuring they receive the best possible service. Customers could obtain an almost like-for-like vehicle from anywhere but if we’ve got the service and the support that keeps them returning to us. As the Service Delivery Manager (SDM) for the North, I help to maintain this exceptional support; something I am incredibly proud of.
What was the biggest challenge you faced during your time here, and how did you overcome it?
I think many of us can agree that working during Covid was a challenge! Operating day-to-day as if everything was normal when the industry was so uncertain and many of our team had been furloughed was tough. But we made it through, going above and beyond to keep the branch buoyant, and we were successful. I’m very proud that we are still here today, with a full team that offers flexibility and reliability to the industry.
Are there any milestones in your career that stand out as particularly memorable or meaningful?
I recently spearheaded our re-entry into Scotland, which was an incredible experience. I wanted to ensure we got off to a great start, with a seamless outreach into a geographically difficult area. Building customer relationships was key, offering support where needed, and it has paid dividends for the overall reputation of Dawsongroup bus and coach. It was a brilliant project to be a part of.
How have you managed to stay motivated and passionate about your work over the years?
I have always been passionate about my work regardless of the remit. Customer satisfaction is a key motivator for me, and I’ve always kept my eye on the prize and sought support from valued and experienced colleagues.
What are your career goals or hopes for the next few years?
I want to continue to uphold Dawsongroup bus and coach’s good reputation in my interactions with new and existing customers. I also want to support my team, ensuring they have the opportunity to reach their full potential in the business. This might be a bit of a self-seeking goal though, as I do hope to hand over the reins to a new SDM when I retire in a few years!
