In today’s blog, we’re shining the spotlight on Ajay, a hardworking and dedicated member of the Belle Vue team whose journey from part-time bus washer to full-time sales assistant captures the essence of growth and opportunity within our company. Ajay’s career at Belle Vue Bus and Coach Hire has been marked by a series of successes and learning experiences, shaped significantly by his initial choice to join us as a school leaver.
Today, we sit down with him for a short Q&A session to delve deeper into his professional path and personal insights, uncovering the experiences that have defined his time with us and the ambitions he holds for the future. So, it’s over to you Ajay!
Can you tell us about your journey with Belle Vue? How did you start your career here?
In February 2023 my friend already worked here and I asked him if he knew if there were any part-time jobs going at Belle Vue. I was in school at the time so I wanted part-time work after school. My friend spoke with my boss Ian and he invited me in for an interview.
I had an interview with Ian and they offered me a few hours after school to help wash the buses and clean the yard etc. I took the job and after I took my G.C.S.E’s and left school I gained a few more hours. After I’d been here a little longer I got offered an apprenticeship but they gave me the opportunity of working in the bodyshop or the office as a sales assistant to see which I preferred.
When you first started with your apprenticeship what was your first role?
When I started my apprenticeship I started in the garage helping the team in the body shop with sanding down buses ready for paintwork and repairs and also putting materials on.
When I started in the office which I preferred and still do the role now, I began with taking phone calls and putting enquiries on to the system, confirming bookings, and also going through private hire and quotation tasks, calling people back who made quotes with us and getting in contact with them to do the bookings.
Can you describe a typical day at work for you? What are your main responsibilities?
I come in and first thing is my apprenticeship work, so I do a day log every day to briefly say what I am going to do that day. Then I go through my emails, clear them all, and reply to them all. After that, I go through the lost property and make sure that’s ok and then I go on to confirm bookings for the following days ahead, making sure passenger numbers, addresses, dates, and times are correct. I also get lead passenger contact details in case drivers need to contact them and do other private hire quotation tasks.
What do you enjoy most about your role at Belle Vue?
There is something new every day and I enjoy talking to passengers and communicating with our customers.
Can you share a memorable experience or a particular highlight from your time with the company so far?
When I made my first booking it was special for me as I had made my first sale and it was a real moment, so I felt very proud.
In what ways has working at Belle Vue helped you grow professionally or personally?
I have completed my apprenticeship and now have a qualification in customer service. The staff and management here are really supportive and helpful too and are always on hand to help me if I need it. I am also encouraged to keep learning new things so I am always developing or improving my skills.
What challenges have you faced while working at Belle Vue Coaches, and how have you overcome them?
Sometimes we get really busy which can be a bit overwhelming having lots of calls coming in, but we work well as a team and share the load to help each other out.
Looking ahead, what are you most excited about in the future of Belle Vue?
Learning more new things, gaining more experience, and getting more involved with different aspects of sales is really exciting. The company is growing and expanding so I am looking forward to being a part of that.
If you could describe the company culture at Belle Vue in a few words, what would they be and why?
Respectful, everyone has respect for each other. Positive because we are always looking at growing and developing and integrating new things, and hardworking and fun!