Customer spotlight: Tim Sumner from Top Cars Chauffeurs

Tim, who lives in Macclesfield, runs Top Cars Chauffeurs, an executive taxi company providing super comfy, reliable transport for people in the North of England. Tim is the founder and owner of the business, which has been running for 10 years, and still drives customers every day. Here he reveals what he loves about being the boss, how they got through the pandemic and gets a little bit cross about bad drivers!

Tell us in a few words what your business does?

We’re an executive taxi company and we provide transport for people in the North of England – we do transfers to Manchester airport and also the private jet terminal, and we’re getting more long distance rides from Manchester to Heathrow as the trains are so unreliable. Sport keeps us busy, too – driving customers to Ascot, Cheltenham, Old Trafford and all the rugby internationals at Twickenham.

Why did you choose ANNA as your business account?

Prior to the pandemic I was having some financial issues with a partner and my accountant suggested I look at ANNA as a back up business account, and slowly I’ve moved all the business there. The app is very easy to use, the speed of the support is excellent and… it just works.

What's the one (or more) ANNA feature you couldn't live without and why?

The customer support is terrific – with the likes of Santander it might take a week for a call back but I get to speak to a person in literally a minute if I am having an issue. And I love the notifications when money is going in and out. I know exactly where I am with my business’s finances, all of the time.

What was your lightbulb moment?

There was nothing else I could do at my age! I started off doing a profit share on a vehicle with a friend for basic taxiing. I’m fairly good at dealing with people and it wasn’t long before we got some regulars and it grew from there.

As well as the hard work you need a lot of luck – we picked up a couple of local accounts that have turned out to be very lucrative, so then you’re on your way. Myself and my other driver Gary drive about 1,200 miles a week each and we have two vehicles – a Merc V class and Volvo V90 estate. It’s a seven-day-a-week business and the last week has been completely manic! For example, a customer called at 9pm to say, ‘Can you take me to London tomorrow?’

What’s the best thing about running your own business?

Nobody telling me what to do – it’s as simple as that. I like the flexibility – I can manage my time to do what I want to do. And I like being in charge!

What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced?

The pandemic was a really tough time, but we’ve bounced back in great style.

And having to go to Manchester airport 25 times a week is very challenging – it’s awful to deal with, just chaos!

What advice would you give other business owners facing this same challenge?

I think you need a bit of luck sometimes, that’s what got us through the pandemic. After the first three-month lockdown, one sector was allowed to move around and that was the building sector. One of our big clients round here is a construction company and we were driving them to London because there was no public transport. There was nowhere for them to stay as hotels weren’t open, so they had to keep going up and down.

What’s your super power at work?

Keeping calm. When we professional drivers get together we always talk about how badly drivers behave these days – the sheer aggression we have to deal with is unbelievable. You have to be very calm to cope with it.

I also pride myself on being great at customer service – I listen, laugh with them and be honest with them. If you’re going to be late, or something goes wrong, most people understand.

Do you have a motto or mantra for your approach to business?

Enjoy it! If you’re not enjoying it, don't do it. I still enjoy it and it makes me happy to know that we are very good at what we do. Can I say we are the best?!

Secondly, I’d say that you don’t have to say yes to everyone. I have some lovely customers, the ones that weren’t so lovely, we’ve got rid of. You don’t want a load of grief in your life!

What’s next for you and your business?

A new vehicle and a new driver, so we’d have a fleet of three. Pre-pandemic the plan was to get to five vehicles, sell the business, retire and go walking – so I’m five years behind schedule and keen to catch up!

Who would your dream customer be?

I’m going to go A list Hollywood here and say that I’d really love to drive Uma Thurman. Uma, if you’re ever planning a trip to Manchester, I am at your service!

Tell us about your favourite animal?

I think I’d have to say a tiger – not that I come across them very often! But I love their markings and the way they move.

Finally….Do you prefer cats or dogs?

Dogs – I don’t like domestic cats at all. But I adore dogs!