Addison
Lee is London's largest minicab service, within 2,200 cars and
upwards of £180m annual turnover - but it's also a minicab service
unlike any other. It's built a much-feted reputation for its slick
service, plush cars, and smart drivers. And if you open an account
you get all that for, on average, 35% less than if you were using
black cabs.
It's also got some of the most advanced technology behind it of
any taxi company in the world. Journey times throughout the day can
be estimated to within minutes, and it's known and loved for
sending helpful texts to keep you constantly updated on when your
driver is going to arrive.
John built the business from scratch after starting out training
as an accountant, then dropping out his course to help salvage his
father's road-building and sewer business. After taking part-time
work as a minicab driver, he realised he could do a better job of
running a similar business himself. He's since built up Addison Lee
since the early 70s, and also set up the Private Hire Car
Association in 1976.
In this entrepreneur interview, he shares his advice for small
businesses, talks through his business model and use of technology,
and reveals how he steadfastly avoids using credit, ever, instead
paying for everything upfront - a strategy that has seen his
business grow 20% in the last year, despite the recession.
Find out more about Addison
Lee
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