John Challen quizzes Silverstone Leasing account manager Tom Bailey on his favourite takeaway, his idol in life and the firm’s new salary sacrifice scheme.

Tom Bailey, Silverstone Leasing account manager

What is your ambition in your current job role?

To get our new salary sacrifice scheme, EVolve Car Scheme, off the ground. We believe 2024 is going to be a big year for salary sacrifice and our idea is structured in a similar way to the Cycle to Work programme, so there are big savings to potentially be made for fleets and drivers.

What job did you want to do when you were growing up?

I always wanted to be a professional mountain biker, which is a bit random, but I really enjoyed riding bikes. I thought it would be a great job to have as an adult, but unfortunately, biking never became anything more than just a hobby.

The best takeaway food?

In my opinion, you can’t beat fish (cod) and chips (salty) by the sea. Accompanied by a nice cup of tea.

What’s the proudest moment in your career?

I used to work in a dealership and, one Christmas Eve, I was under a bit of pressure because we were closing at lunchtime. Thankfully, I managed to sell two cars, which meant we had a great Christmas!

Favourite James Bond?

I grew up watching all the older films in the franchise, but I think the latter ones featuring Daniel Craig are the best. He makes the difference for me, so I’d have to go with Craig as my preferred 007.

If money was no object, what’s the first thing you would buy?

It would have to be a house in or near a ski resort, so that I could go snowboarding every day!

Name three cars in your dream garage

I would choose a Jaguar E-Type, a Porsche 911 and a Mini John Cooper Works – something small and fun.

What are the biggest challenges facing fleets at the moment?

The transition to electric vehicles is probably one of the biggest things that we – like many others – are working on. Turning some people around to the idea of electric cars, even though they are not particularly new, is also a bit of a challenge. Some drivers still have an obsession with the driving range from a single charge, which is really frustrating. Rising costs are also a bit of an issue for everyone, too.

You’re on your dream holiday. Where in the world are you?

Whistler in British Columbia, Canada. Snowboarding, but there’s also a mountain bike park there that opens in the summer!

Night in or night out?

Probably a night in these days – I’m getting on a bit.

What’s your supermarket of choice?

There’s a Tesco right at the end of my road, which is open 24 hours a day. So that wins, purely for the convenience.

What car do you currently drive?

A Suzuki S-Cross.

Tea, coffee or other (state alternative)?

Coffee, unless I’m eating fish and chips!

Books or magazines?

Books.

Who is your idol in life and work?

My wife. She had a really tough year last year because she lost her dad, but she also launched her own business, looked after two horses, a dog and our 18-month-old. I take my hat off to her – I don’t know how she does it all!