Hi, Michelle. Can you tell us about your role at One Nexus?
I manage the Dealer Rental Programme for Kia UK, working closely with the Kia Fleet Team to deliver the programme KPIs in line with the manufacturer’s requirements. I liaise on a regular basis with our rental locations, either in person, on Teams, email or by phone, ensuring they are adhering to the programme standards and answering queries, etc. We are continually striving to improve and grow the rental network, therefore as part of my role I present the programme to dealers in areas we currently have no representation, to encourage growth.

What is your experience in the automotive industry so far?
This is scary, it’s an extremely lengthy one, 37 years! 20 years in a dealership running their rental operation, renting anything from a Ford KA to a 7.5 tonne truck, 5 years with Nexus Business Solutions (Ford Rental Programme), 18 months in a Commercial Vehicle remarketing role and then the last 10 years back with Nexus (One Nexus) as the Dealer Rental Programme Manager for Kia Rental.

How has your journey with One Nexus been so far?
This is my second role with One Nexus, both roles involved working closely with the manufacturer and dealer staff, and being field based keeps me on the move. One Nexus are a great, forward-thinking company and I am excited for the future they have with new technologies and programmes.

What would you say you enjoy most about your job?
The variation, no two days are the same in the rental world! I can be working from home one day, flying off to Northern Ireland the next and then back for a meeting at Kia HQ, in Surrey. I have a great support network, including the One Nexus Kia Reservations team and IT Support, who provide the Dealer Rental System for all our Kia Rental locations.

What was it about One Nexus that made you want to get involved?
I briefly left the rental industry to take a role remarketing commercial vehicles, this was a new and interesting role, however when the opportunity arose to return to One Nexus I jumped at the chance and have never looked back!

Outside of work, what do you enjoy doing?
My partner and I moved into our brand-new house in July last year, it’s in a lovely rural setting, so plenty of nice walks with my furry friend ‘Bella’ the Maltipoo. I’m a keen gardener so it’s exciting to have a blank canvas to develop this Summer, relaxing with family/friends and visiting my favourite UK destination, Padstow in Cornwall.

Finally, what is one thing you would like readers to know about yourself or One Nexus that they might not know already?
I made my TV debut many years ago, back in the early 2000’s, it was a program called ‘Trading up’. It was for people looking to move house and a team of designers/decorators (I use that term very lightly) came in to make changes to help you sell. The result was awful, I couldn’t even disguise my horror when filming. I don’t think the show lasted too long, and in the end, I decided not to move, living there for many more years.