Meet the Driver - Ian Morley

5 Feb 2020

 

We asked Ian Morley one of our tour coach drivers a few questions to get to know more about the guy behind the beard!

 

When did you start at Dews and why?

I started about 18 months ago. I needed a change as I was working in retail and wasn’t enjoying the industry. There were too many pressured targets and after being in the army for 27 years and then being a travelling sales rep, coming to the same building every day just wasn’t for me, I get claustrophobic.  Whilst being a rep for Snap-On tools I used to visit Dews and always found the place friendly and so I got my son Lewis an apprenticeship here four years ago. He gets on well so 18 months ago I decided to join him as a trainee driver. Dews put me through my test and it’s been a great move.

 

What’s the best thing about your job as a Tour Driver?

Definitely being out and about. Being on the road and the places you get to see – you get paid to be a tourist! Even though as drivers we are very much part of the company when you’re out on tour you are left alone and feel like your own boss. The people are nice and I get to meet different people from all over – even when there’s a language barrier we figure it out.

 

What’s the best piece of advice you have been given as a driver?

Don’t crash it! Seriously the best advice when I started was to take your time, no matter what’s going on, don’t rush because that’s where you get it wrong. Oh and my first time doing the tunnel my colleague said ‘don’t hit it’ – I’ve stuck to that one!

 

If you won the lottery what would you do?

I would immigrate to Canada or the States – depends on how much I’d won!

 

What did you want to be when you were growing up?

A soldier, I always wanted to be a soldier for as long as I remember as a kid and I joined at 16.

 

What is your favourite place in the world?

The Alps, the scenery is a breath of fresh air. I love any jobs that I get there or anywhere with mountains – bit different to the fens!

 

Have you got any hidden hobbies or talents that we don’t know about?

I’m really into my cycling; I’m on the committee of my local cycling club and like to watch the Tour de France. I’m into cars and bikes, once you’ve been an engineer it never stops. I’ve also got a YouTube channel documenting my touring jobs which I enjoy doing when I find the time.

 

What are your three pet peeves?

Untidy people – if it’s not meant to be there why is it?

Drivers who clutter a cab, I hate to see pens and things on the dash.

People not looking after things – if you’ve got something nice, take care of it, lack of equipment maintenance.

 

What would you order if we went to the pub?

A pint of bitter.

 

Who is someone you admire and why?

I admire Prince Harry right now for what he’s doing. I’m a royalist but he’s breaking away and that’s brave. I don’t have role models though or anyone who I aspire to be like - be yourself.

 

Take a look at Ian's YouTube Channel.