ABOUT US
Here at Covase, we believe that it starts and stops with people and we understand how important it is to you to be able to pick up the phone when there is a problem or if you need something.
The people we employ are a key part of what we do here, so without further ado here is who we are.
Simon Homer - Director - 0845 369 7101
Having originally worked in the used car sector starting in 1992, Simon progressed to the new vehicle side of things when he joined a specialist fleet management company based in Upper Heyford, who provided a number of services to major motor manufacturers such as VW, Audi, Nissan, Renault and Jaguar. The company provided demonstrator vehicles and specialist press and event management whilst also managing the defleeting and remarketing of rental vehicle fleets.
In 2000 Simon moved over to the Contract Hire and Leasing sector, and began working for a local company who specialised in supplying contract hire to small businesses. Working in a more sales focussed role than he had been used to, Simon's extensive Customer Service and Operational expertise helped him overcome a lack of previous direct sales experience.
In 2005 having worked with Andy and Colin for some time, Simon identified a potential opportunity to offer clients 'more than just a cheap rental' and the idea of forming a fleet management company was born.
Simon is a keen cook, plays squash and is a black belt instructor in a traditional Japanese martial art.
He is the company geek and you can find him at twitter or on facebook.
Colin Ford - Director - 0845 369 7102
Coming from a family of accountants and having studied Engineering at University, Colin is as close as we get to having a tame intellectual and senior statesman in Covase.
Upon graduating, Colin undertook an IT technical support role, moved into sales and spent the next ten years in a variety of different technical/IT sales roles until fifteen years ago he joined a vehicle leasing firm. After nine years there as Business Manager, with Simon and Andy, Covase was formed to offer a commitment to value and service through a consultative approach to customers’ fleet and personal requirements rather than selling on price.
If you want to understand fully the taxation implications of your company cars, call Colin! As a self-confessed petrolhead, he is also a suitable chap to talk to regarding which cars would best suit you and your drivers - he likes nothing better than talking about “Boys’ Toys” and has been lucky enough to own some exotic cars including a TVR, an Aston Martin and a couple of Porsche 911s.
Colin played hockey for Hayes (where he was Sports Club President) for twenty plus years but many of his Saturday afternoons are now spent watching Reading FC where he has a season ticket. In his youth, following a rash comment and subsequent bet, Colin managed to gain Mensa membership - so he officially is a genius! (and this line is included in his biography to win another bet!).
Colin has been married to Lynn for an astonishingly long time and they live in West London. A recent house move has curtailed their love travelling for a while but Colin still enjoys a hedonistic socialising lifestyle through being the member of a couple of dining clubs and Wine Societies. If you want an opinion on any pub or restaurant in Chiswick - chances are Colin has been there (and more than once!)
You can find Colin on facebook and twitter
Andy Jackson - Director - 0845 369 7103
Andy started working in the motor industry in 1990, and soon became Sales Manager for a number of major retail dealerships in the Oxford area such as BMW, Mercedes, Fiat, Citroen and Peugeot.
In 1997 Andy moved into the Contract Hire and Leasing sector with a local company and quickly established an extensive base of local clients whom he managed the supply, financing and general management of the company car fleet.
In 2003 Andy was head hunted by Bank of Scotland Vehicle Management and was tasked with implementing funding to brokers and dealerships in the South East of England.
Having gained an insight in to the Fleet Management and Leasing industry 'from the inside' it became obvious to Andy that the level of service being provided to clients by many companies, left more than a little to be desired.
Having worked with Colin and Simon previously, in 2005 the three decided to form Covase with a view to providing a total Fleet Management package to clients.
Andy's interests outside of the business include playing Golf (22 handicap - Bandit), Squash, Tennis and he is a competent Piano player. Cooking, drinking and socialising with friends is also an absolute must!
Michelle Shakespeare - Administration Co-Ordinator - 0845 369 7108
Michelle has worked in a variety of administration roles over the years but joined Covase in 2006 and was tasked with managing all the contract generation, vehicle orders and deliveries and after sales support.
Since joining Michelle has helped Covase grow from a start-up to a well established business and is integral to the success of the company.
Keeping a team full of men in check is no easy feat either!
Mum to 10 year old Jess, Michelle enjoys an active social life and is a keen shopper (what woman isn't?!).
Having recently taken delivery of "Winnie the Mini" Michelle truly understands how important a new car is to an employee and our clients could not be in better hands.
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