Meet Neil.

How did you get into transport?

My interest in buses started young. I remember telling people I wanted to be a bus driver, and that interest stayed with me through school, my time working in retail and university.

After completing my degree at UWE Bristol in 2014, I explored graduate roles with some of the larger bus and coach companies. I wanted to learn the operation from the ground up, starting with driving and working towards managing teams. I joined First as a bus driver at Hengrove depot in Bristol, learning what the job involves as a new driver. Later, I had the opportunity to drive bendy buses for a local company.

How did that develop into operations and compliance work?

I went on to freelance for businesses ranging from small coach companies to national bus operators. My interest in the operational side stayed with me, so I gained my Transport Manager CPC through CILT in Corby while continuing to develop my experience.

In the lead-up to Covid, my freelance work grew into helping supply a small team of drivers, with more responsibility for checking that things were done correctly. I took on Transport Manager work and a Driver Supervisor role with a haulage firm. As businesses recovered from Covid, I worked as a Transport Manager for a coach company in Devon and went on to run my own minibus operation.

What did running your own operation teach you?

It helped me understand the daily pressures on a small operator: balancing drivers, vehicles and passengers while keeping everything compliant. I was also working with other companies, and I learned some valuable lessons.

One of the biggest was the importance of looking after ourselves and recognising our limits. I learned that the hard way, and it’s a lesson I carry into my work today.

Why did you start delivering training?

From one of the first Driver CPC courses I attended, I wanted more relevance to my work as a bus and coach driver. Much of the course focused on HGV driving, and I struggled to connect it with my day-to-day role. I wanted training that reflected passenger transport too.

As a Transport Manager, I was already carrying out driver inductions and retraining. When I reviewed where I wanted my career to go, I decided to start delivering CPC and explore other training I could offer. My core aim was to design training with bus and coach drivers in mind from the start.

What is a course with you like?

I like to keep courses relaxed, with drivers sharing their experiences and asking questions. I use real examples from bus and coach work and explain things clearly, rather than simply reading through slides.

I want it to feel like chatting with another driver you’ve met on your break. There’s still learning to do, but the conversation should feel natural and relevant to your job.

How does dyslexia shape your teaching?

I’m dyslexic, and I know people learn in different ways. I use practical examples and explain something another way when it helps. I don’t want anyone feeling embarrassed about asking a question.

I’m open about my own difficulties too. Some words can be tricky for me to read or say, and names aren’t my strong point. I want to use that experience to help people feel included and comfortable asking for an explanation.

What if someone feels nervous about joining?

My courses are relaxed and friendly. You’re welcome to ask questions and share your experiences. If you need something explained another way, just let me know.

I’m happy to help you get set up before the course so you can join online. If you’re local to Bristol or Keynsham, get in touch beforehand about coming to the office and joining on one of our laptops. The main thing for me is making sure everyone feels welcome.

How does myCPC fit with PSV-CT?

myCPC is the training side of the wider PSV-CT group. I deliver the courses myself, alongside helping operators with running their businesses and compliance.

As both sides grow, separate divisions help keep each area focused. Most of the wider group’s work supports businesses, while myCPC training is open to individual drivers as well as businesses.

Why “Fluffy”, and what do you enjoy away from work?

The nickname was partly self-inflicted! After watching a clip, we were looking for a more light-hearted way to describe me as a bigger person. That’s where Fluffy came from.

Away from work, I enjoy comedy shows and exploring new places. I also value some quiet time to myself to reset and refocus.

What do you most want drivers to take away?

More than anything, I want drivers to leave feeling they’ve gained something and that the course was worthwhile.