Bouncing back, broking and not having an ‘off switch’ – Select’s Dee Edwards

How did your career journey begin?

My journey into the automotive industry isn’t your typical one! Before joining Select, I actually ran my own organic footcare brand and also offered exclusive, handmade Italian footwear. The financial crash happened and I was forced to pivot – and a chance introduction to Select Car Leasing led me to where I am today.

I joined as a leasing consultant in 2012, was successful in that role, and then began looking after our team of 10 regional offices – our Appointed Representatives (ARs) – in 2020.

How has your career evolved?

Back in 2020, Select was bringing the first AR on board – our wonderful Preston office – and was looking to expand its presence across the UK. We needed someone to manage those transitions and to show the ARs the ‘Select way’. I knew the business inside out, I knew the processes, and had great relationships with the funders and suppliers because I’d already been doing it for so long. My job, alongside my amazing colleague Jason Reynolds, is to ‘Select-rify’ the ARs and to make sure we’re all working together collaboratively.

What’s it like working at Select?

Our industry is constantly moving and changing and it’s imperative we keep on top of it. At Select, we’re not afraid to challenge and push boundaries and to find new ways of working. Crucially, I also work with a great bunch of people – it’s the sort of place where you know everyone’s name, even with the business having grown significantly in recent years. I still have colleagues who have been here with me since day one and have more than 10 years of service. That’s unique for a business of any size and it means you get to really understand what makes the business and its employees tick.

I obviously enjoy it because I’m still here, and there’s never a dull moment.

What is a typical day like in your role?

I used to be constantly on the road but I’m much more office-based these days. On a daily basis, I’m liaising with the different regional offices on all operational matters; setting up new starters, working through compliance issues, fielding invoicing queries, streamlining IT systems, addressing any questions about admin, and reporting.

If an AR office isn’t sure what to do, they come to me.

I also work closely with funders on behalf of the ARs, being the conduit between the two entities. Overall, I’m here to offer guidance, encouragement and motivation.

What challenges have you had to overcome?

From a personal perspective, let’s just say there have been lots of challenges in recent years. In 2017, I had a pre-cancerous breast operation. In 2019, I was diagnosed with a benign brain tumour in the cerebellum, at the back of my skull between my brain stem and spinal cord, which I’m able to manage.

And then, in November 2023, I was diagnosed with grade 3, triple negative breast cancer. I was operated on in December of that year and began chemotherapy at the beginning of February 2024. My chemotherapy ended in May of last year, I had a course of radiotherapy in July and I have treatment every six months.

I’m glad to say I’m now in remission.

I also don’t have an ‘off’ button. Throughout all of this, I was determined to carry on working. Not only was it a very good distraction, but it also allowed me to feel a little like ‘normal’, and to be treated in a normal way, too, despite me looking bloated and having no hair!

Due to exhaustion from the treatment, I took some time away from work in April to recharge my batteries and I feel like I’m now fully ‘back’, just like the old me. I don’t even hate my hair anymore!

I’m proud to say that I’ve been working with the Royal Berkshire Charity (I was treated at the Royal Berkshire Hospital in Reading) to raise money specifically for the cancer unit. The money will be spent on new screening equipment, supporting the hair clinic, and for the decoration of the waiting area. All in all, I’ve raised almost £10,000 – thanks to significant support from the Select family.

In October 2024, we had a ‘Buzz Off’ day at Select HQ in Reading, where several members of staff shaved their own heads, or their beards, to raise money while the business also matched the funds, which was terrific. We held a quiz which raised almost £2,000, too, and I’m hoping to do another night before the end of the year.

(You can still support Dee via her Just Giving page)

How has the automotive sector changed in recent years?

We’ve seen a big shift from traditional manufacturers to new kids on the block while in-car technology is almost completely unrecognisable compared with a car being delivered to a customer 10 years ago. The leasing sector has also grown exponentially in the last 10 years, as personal and business customers really understand the benefits of leasing instead of buying. The business continues to move online, rather than customers pulling-up to their nearest dealership.

In terms of our ARs, the channel itself has grown, and the regional offices have all expanded their businesses, with some offices having doubled their staff levels since they came on board. Our ARs delivered more than 9,000 vehicles in 2024, which is incredible.

What advice do you have for women looking to enter the automotive industry?

Funnily enough, women drive cars too! Don’t view the industry as a man’s world. There are many successful women in automotive, including brokers, funders, OEMs, and everything in between. It’s not nearly as male-dominated as it used to be and you don’t just find women in the admin team. Just go for it. It’s a really interesting, fluid place to work and every day is a school day as it’s forever changing. It can be challenging, yes, but if you’re ready to aim for new horizons, a successful career is there for the taking.