RBA’s Kirsty Cunningham on why automotive is so addictive and why she ‘bleeds blue’

What route did you take to get to your current role?

I decided to go straight into work following my GCSEs. During my final exam year, I contracted meningitis and was off school for three months. Trying to catch up after that time out put me off staying in education, so I started work at 16.

My first job was at Woolworths and I stayed in retail for four years before deciding I wanted an office role. I started as a trainee recruitment consultant, but the business planned to reduce my hours – not what I wanted. But a chance chat in the office kitchen changed my future. That conversation was with Jill McLaughlan, the now RB Associates (RBA) Sales Director who apparently spotted a spark in me and asked if I’d like to join RBA.

I took some time out to travel before joining RBA as a full-time administrator at 21, mainly trying not to wreck the Excel spreadsheets! From there, I was keen to develop and progressed through roles including Sales Executive, Team leader and Sales Manager as the business grew.

What does a typical day look like for you now as General Manager?

RBA is fully office-based which I enjoy – we tried working from home, but we’re a close-knit group and work better together. We’re a pretty lively bunch and the interaction is a big part of what makes the team successful.

We solely deal with Ford, so I work very closely with the team there. Anyone who knows me will know I bleed blue! I’m incredibly passionate about Ford – possibly annoyingly enthusiastic at times!

I manage forecasting and data analysis to support our planning and procurement, put together batch and pre-registration deals. I also spend some of my time attending networking events. No two days are the same, which keeps things interesting.

What’s it like working at RBA?

I’d describe it as ‘positive craziness’! We work hard, but we have a lot of fun with our broker partners and customers and I think that’s why so many come back to us.

One of the values that’s embedded in the business is ‘exceeding expectations’. Everyone has a deep rooted sense of ownership which has helped us build long-term relationships. Some of our partners have worked with us for more than 10 years.

What has kept you at RBA?

I honestly don’t think I’d find this culture anywhere else. We’re encouraged to be ourselves and do a good job.

I’ve always felt supported in my career and personal development. It’s also been rewarding seeing the team build their careers – some people have been with me for more than a decade. When you look at what we’ve achieved, processing around 10,000 vehicles a year, you sometimes have to pinch yourself. So, if RBA will have me, I’m here for the long haul!

Do you feel that automotive and the broking world is attractive to women?

If you haven’t experienced it, perhaps not. When I look back, if you’d mentioned the motor industry, I’d have thought it was just manufacturing. But, once you’re in, this industry is broad and addictive!

At RBA, our team is actually quite female-dominated  – we’ve had periods where the teams were entirely women and, even now, the boys are outnumbered! It’s great to see strong female representation at Ford too – from the Managing Director Lisa Brankin or the LCV and Custom Product Manager Anne-Marie Forsyth.

I’d love to see more women joining the sector and it’s been great watching my peers develop their careers over the years – people like Magenta Kemp (Fleet Procure), Sophie Whiteley (The Plytek Group) and Laura Muir (Fleet Alliance) – who’ve all gone on to achieve brilliant things.

What advice would you give women looking to get into automotive?

Be yourself, it’s so important. There can still be a ‘boys club’ mentality at times but you just need to stay true to yourself.

Have a ‘can do’ mindset. I have my mum and the female leaders in my life to thank for instilling that in me. I’ve always wanted to be the ‘best in the game’ and that attitude has helped me throughout my career.

Our directors at RBA are female and have been really inspiring. Their ethos is that everyone brings something different to the table, and those diverse strengths are what make the team successful.

What are the best things about working in this industry?

Definitely the people. After all these years, I still have fun and a lot of laughter with the people I work with.

There’s also a real family feel, both at RBA and across the wider industry. Some of our broker partners and suppliers have been with us for so long that they genuinely feel like family. That might sound cheesy, but it’s true and those relationships are what make this industry so great.

What’s your car history?

I was a latecomer to driving and didn’t pass my test until I was 28. My first car was a Ford Focus Zetec S and it was a seriously fun car to drive. When I had it I was living in the countryside, let’s just say that I maximised the drive home! Currently, I’m driving a Ford Puma ST-Line X in red with a body kit on it.