Success in broking is about mindset, not cars, says Izzie Edwards

What was your pathway into automotive?

Post A-levels I’d really had enough of studying, but I applied for a Business Studies University course because I thought I should! With my heart not completely in it, I decided to have a year out and took a temporary contract at Hitachi Capital Vehicle Solutions (now Novuna). I started out in customer support and found I loved the office environment. Three months into the contract, a permanent position came up and my boss encouraged me to apply. 21 years, and many roles later, I’m still here!

What has your Novuna career covered so far?

After my first customer services position, I became an Internal Account Manager looking after Centrica. I then progressed to Service Delivery Manager leading a team of Internal Account Managers. I really enjoyed the management side and at one point led a customer services team of 45. I’ve also managed Daily Rental, Strategic Accounts and I really enjoyed creating and facilitating one of our first Apprenticeship schemes too.

An opportunity in our Broker (Associate team) arose in 2018 and I was eager for a new challenge. I moved across initially to support with Compliance, then progressed into the Associate Account Manager role that I hold today.

What has kept you at Novuna?

The breadth of roles and opportunities, and the people. It has been so valuable to have such a variety of positions across the organisation, it’s enabled me to build both knowledge and relationships.

I have always been conscious of having a conversation with my manager when I was ready to try something new. Having strong mentors, both internal and external, has helped me think about ‘what’s next’. Novuna has also been very supportive in putting me through academy and management programmes throughout my career, including a PGC in Leadership and Management.

What does a typical day look like in your role?

As I’m field based I tend to be here, there and everywhere! I feel it is critical to have face to face time with my Associates, so I tend to be out three days a week. That might include account reviews, facilitating training, attending BVRLA forums or other industry events and networking.

I’m here to support our Associates, so I look at how I can add value, working with our internal Tactical Deals team to maximise opportunities, liaising with our Sales Support teams to optimise our processes and share knowledge. Maintaining relationships internally is really important to me because I have done those support roles and understand what it’s like.

What are the best things about working in the broking world?

Working with Associates has been the best move. I enjoy the variety of working with different types of businesses and working in partnership with my contacts to overcome any challenges. There is a real opportunity to build relationships and make a difference.

Do you have an affinity with automotive?

I wouldn’t say I’m a petrol head but my father was – I am one of three daughters and he was adamant that at least one of us would like cars! There was always a story with his cars too – from his much-loved MG TD ‘Mr Toad’, to his TVR Griffith which I remember having to push around a roundabout on route to see Top Gear, following one of its many breakdowns!

Do you think women are fairly represented in automotive and the leasing sector?

It has improved but there is room for further growth – I vividly remember attending my first big fleet event and being the only female in the table photo. I was never intimidated, but I was aware of it, and it made me more determined.

It is encouraging to see more women at a leadership level – at Novuna we have strong female representation on the Management team. On the flip side, there are still very few women leading brokers.