Women in Broking: Debbie Mountford

ORIGINALLY from Wolverhampton, Debbie Mountford’s journey into the automotive industry started at a young age. As a child, she was brought up in a household where the motor trade was the family business. Being surrounded by all things cars from the get-go certainly ignited a passion in her that remains to this day. 

Debbie’s original career plan was to become an architect. However, at the age of 18, she started in a casual role for the family business that was initially a Saturday job. With other plans quickly abandoned, this became her first ‘office junior’ role where she quickly proved herself to be a valuable member of the team.

‘I love everything about cars. I find the ever-evolving technology and design trends fascinating. There is always something to learn in automotive; it’s a great profession for anyone to get into. There is a new challenge every day and because the industry is changing all the time, it’s certainly never boring.’

In 2012, Debbie’s career took a temporary change of direction to work as an automotive writer and journalist for a few years. This allowed her the flexibility she needed as a single parent raising two young children.

Debbie achieved success with her venture, Motor Mistress, and has fond memories of this time – her strong social media presence on Twitter as @MotorMistress is testament to that. 

Debbie re-joined All Vehicle Contracts as a director in 2019 in the role she holds today working alongside managing director, Andrew Frisby. 

Customer service has always been a real passion for Debbie throughout her career. This is an area where she has seen most change from the early years with the move to an online customer journey. An ever present project at AVC is to constantly upgrade its interactive website that allows customers to customise quotes online. She says:

‘The customer journey has evolved. We’ve implemented the latest technology to allow people to self-serve but there is always someone on the end of a ‘phone you can talk to. We’re a family business, and we will always remain true to those values. It’s that approach which provides us with so much repeat and referral business.’

After more than 25 years in the automotive industry, Debbie finds it surprising that women are still under-represented – particularly in broking. As a woman working within a leasing brokerage in the 90s, Debbie notes it was very much a man’s world. 

Debbie would like to see more done to encourage women into the industry, something she actively encourages at All Vehicle Contracts.