At the moment Mark Dixon is enjoying the limelight and
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the fame, but could he cope with that on a daily basis? Could he run the company as CEO? We put him in the boardroom for the day to find out exactly how he'd cope with things if he were the boss.
• What are the best bits about Stobart Group at the moment?
The way the company is run is amazing its out of this world. Since being involved with the TV series, I've had a much greater insight into how all the different areas operate and that really impresses me. As a driver on the ground, there are only certain areas you see, but the bigger picture is just mind-blowing. What impresses me most is how the vehicle tracking has helped to make us more efficient and also give customers more information on where their products are.
• What would you change if you were in charge?
Even though I beat the Stobart Rail freight train on the TV programme, I do think it's the way forward. I drove my truck from Crick to Livingston with one trailer, but the train was able to take 32. So I think I'd push rail freight more if I was the boss. Even though I love my truck, I think rail freight will play a big part in the future, especially as more green options are being considered.
I'd also make more warehouses greener. I know the new one at Widnes runs on energy from waste and returned food, and I think that would be one of the areas I'd concentrate on. I've got three young kids and we need to be thinking of their futures and how we can make things greener for them. • Anything else?
Yes, fuel-efficient driving. Its a big thing now at Eddie Stobart, and the drivers have really got behind it. We'd like to be involved more to help save fuel and reduce carbon emissions and really help the company achieve it.
• How did you cope having a camera crew with you?
At first, it was really scary I was afraid to do anything in case it was wrong. But I had the same cameraman for most of the time and, after a couple of days of getting to know him better, it was fine. I started to relax and be myself, but, by that time, they had nearly finished filming!
• Has anyone spotted you since the TV show?
Its been incredible! People wave at me and flash tneir lights on the roads once they see my truck, Phoebe Grace its nearly as famous as me now. I get asked for photos and autographs every time I stop. But the strangest thing was a few days ago at the Appleton depot.
Some spotters had seen me arriving and, by the time I had loaded up and was leaving, they had made a massive banner with my name on it and were waving it about.
Its just been unbelievable how well received the series has been and how much interest It has generated.