The Last Word: Colin Tourick

What has been your biggest achievement in your current role?

I’ve spent 30 years helping fleet managers reduce costs and risk, and my mother would say my biggest achievement is producing five books under the ‘Managing Your Company Cars’ title (“my son the author”).

I’m also very proud of the work I’ve done for the last six years helping leasing companies improve the way they do their pricing.

And in the last year or so we’ve introduced those pricing methodologies to a number of companies outside the fleet sector.

It’s interesting that the things we’ve learned about pricing in the fleet leasing market are also of value to food manufacturers, electrical goods retailers, parts distributors and service companies.

Who has had the biggest influence on your career?

My father.

What is your dream holiday?

I tend to take work on holiday – something to write and always something work-related to read, usually some sort of textbook. So my dream holiday would be anywhere they banned me from working.

Who was the last person you received a text message from?

My nephew – asking for careers advice.

What is your favourite sitcom?

I prefer factual programmes to sitcoms. I would happily watch endless repeats of Coast and Wonders of the Universe.

What is your favourite film?

Schindler’s List because we shouldn’t forget.

When did you last take a trip on public transport?

Eurostar to Paris last week. I love public transport and will always choose tube or train before car. It’s probably got something to do with being a Londoner. A car’s a liability in London.

What has been your biggest mistake in business – and what did you learn from it?

I should have realised much earlier that I could have much more impact running my own business with a small team rather than working as a director in a large organisation.

Which superhero from comics would you most like to be?

For my generation it has to be Superman. All those wonderful powers, so long as you stay away from Kryptonite.

What is the first thing you would buy if you won the Lottery?

I already have the work, family and home of my dreams, so I don’t play the Lottery.

Who was your childhood hero?

Probably JFK, because I had notions that as leader of the free world he could put everything right.

What three things do you take with you take to a desert island?

Hilary (my other half), provisions for six months and a very powerful transmitter.

What is the first thing you would do if you were made Prime Minister for the day?

Replace our ridiculously complex tax system with a simple regime of VAT and graduated income tax. I’d halve fuel duty and recoup the lost revenue with a tax on high-fat and high-sugar foods.

Oh, and I’d remove company car tax, of course!

What is your best childhood memory?

Hot summer afternoons eating ice creams at Mill Hill swimming pool.

What is your favourite dish at a restaurant?

No favourites. I’m an omnivore and love all food equally. My waist measurement confirms this!

How would you describe your leadership style?

I lead as I would like to be led. I have had some truly awful bosses and some equally wonderful ones. The best ones were those who gave me clear objectives and then left me alone to deliver results, so that’s what I do too.

What is your dream car?

None. I have made a career in the fleet industry without being particularly interested in cars.

What was a pivotal moment in your life?

Qualifying as a chartered accountant, getting my master’s degree from the LSE, joining the leasing industry in 1980, becoming a visiting professor at Buckingham and setting up Aisby & Company ... They all opened up so many opportunities.