SIMON PROUT
SALISBURY,Wiltshire
Summary
A proactive and results-driven professional with a strong ability to drive improvements and enhance offerings for businesses and individuals. Demonstrates exceptional communication skills and a talent for mentoring, as evidenced by experience as a Football referee and assessor. Actively contributes to community development through roles such as School Governor and Parochial Church Council committee member. Possesses a deep passion for Horse Racing, with hands-on experience in ownership and syndicate management, alongside sponsorship of Seamus Mullins' yard. Committed to enhancing the Raceday Experience, leveraging energy and life skills to make a meaningful impact in the industry.
Overview
47
47
years of professional experience
6
6
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Self employed Partner in business
Avon Valley Motor Group
GILLINGHAM, Dorset
07.2007 - Current
Having been employed in the Motor Trade since 1981, I decided the time was right to branch out on my own and along with my wfe, set up Avon Valley Motor Sales,, operating from home, focusing on new and used vehicle sales.
We leased an industrial unit in 2012 to expand operations, leading to the acquisition of a retail forecourt and rebranding as WeDoVans.com.
Transitioned business into rental and contract hire markets, significantly increasing service offerings.
Developed a fleet of approximately 700 vehicles, achieving an annual turnover exceeding £6 million.
Currently exploring options for business sale, already attracting interest from corporate entities.
Fleet Sales Manager
Bakers of Gillingham, Peugeot franchised dealer
GILLINGHAM, Dorset
01.1984 - 06.2007
I joined as a junior salesman, eventually reaching the position of Fleet Sales Manager. By 2004 the dealership had established itself as the second highest Peugeot van selling dealership in the UK, something I was incredibly proud of, being based in sleepy Dorset
Accounts Manager
Buccaneer Motor Group
Sherborne, Dorset
06.1981 - 12.1983
Responsible for the accounting facility of this Motor Factor and used car sales operation
Trainee Accountant
Clarks Shoes
Yeovil, Somerset
09.1978 - 05.1981
Employed as junior accounts assistant
Education
A-Levels - Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, English Language
Fosters Grammar School
Sherborne, Dorset 09.1972 - 07.1978
Skills
I have always been somebody who makes things happen I am a strong communicator and often get chastised for challenging things I like to help people and businesses improve their offerings
In years gone buy I have been an active Football referee, graduating to assessing and mentoring younger colleagues
Within my village community, I have served as a School Governor and held a position on the Parochial Church Council committee
I have always had the keenest of interest in Horse Racing, particularly National Hunt, and as finances have allowed, progressed into ownership, having had numerous horses in training with my great friend Seamus Mullins My business sponsors his yard, and I also run syndicates within the yard
I feel I have energy and life skills to offer the industry, a particular interest (and frustration)being the Raceday Experience
Affiliations
- Most sports, fine dining and real ale
Family life
I am married with a 22 year old son
An achievement I am proud of
I spent two years successfully battling Prostrate Cancer, one of the most harrowing experience was watching young children being incubated daily for their Radiotherapy treatment. I set myself a challenge to ride a horse up the gallops at Seamus Mullins’ stables. I managed to do this, despite not having sat on a horse for 56 years, and in so doing raised £19500 in sponsorship for the charity Children with cancer.
Timeline
Self employed Partner in business
Avon Valley Motor Group
07.2007 - Current
Fleet Sales Manager
Bakers of Gillingham, Peugeot franchised dealer
01.1984 - 06.2007
Accounts Manager
Buccaneer Motor Group
06.1981 - 12.1983
Trainee Accountant
Clarks Shoes
09.1978 - 05.1981
A-Levels - Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, English Language
Fosters Grammar School
09.1972 - 07.1978