Phil Medlicott, Stagecoach North-East managing director, reveals route through ranks

Phil Medlicott, however, has the licence to prove it.

A qualified bus driver, the 51-year-old is charged with propelling Stagecoach North-East forward.

The company operates services across Teesside, Hartlepool, Sunderland and Newcastle, with Mr Medlicott overseeing their every move.

A Liverpudlian, he began work in the city's famous shipping industry, but moved into transport of a different kind when his role was made redundant.

The son of a bus driver, he took another path, working his way through the ranks, including time behind the wheel, to reach his senior position.

He said: “I was born and bred in Liverpool and when I left school I did a whole range of jobs, including the classic role of a barman and then a factory worker.

“I got a job in Liverpool at a shipping office and remember going back and forth to the Liver Building.

“But I got made redundant, and at the time the bus industry was nationalised.

“My father had been a bus driver and I thought this would be a job for me for life.

“I started as far down the line as you could and was a cash counting clerk, moving up the ranks until I became a driver, then an inspector, before roles as an assistant operations manager, division manager, and operational director.”

Mr Medlicott, a fervent golfer who plays at Tynemouth Golf Club, North Tyneside, has also tried his hand at fire-breathing.

But it's in the office where he's now fanning the flames of Stagecoach's successes.

He previously held roles at Stagecoach's operations in the Midlands and the South-East, before moving North.

The Liverpool football fan says a particular draw to the region was Stagecoach North-East's standing as the company's second largest organisation outside London.

He said his experience across many of the firm's divisions put him in good stead for his current role.

He said: “I've seen quite a lot of changes in my 32 years in the industry, both good and bad.

“Being a driver gives you an understanding, and when you are talking to the drivers there is that element of respect because they know you have been through that process.

“As a business we are very successful, and because we are a mass transport organisation, we really invest a lot and concentrate on quality.

“We are renowned for providing a very good service and doing the best that we possibly can.

“We are very thin on management, and I remember years ago you would have to push past about 15 people to get anywhere near the managing director.

“That has changed now.

“The most important people in our organisation are our drivers, they are the face of the business, and the one that operate directly with the customers.

“They are doing the best job they can and the rest of us are supporting that.

“As a company, it is all about doing the best we can and getting it right.”

Favourite North-East building and why? Stadium of Light. I have to love it, despite being a Liverpool fan, as it’s what I see every day from my office window.

What was your first job and how much did you get paid? Barman in a Liverpool pub. I was paid about £18 a week.

What is the worst job you've had? In a factory making fibre glass cladding. It was hot, sticky and I was on continental shifts.

What would you cook for me if I came around for dinner? Beef Wellington or my Sunday roast, which I'm told is pretty good.

What would your superpower be? I would like to have super zoom vision so it’s easier to aim for the hole on the golf course.

Name four people, dead or alive, who would be at your perfect dinner party. Bill Shankly, Tiger Woods, Jessie J, Richard Branson.

Most expensive thing you've bought - other than car or house - and how much? My wife’s engagement, wedding and eternity rings. They were gifts so I can’t say how much.

Who is the best person to follow on Twitter and why? I’m more of a Facebook fan and I’ve only just started looking at Twitter, for our social media roll-out at work. I’m just following other public transport sites, politicians and some local media. Nobody has struck me as particularly fascinating yet.

Favourite book? Sleepers by Lorenzo Carcaterra. It was the first paperback I read as an adult and it started a new love of reading.

When did you last cry? Sadly, it was my grandfather’s funeral.

What is your greatest achievement? Reaching this position, after a less than auspicious start in Liverpool.

What's the best piece of advice in business you've ever been given? Honesty is the best policy. It might be difficult or painful at the time but you can’t get caught out later if you always tell the truth.

Favourite animal and why? I admire the intelligence and grace of dolphins. They are beautiful to watch in the wild.

Most famous person on your mobile phone? Sir Brian Souter. That’s pretty famous in our industry, even if not to the public at large.

What was the last band you saw live? The last music act was James Morrison at the Mouth of the Tyne Festival in August this year. A great evening at The Priory, in Tynemouth.

Describe your perfect night in. A chilli con carne, bottle of red wine and some good DVDs with my wife.

In another life I would be... A professional golfer.

Who would play you in a film of your life? One of the McGann brothers. They are from Liverpool and would just need some grey hair dye.

What irritates you? Laziness. I prefer that people give it their all and get it wrong, rather than not try at all.

What's your secret talent? I learnt how to eat and breathe fire a few years ago from a professional fire-eater.