Your BPA team Meet the area managers In the second in our series looking at the work of the BPA area managers, we hear from three more members of the team about why they love what they do Which area do you cover? Matt Robinson (MR): I cover the Midlands, which includes Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire, West Midlands and Herefordshire. So, basically, from the Welsh border across to Nottinghamshire down to Oxfordshire/West Berkshire. Ian Wilson (IW): I look after South East London, Kent and Essex. Warren Bradshaw (WB): My area is Surrey, Sussex, Hampshire and Dorset. How long have you worked as a BPA area manager? MR: I have just completed four years with the BPA. IW: I started here in April last year. WB: I have been doing this role for a little more than two years now. What did you do before? MR: I worked for more than 25 years in aviation, in various roles with different companies. My last role was as an operations manager; I dealt with aircraft safety and the complete aircraft turnaround, including weight and balance. I managed a team of 26 people, including supervisors and aircraft dispatchers. These were operational staff who, between them, work 24/7, 365 days of the year. IW: Before joining the BPA, I spent most of my career in the rail industry, It is always satisfying to spot or find areas that can be improved upon to reduce crime, and to work with the operator to implement these and see the positive results this brings where I worked as an area manager at London terminal stations. Throughout my career I have been responsible for delivering operational improvements, ensuring compliance and exceeding customers expectations. During the pandemic, I took on a fresh challenge as part of an ongoing project to eliminate homelessness and provide support to people sleeping rough in my local community. I spent almost two years working with a variety of stakeholders and support agencies, targeting those with the most complex needs, and was very proud to be able to give something back to my local community during challenging times. WB: I spent 26 years in the private sector, during which time I qualified as a lead auditor, and am certified with the Chartered Management Institute. I also worked as a car park supervisor for a local authority. What is the most satisfying part of the job? MR: I love working with the car park operators and the designing out crime officers, establishing a good rapport and then building a solid working relationship. It is always satisfying to spot or find areas that can be improved upon to reduce crime, and to work with the operator to implement these and see the positive results this brings. IW: Now that I have a years experience under my belt, I feel like my increased understanding of the parking industry allows me to offer meaningful support to our operators, so I can really assist their efforts to raise standards. I have always loved meeting new people, but feeling fully informed to guide and help our members develop their services is so satisfying. WB: Its got to be the great working relationship I have with my BPA colleagues, and with my police assessors and car park operators. Has there been a particular car park that stands out in your mind, and why? MR: B4 Car park in Birmingham is always a stand-out car park for me; 38 PN May 2023 pp38-39 Area managers.indd 38 25/04/2023 11:31