At a Glance
- Tasks: Guide private sightseeing tours in London and southern England while driving a company vehicle.
- Company: Bespoke England Tours offers high-end private car tours with a focus on exceptional service.
- Benefits: Earn Β£28 per hour, enjoy generous tips, and receive training for your PCO license.
- Why this job: Join a premium tour company, meet discerning travellers, and share your passion for London's history.
- Qualifications: Must have a London PCO license, guiding experience, and excellent knowledge of London and England.
- Other info: Flexible freelance work with potential for a 6-month contract; vehicle provided exclusively for work.
30-40 hours per week. Overtime possible in peak season. Offered Salary Β£28 per hour.
Driver-guide for London and southern England, self-employed, company vehicle provided. We are looking to onboard 2 freelance driver-guides for private sightseeing car tours in London and southern England. Company owned Mercedes Vito will be provided.
About Us
Bespoke England Tours is a high-end private tour company based in London. We specialise in private car tours in Mercedes V Class and Vito MPVs, covering half and full day tours of London and England's top attractions such as Windsor Castle, Hampton Court, Stonehenge, The Cotswolds, Bath and Oxford. We work with the best 5* hotels in London and travel agents from the USA.
We can help outstanding experienced London tourist guides who'd like to train for the role with advice and perhaps even funding to get a London PCO Private Hire Driver's License. We will provide the right candidates (experienced tour-guides with a London PCO license) with a Mercedes Vito for the season from March to October, and may even consider a 6 month work contract if preferred.
The Role
We are looking for 2 driver-guides to cover 7 day availability. E.g. one team member will work Sunday-Wednesday and the other Thursday-Saturday. This is predominantly a guiding position for an experienced London and southern England tour guide who has a London PCO license. You must be first a guide and then a driver, providing commentary in the car and then guiding in the venues as required and permitted at each of the locations. In-house training will be required and provided too.
You must drive guests safely and comfortably whilst educating and entertaining them. You will be responsible for the smooth running of the whole tour. Our clients are discerning travellers, mainly from the USA, who are expecting an excellent private tour and generously tip knowledgeable guides with premium vehicles. You must keep your vehicle spotless and in good repair, and present yourself professionally for every tour.
About You
You must have at least one year of guiding experience in London and southern England. An acceptable knowledge of the history and geography of London and England is essential to be considered for the role. You must have a TFL London Private Hire License (PCO) and have less than 6 points on your driver's license, being prepared to drive an executive class Mercedes Vito 9 seater MPV.
Bespoke England Tours will own the vehicle and you will drive it exclusively for Bespoke England Tours; the vehicle is not to be used for other work or socially. You must be reliable, professional, punctual, polite, warm, friendly, knowledgeable and passionate about the tours you lead. You must have an excellent level of spoken English and be very familiar with London and England's geography, monuments, landmarks and history. You must keep the vehicle clean, tidy and in good state of repair and present yourself to work in professional and smart attire.
Experience
- Driver-guiding: 1 year (preferred)
- London PCO: 1 year (preferred)
- Guiding: 1 year (required)
- Licence/Certification: London PCO license issued by TFL (required)
Very rewarding and above average rates for freelance driver-guides who don't own a vehicle. Very generous cash tips and gratuities. Freelance work all year round. Training will be provided for those driver-guides with a certain level of knowledge to build on and who show commitment to the project. Join a rapidly expanding and innovative premium private tour company in London.
Job Types
- Freelance, temporary or permanent.
Schedule
- Day shift
- Holidays: Monday to Friday
- Weekend availability
Supplemental Pay Types
- Commission pay
- Loyalty bonus
- Performance bonus
- Tips
- Yearly bonus
COVID-19 Considerations
Staff and clients to follow Public Health England travel rules. Vehicles must be fully sanitised before tour and must have PPE onboard.
Ability to Commute/Relocate
London: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required).
Work Authorisation
United Kingdom (required).
Day shift (required).
Work Location: London and on the road.
Reference ID: Driver-guides 2023 (company vehicle)
Driver-guide company vehicle employer: Bespokeenglandtours
Contact Detail:
Bespokeenglandtours Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Driver-guide company vehicle
β¨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the key attractions in London and southern England. Knowing the history and interesting facts about places like Windsor Castle and Stonehenge will not only enhance your guiding skills but also impress potential employers.
β¨Tip Number 2
Network with other tour guides and professionals in the industry. Attend local tourism events or join online forums to connect with others who can provide insights or even recommend you for this role.
β¨Tip Number 3
Make sure your London PCO license is up to date and that you meet all driving requirements. Being fully compliant will show your commitment to professionalism and safety, which is crucial for this position.
β¨Tip Number 4
Prepare to showcase your personality during any interviews or informal meetings. The role requires a warm and friendly approach, so demonstrating your passion for guiding and engaging with clients will set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Driver-guide company vehicle
Some tips for your application π«‘
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your guiding experience, particularly in London and southern England. Emphasise your knowledge of local history and geography, as well as any relevant certifications like the London PCO license.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for guiding and your ability to provide an exceptional experience for clients. Mention your familiarity with the attractions listed in the job description and how you can enhance the tours with your commentary.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your application, detail your previous roles as a tour guide, focusing on your customer service skills and any experience with high-end clientele. Include specific examples of successful tours you've conducted.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your professionalism and attention to detail, which is crucial for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Bespokeenglandtours
β¨Know Your Routes
Familiarise yourself with the key attractions in London and southern England. Be prepared to discuss your favourite routes and any interesting anecdotes related to the sites, as this will showcase your guiding experience and knowledge.
β¨Dress to Impress
Since you'll be representing a high-end tour company, make sure to dress professionally for the interview. A smart appearance reflects your understanding of the role and the expectations of discerning clients.
β¨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a driver-guide, your ability to engage and entertain clients is crucial. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently, and be ready to demonstrate how you would interact with guests during a tour.
β¨Highlight Your Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous guiding experiences, especially in London. Share specific examples of tours you've led, challenges you've faced, and how you've ensured a memorable experience for your clients.