My morning routine starts around 6.30am when I wake up for morning prayers and a brisk walk round the park but it’s recently been too cold so I jump back into bed straight after prayers. However, when I do go for a walk it does mean I have an hour to reflect on personal progress and also plan the day ahead. I then get ready for work and another day brimming with challenges. At work I constantly get ribbed for wearing a suit and tie but I like to take care over what I wear. Having recently shed nearly three stone, I have enjoyed wearing some of my vintage attire from days gone by, as well as shopping for a new wardrobe. As the saying goes: ’People who feel good about themselves produce good results’.

I joined Euro Garages (winners of this year’s Forecourt Trader of the Year award) at the beginning of the year and can simply describe the work environment as an ’atmosphere of determination to succeed’. The business operates in a pretty demanding sector but equally in quite an exciting, emerging market place. This makes each day at the head office in Blackburn different and we work with some amazing brand partners. On a day-to-day basis I work closely with Zuber Issa, chief executive officer; Mohsin Issa, managing director; and James Thornton, finance director.

Euro Garages is growing very fast and working as part of our senior management team, I make sure that the base from which we grow our business is financially secure and structurally sound.

I regularly represent and reflect the business activity and our operations to everyone who we are doing business with, or anyone who may want to get to know more about us. On a daily basis I have to balance the need to achieve company goals without trying to drive too much change, too quickly. I measure my success by being able to embed a culture within the business that embraces organisational change, extends regular communication and forms commitment to on-going investment in our forecourt estate, people and systems as fundamental growth strategies.

Probably the most satisfying part of my job is just seeing the role develop and it being accepted by everyone else as adding value to and assisting with their roles. I also get particular satisfaction helping other colleagues develop, succeed and progress within the company. Being given the opportunity to share their journey gives me an immense sense of fulfilment.

Most of my working life has been spent in IT working for large corporates so I bring this experience with me into Euro Garages. I am involved in shaping our IT provision having just completed our procurement for on-going support, recruiting an IT manager, checking our website for updates and overseeing the implementation of a biometric system.

Euro Garages is also proud to be developing forecourt sites on a regular basis including knock-down-rebuilds and new-to-industry developments. Currently, I am involved in promoting the opening of our new Kettering Service Station in Northamptonshire. Work involves organising a F1 car to be on-site for customers to view, co-ordinating partner promotions and developing advertising strategy. The aim is to attract tons of consumer attention and response from around the region to try and win the Forecourt Trader of the Year Award again, SORRY I meant establish a loyal customer base.

I enjoy the variety afforded in my role but above all, the people who I work with. Such a great team! In such a fast-paced and ever-changing business environment, the people who operate our forecourt retail offer and represent the various partner brands are important and thankfully, we’re fortunate enough to have a committed workforce.

Forgive the well-worn cliché but it really is true; the best part of being at Euro Garages is being here doing what I came here to do helping the business and our people move forward and grow from strength to strength.

Ilyas Munshi:

Name: Ilyas Munshi
Job title: Commercial director
Company: Euro Garages
Career history: Joined Euro Garages earlier this year and was previously chief executive at Enterprise4All supporting individuals to start, grow and succeed in business. Successful track record in senior management within the travel, utility and hospitality sectors
Greatest achievement: Keeping my wife happy while bringing up our four children
Tips for business success: Enjoy what you do, if not, it’s time to move on
Most likely to say: "Be proud of who you are and not who people want you to be"
Least likely to say: "We can’t do this!"
Other interests: Gadgets, food and travelling

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