A Day in the Life of a Chauffeur
Mark Barnes is the founder of Vintage Luxury Chauffeurs. Ayrshire-born and raised, he is driven by a gentler time, where service, style, and quality were paramount. He lives in Ayr with his wife and young son, and balances family life with his love of beautiful cars, and his work in the property industry.
His adventurous spirit and working life have taken him around the world, but he loves nothing more than spending time with his family in Ayrshire. When he’s not creating unforgettable experiences for clients in his chauffeur business, or working within the property sector, he relaxes by designing and manufacturing custom drum kits.
How long have you been a chauffeur?
I became a chauffeur when I bought my 1953 Rolls Royce Silver Wraith. It was a means of sharing a beautiful car with others and paying for her running costs. The business took off and my background as an account director allowed me to bring my customer service expertise to the fore. The rest, as they say, is history. The business has grown, and we now also have a fleet of luxury Mercedes-Benz vehicles at our clients’ disposal.
What training, if any, did you need to do?
To be a chauffeur you should have great driving skills and a passion for customer service. A knowledge of vehicle maintenance helps, too.
What car(s) do you drive?
As a passionate car guy, I have owned and driven the sublime to the ridiculous, but for business, it’s got to be the ultimate elegance of the Rolls Royce and prestige of Mercedes-Benz.
What do you like best about being a chauffeur?
Turning other people’s dreams into reality is the most amazing privilege.
Do you dislike anything about your role?
No, I’m proud of the company I’ve built and proud to make dreams
come true.
Can you briefly describe what a typical chauffeuring job involves?
In this job, every client is unique. The common elements are communication and flexibility.
Whether it’s someone on their way to the alter, or the arrival of an executive on a private jet, you are required to think on your feet and be flexible when the client requires it. Every journey should be an unforgettable experience.
Presumably, both you and the car always need to look pristine?
A chauffeur’s day starts very early. After a meticulous vehicle check, including a three-hour routine of washing, polishing, and refuelling, the vehicle is ready. It’s then time to prepare by putting on my suit, ensuring that my appearance matches the high standards that have been set.
One piece of advice for anyone wanting to become a chauffeur?
A passion for service and a desire to exceed expectations is essential.
Do you have a funny story you can share connected to your role as a chauffeur?
When attending a meeting at the beautiful Dumfries House in our Rolls Royce, my colleague was in the back of the car working on her laptop. As we proceeded towards the house, we encountered two local dog walkers. The road is narrow and as we slowed to pass them, they stood at the side of the road, tipped their caps, and gave a respectful nod in our direction. These lovely chaps assumed that the passenger in the back of the Rolls Royce was someone much more important and regal than our operations manager. It made her day!
Chauffeuring highlight so far?
We were excited to be signed by one of the world’s most iconic film studios to take part in an American series filmed in the UK.
If you had to sum up your chauffeuring job in one word, what would it be?
Rewarding.
