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I have a Mini Cooper (black, convertible) and follow all of the rules of motoring.
Rule #1. Wave to other Mini drivers.
Rule #2. Wave back.
Rule #3. Take unnecessary drives.
Rule #4. Wash the car regularly.
Rule #5. Admire the car in shop window reflections.
Rule #6. Enjoy and understand the Mini brand.
Rule #6 is probably why I was reading a documentary magazine about Mini Cooper when I happened upon “Small Car Big City”.
SCBC is a tour agency in London that provides ride-around explorations of the British capital in classic Minis.
The service is simple.
After making a reservation, one of SCBC’s passionate drivers, ready to disseminate knowledge about old London, takes you around to lesser-known historical sites in a well-maintained classic car.
Just as it sounds, the customer experience is unique, fun and earns rave reviews.
So much so that they are a top item on concierge recommendations at London’s most boutique-y hotels. (And those concierges are not a fast-to-trust, easy-to-work-with cohort.)
Founder Robert Welch says that when he started the company, he lost money the first few years. But he worked hard to create a good product and unique identity for SCBC and in the sixth year, it broke even. It has been profitable ever since, and the company is now over 10 years old.
Interestingly, BMW Mini is one of SCBC's largest customers. Though there was some friction between the two brands when BMW acquired Mini’s parent company Rover Group in the 1990s, BMW has a deep interest in the original brand and books tours for its new sale employees, so they can gain experience and inspiration.
Legally speaking, Welch says running SCBC is like operating a taxi company. And like taxi companies, SCBC needs to be on the lookout for disruption.
One of the longer-term concerns is that in 20 years, SCBC may not be allowed to offer city tours in carbon-emission vehicles. But Welch already has an idea about how to pivot, and is keeping his eye on Mini’s new line of all-electric Model E’s.
Always nice to read a story like this.
More here …
And here …
