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More than just an executive chauffeur
Some helpful information for your visit with us
All our vehicles are cleaned in between and during journeys as a matter of course – this was our normal practice even before the COVID-19 pandemic – to protect all passengers and drivers as much as possible from the transmission of infection generally. Our drivers are no longer required to wear a mask under UK law while they have passengers onboard. Clients are welcome to wear masks if they so desire. We will continue to review UK government guidelines.
Best London airport for business aviation/private jets to fly into
Chauffeurs, just like a private hire/minicab drivers, and their vehicles must be licensed. Chauffeurs and drivers working as sole traders, or a company that employs these drivers, must hold an operating licence. These are issued by the local authority of where the vehicle’s business office is registered, and in London by the Public Carriage Office, an agency within TfL (Transport for London). Each local authority has its own licensing department. Furthermore, chauffeurs and private hire drivers also have to hold their own personal PHV – public hire vehicle – Licence, to drive for hire and reward purposes. Their vehicles must be pre-booked by a client; they are not allowed to respond to someone flagging them down on the roadside. The only type of drivers who are allowed to respond to this are black cab drivers. And that’s where the similarity ends. Chauffeurs drive more upmarket limousines to meet the needs and aspirations of the type of, usually wealthy or high profile, clients they drive. Luxury vehicles, such as Mercedes S Class and V Class, are commonly used, but sometimes the client may request a specific marque type. The air-conditioned vehicles are kept in pristine condition, constantly washed and polished, ready to answer a call at a moment’s notice. Not only are the cars immaculate, but its chauffeur must appear just as presentable. Suits and ties are a must, and don’t forget the polished shoes. Few wear a chauffeur’s hat anymore; the days of a peak-capped, double-breasted, jodhpur-wearing personal chauffeurs have long disappeared. Of course, driving the likes of captains of industry, corporate executives and stars of stage and screen means a heightened level of discretion and security …at all times. Martin Martin Jackson is the proprietor of advectus Executive Chauffeur , a family business with a solid reputation in general chauffeuring, specialising in the niche aviation ground transportation sector. ad*ve’c*tus vb to carry, bring, convey [to]; arrive by
It means I drive clients in my prestige vehicles – also called limousines, sedans, people carriers or SUVs – wherever they need to go. In doing so, I practise a high level of etiquette – opening and closing the car doors for them if they wish, being personable, knowing when to talk … and when not to. Discretion is paramount. I also need to be well-groomed and dress conservatively: a dark two- or three-piece suit, white shirt and a conventional, understated tie. While I obviously need to be there, I also need to remain out of sight. My vehicle needs to look as pristine as I do. It’s not unheard of for me to tidy the inside of the limousine, clean the windscreen or polish the outside when waiting for my clients while they are in a meeting or at dinner or the theatre. It’s important that clients feel I take pride in my own appearance as well as that of the car.
Borough Market – when you finally get there – is a feast for all the senses. It’s a great place to sample and buy superb, mouth-watering ‘street food’ from vendors serving dishes from all over the world, as well as selling local fresh produce. Across from Borough Market towers the 306-feet tall Shard, the tallest building in Western Europe; a mix of offices, restaurants, a hotel and, of course, an amazing panoramic viewing platform. While I can personally recommend a trip up to the 72nd floor for fabulous views across London, I must warn you that tickets are timed and must be bought in advance. The Shard is next to one of London’s busiest railway stations, London Bridge, serving north of London as well as the whole of the south east corner of England. Look down from the viewing platform and you’ll think you’re observing a massive train set! Trains from here go to Canterbury, where you can visit its famous cathedral, the spiritual home of the Church of England. Back on the east side of London there is still much to discover. After a morning or afternoon mooching along the South Bank, how about (if you’re not too tired) crossing over to the north side and taking an evening walk around Whitechapel on a Jack the Ripper tour? These start from either outside Tower Hill or Aldgate East Tube station. Based on actual events, you’ll get to learn about all the famous, gruesome Ripper murders, see most of the places where they took place and get a real feel for what life was like in this part of Victorian London. Get further information from our hotel concierge. Known as the East End, this area of London – Whitechapel and Bethnal Green – was always a hotbed of crime in Victorian and Edwardian England, borne out of the appalling poverty and squalid living conditions. As time went on, the docklands area there became a welcome employer, serving ships full of supplies from all over the world. However, a heavy price was paid because of the docks – during World War II the area was heavily bombed with many lives lost, devasting the community, and with many homes and buildings obliterated, work was hard to come by. The rot set in again and during the 50’s and 60’s the area saw the rise of many ‘family’ gangs, using all means of terror to control the East End. None were more famous than the Kray twins, Ronnie and Reggie, who were also the last people to be imprisoned in the Tower of London ...although for skipping National Service rather than any murders. Nowadays, the East End is on the up again, with a multicultural mix of people living and working there. Indeed, some parts of the area are becoming very trendy to live. A multicultural mix, as ever, means a great array of food. If it’s hot, spicy Indian food you’re looking for then one street in particular is a must: Brick Lane. Forget about the posh West End/Mayfair Indian restaurants – you’ll find equally as good cuisine in a small, but friendly, family restaurant here. ©2021 Martin Jackson, advectus Executive Chauffeur. All rights reserved.