Former Secretary of State for Transport joins The Big Lemon bus company as Managing Director
Brighton & Hove-based operator The Big Lemon has announced that Norman Baker has been appointed as its new Managing Director.
Norman was previously the MP for the Lewes area from 1997-2015 and was Secretary for State for Transport from 2010-2013. Upon leaving politics in 2015, he became Chairman of Bus Users UK, working closely with CEO Claire Walters in raising the profile of Bus Users.
The Big Lemon runs buses and coach services using waste cooking oil from local restaurants, and is launching two electric buses in April which will be powered by renewable solar energy.
CBW asked Norman what attracted him to apply for the role. He commented: “I saw an advertisement that The Big Lemon wanted a new MD and decided to apply.
“I wasn’t looking for anything new; I had been doing some freelancing here and there. When I saw the job I applied, had an interview and all the usual things.
“I was attracted to them as they are a very ethical company and consider the environment with their services. They try to use sustainable fuels and it seemed like a happy place to work for.”
When asked if he had any aims for the company, he commented: “I do not feel it is my job to come in and change everything. My initial goal is simply to take the time to meet everyone in the company. Their ethos is perfect and I want to build on it rather than alter it.”
Tom Druitt, founder and Chief Executive of The Big Lemon, welcomed Norman’s appointment, saying: “Norman has dedicated his life to his community, serving the people of Lewes for many years as their MP, and more recently bus users across the country as Transport Minister and latterly as Chair of Bus Users UK.
“We’d be hard-pressed to find a stronger campaigner for better and more sustainable bus services to lead our organisation in Brighton & Hove, and we’re very much looking forward to working together.”
