🚐 Behind Devon Transfers: The Story of a Trusted Local Taxi Service
- Nick
- May 26
- 5 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
In a world full of big taxi firms, faceless apps and inconsistent service, Devon Transfers was born out of a simple but powerful belief: the people of Willand and the surrounding Mid Devon villages deserve a local service that puts reliability and care first.
Hi, I’m Nick — the owner and driver behind Devon Transfers. In this post, I want to give you a glimpse behind the wheel of what this business really is, why it started and how I am working to become Willand’s number one airport transfer specialist.
🌄 From Take-Off to Touchdown: Why I Started Devon Transfers
After over 20 years in the aviation industry — where precision, professionalism and punctuality were everything — my career took an unexpected turn when the airline I worked for went into administration at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Like many others at the time, I had to adapt quickly. I tried a few different roles in the years that followed but something was missing. I realised I needed to build something of my own — something I could put 100% of myself into, where customer service still mattered and where I could make a real difference locally.
That’s when Devon Transfers was born.
In March 2024, I launched Devon Transfers with a simple goal: to offer a professional, friendly and reliable private hire service that puts people first — whether that’s an early-morning airport transfer, a wedding pickup or a late-night station run across Mid Devon. A service people could genuinely trust.
When you book with Devon Transfers, you’re not dealing with a dispatch centre or an anonymous driver. You’re booking directly with me and I take pride in providing a premium, personal service — every time.
🎯 Not Just Driving – What Really Goes on Behind the Scenes
A lot of people see the vehicle and the journey however, there is so much more going on every day to keep Devon Transfers running smoothly:
✅ Answering customer enquiries — Whether it is via phone, email, WhatsApp or social media DMs, I personally respond to every booking request, quote or question.
🕒 Managing a tight schedule — I keep an organised digital calendar so I am never late — and always well-rested between jobs. Operating 24/7 (when pre-booked) means time management is key.
📱 Updating social media — Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn help me stay connected to local residents and provide updates, tips and news.
🌐 Keeping the website current — Customers rely on my website for booking information, FAQs and updates. I regularly refresh the content to ensure it's helpful and relevant.
💷 Managing finances and budgeting — As a new sole trader, this has been a huge learning curve. I track every cost — from fuel and maintenance to insurance and taxes — to keep the business healthy.
☁️ Monitoring weather and travel conditions — Whether it is fog, storms or ice, I stay informed to ensure passengers arrive on time and safely.
✈️ Using live flight and cruise tracking apps — I keep an eye on arrival boards, so I am always at the terminal or train station at just the right time — not too early, never late.
📊 Researching new tools — I am always exploring software that could make things easier for my customers, whether that’s online payment options or live tracking features.
🛡️ Not Just a Driver – Professional Standards That Protect You
There’s also a side of the job most people never see — the compliance, licensing and safety standards that go into every journey. Here’s what that looks like:
🛠️ Twice-Yearly Taxi Inspections — Unlike most cars that only require an MOT once a year, licensed taxis in Mid Devon must pass a full taxi inspection every six months — in addition to the standard annual MOT. These go beyond a standard MOT and ensure your journey is always in a safe, roadworthy vehicle. I take this seriously — because your safety is key, not just for you, but for my reputation and the trust my business is built on.
A big thank you to K & S Auto Services here in Willand — an approved taxi inspection garage recognised by the council — for keeping my vehicle in top condition and fully compliant.
📚 Training & Safeguarding — As part of my licensing conditions, I complete regular safeguarding training. It’s not just about meeting requirements — it’s about protecting vulnerable passengers and upholding high standards of care and professionalism for everyone I drive.
📜 Mid Devon Taxi Licensing Policy — I operate under the official Mid Devon District Council taxi policy, which sets out detailed standards for vehicle presentation, driver conduct, insurance, dress code and customer care. These aren’t just rules — they’re about earning and keeping your trust.
🔍 Fully Licensed, DBS Checked, Insured & SIA Certified — I am fully licensed by the council, DBS checked, insured for private hire and certified by the Security Industry Authority (SIA). When you book with Devon Transfers, you're choosing a professional, vetted and accountable service — not taking chances with an unregulated or unknown driver.
It’s a full-time job and then some — but it is also a job I love.
🚘 A Service Built Around You
Devon Transfers is more than a journey — it is a service built around trust, care and consistency.
Whether it is an early morning drop-off at Bristol Airport, a stress-free pickup from Tiverton Parkway or a wedding party transfer to Upton Barn or Huntsham Court, I make sure every journey is smooth and professional.
I am building something small — but solid. Something local people can count on. I am not here to be the cheapest, I am here to be the most reliable, cleanest, friendliest and most professional option available for those who just want their journey handled properly.
Let’s be honest — when it comes to getting to the airport stress-free, that’s exactly what matters.
🏡 Serving Willand and Beyond — With Pride
I live right here in Willand and I am not just your driver — I am your neighbour.
Big goals start small and mine is simple: to become Willand’s most trusted airport transfer specialist and a go-to choice for nearby communities like Cullompton, Uffculme, Halberton, Sampford Peverell, Culmstock and the surrounding Mid Devon villages.
Whether it is your holiday, your business trip, or your wedding day — I take that responsibility seriously. My aim is to provide a local, safe and friendly service that people can count on time and time again.
The support so far has been incredible — repeat customers, kind reviews and word-of-mouth recommendations are what keep the wheels turning. Thank you for trusting Devon Transfers.
❤️ More Than a Business
When I am not driving, I am usually enjoying a coffee at a local café, sharing a meal with my wife, or volunteering — something I have done in my spare time for 20 years.
Devon Transfers isn’t just a business — it’s a personal commitment to provide the kind of service I would want for my own family: safe, friendly, dependable and always professional.
✈️ Flying Soon? Need a Reliable Transfer?
If you have an early morning flight from Exeter or Bristol, are arriving late at Tiverton Parkway or planning a big day at one of Mid Devon’s stunning wedding venues — get in touch.
I would love to be your driver.
📞 Call or message to book
The Journey Continues…
Every day, I am proud to serve Mid Devon with care, professionalism and a personal touch. With every new booking, Devon Transfers grows — not just as a business but as a trusted part of the community.
Thank you for reading — I hope to see you on the road soon.
—Nick Sellick
Owner & Driver, Devon Transfers
Willand, Mid Devon
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