Alan Garrec is the founder of 118 Taxi – UK’s largest taxi directory, a business linking people who need a taxi but don’t know which number to ring.
Alan went on to legally change his name to 118 TAXI, as a publicity stunt.
He said: “I thought it would be a great way to promote the business. I’ve already got my degree so all my degree certificates say Alan Garrec on them.
“My parents weren’t too surprised. I think they’ve come to expect this sort of thing of me.
“Most of my friends think it’s a bit of fun and they’ve started calling me 118 or Mr Taxi or Tax for short.
Alan is a graduate of Warwick University, finishing a three year degree in psychology.
Alan grew up in Norwich, before moving to Coventry to study at Warwick University
Alan said he started the company after a friend of his was assaulted in an unlicensed taxi at university.
His company has gone to join forces with over 11,000 taxi firms nationwide to offer a service manned by a call centre and using a national telephone number 118 8294, thus spelling out 118 TAXI on a telephone’s keypad.
The service operates simply by asking for the customer’s location, before putting them through to a local licensed taxi company in that area.
Alan Garrec Reached final of the HSBC Unipreneur Awards and Bizcom with 118 Taxi. He’s also appeared on the Graham Norton Show.
There is also an iphone application for 118Taxi.
118 Taxi now has over 15 employees, with over 25,000 turnovers annually.
Check out the 118 Taxi Website
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