Meet the team

Robin Hansell
Robin HansellCentre Manager
After building my first car at the age of 15 with my dad I found I had a love for cars and I have gone on to build loads more. I have been in the motor trade since I left school. Since leaving school I have achieved my level 2 and 3 in vehicle technology my level 3 in automotive refrigerant handling and became an MOT tester. In 2009 I wanted a career change so I went into teaching and have not looked back. As Center Manager I love the day today running of open road and teaching motor vehicle to my students in the hope that I can inspire them into a career that I have enjoyed for years.

My current project is rebuilding an old VW Camper Van.

Ady Barney
Ady BarneyBusiness Manager
I have been with Open Road since September 2015.

Originally born in York but at three months moved to Hong Kong and have had various homes around Norfolk before settling in King’s Lynn since 1983.

My background is 35 years working within public services, originally with DSS (now DWP) but with the last 19 years in first the Education Department which became Children’s Services in 2006. My posts were Area Admin Officer, Area Business Manager and Business Support Manager. I was fortunate to be able to retire early from my last post but did not feel ready to completely retire!

I have two grown up sons and one granddaughter. I enjoy long walks with the dog, especially Heacham beach in the winter when there is a hot cup of tea waiting for me afterwards. I am a keen gardener and kept an allotment up until a few years ago. I am an avid Formula 1 fan and was lucky to have been to Monaco for the race in 2016. I am also a volunteer for SSAFA (Soldiers’ Sailors’ & Airmen’s Family Association) which came about as my father was in the RAF for 39 years.

Aaron Ward
Aaron WardTutor
I first joined Open Road back in August 2013 as a volunteer. Open Road offered me a job as a tutor in October 2014. Since then I have had the privilege of working with great youngsters. The transformation of them from being shy and under confident on their first week to being enthusiastic, highly motivated and beaming of confidence by the end of their time with us at Open Road, is why I love my job.

Back in 2005 when I left high school, I didn’t know what I wanted to do as a career, I went onto ‘Access to Music College’ Norwich to gain my diploma in music. Shortly after, I got my first car, a little Peugeot 106. I had found my new passion and it was mechanics! I worked my way through the Haynes manual, from general servicing to changing clutches. This made me gain critical knowledge and experience. Today, 7 years on, I still have the car and it is now built for the track!