How Mark started Off Hours Coding
Mark spent 9 years working as a software developer for financial firms before moving to Reading in 2017. He noticed that his colleagues all had the same problem. They paid for expensive car leases on vehicles that sat in the driveway 5 days a week. In 2018, he decided to fix this. He bought 4 reliable hatchbacks and started a small pilot program for his friends in the IT sector. No long-term debt was the rule from day one. He wanted a service that worked like a software subscription—simple to start and easy to stop.
Today, Off Hours Coding manages a fleet of 43 vehicles from our base at 58 Station Road. Mark handles the day-to-day operations and makes sure the cars are ready when members need them. He doesn't believe in the traditional car sales approach. There are no suits or high-pressure tactics here. We focus on people who want a car that fits their calendar. If you need a van for a house move or a small car for the daily commute, Mark makes it happen without the usual paperwork headache.
By 2021, the business had grown to 47 active members. Mark personally vets every vehicle we add to the fleet to ensure they meet our standards for reliability. He often says that we aren't just renting cars; we are managing a shared resource for the local tech community. (Heads-up: Mark is usually out at the garage on Tuesday mornings, so afternoon calls are always better). One monthly bill covers everything from insurance to road tax, which is how Mark prefers to run things—clear and honest.
Our members appreciate the flexibility to swap for the weekend. Mark remembers a specific case in May 2023 when a developer needed a rugged SUV for a trip to the Lake District. We swapped his city car on Friday morning and had him back in his usual electric sedan by Monday 9:00. This practical approach is why 31% of our members have been with us for over two years. We don't aim to be the biggest fleet in the UK. We just want to be the most reliable one for professionals in Reading.
Mark is currently looking at adding 3 more electric vehicles to the fleet by the end of Q3 2025. He spends a lot of his time looking at the numbers to keep our rates fair. Drive what fits your calendar is his motto. If a car isn't being used, it isn't providing value. That is why we keep our overheads low and our service direct. You won't find any hidden fees or complicated contracts here. Just a straightforward way to get behind the wheel when it makes sense for your life.