Meet the Team

Steve Thornton, Managing Director, feels strongly about rewarding our Armed Forces and ensuring that we do the best that we can for the military community, whether serving,
ex-military, or retired.

As he outlines: “I really enjoyed my time in the Army, with 4 Regt AAC, 669 Sqn, but I found it difficult to find companies that were in support of our troops, not just in terms of discounts offered but also their willingness to offer a simple service and understanding of our different and sometimes challenging requirements. Therefore, upon leaving the Army, it became my personal mission to find, secure and offer the best possible deals and services for my military colleagues, past and present.”

The ethos at Forces Cars Direct is: “If You Serve, You Save” and, since formation in 2001, it has saved over £100 million for its customers. Forces Cars Direct is a company that is here for you and strives constantly to improve its offers and services, to assure you of only the best possible deals and service.

A proud ex-soldier, whose ethos lies in serving his Armed Forces commmunity

Meet the Team

I served with 4 Regt AAC, 669 Sqn and loved my time in the Army. I initially stayed in Germany on leaving the Army, going on to set up Forces Cars Direct in 2001. As an ex-soldier it is important to me to reward others with the best possible discounts and service.

Steve Thornton

Managing Director
'Stevie T'

I was a pad brat, with my father serving in the Army for 27 years. Originally born in Essex, we then moved to Germany when I was 2 years old. I spent 15 years of my childhood based in Germany at Hohne & Rheindahlen. I have worked for FCD since 2003.

Laura Foster

HR & Delivery Manager
'Lozza'

With my father having served in the RAF for 38 years and my brother also currently serving, working at FCD was a natural fit for me. I studied PR and Marketing at the University of Lincoln and have been with FCD since 2005.

Zoe Critchley

Marketing & Commercial Manager

Although I have never served myself, I am proud to have been able to help and support our military community with savings on car purchases for over 10 years with Forces Cars Direct. My father also served in the Second World War, based in India.

Graham Ireland

Dealer Accounts Manager
'Gezza'

Proud dad to 2 footballing lads and spend most of my weekends travelling, getting wet and cold supporting them. My wife is a school Vice-Principal and I am constantly amazed and proud of how hard she and her colleagues are working during these difficult times.

Mike Defraine

Sales and Operations Director
'MDF'

I have been with Forces Cars Direct since 2015 and love speaking with the people working in the military and emergency services who devote their lives to helping others. I have close friends and family who have served.

Lewis Chapman

Sales Advisor
'Lou Lou'

I served in the military, as have many members of my family. I have worked at FCD for a number of years and feel at home with a team that embraces and respects our services; we are all a proud bunch. Keen on rugby, football and golf.

Stephen Freestone

Sales Advisor
'Freestone'

My Grandfather served in the RAF on the original Ark Royal during WW2, and although I have not served in the Forces myself, I am proud of my family history. I have worked in the motor trade for 25 years and enjoy aiding customers to find the right car for their needs.

Julian Ward

Sales Controller
'Jules'

Although I do not have a direct military connection myself, I enjoy working in such a caring team at FCD. Outside of work, my weekly bootcamp and my four children keep me busy, I also enjoy crocheting and all things arts and crafty.

Amy Bennett

Delivery Controller
'Gru'

My family have strong links with the military and emergency services, with family members serving in the Army and my Mum in the NHS, so it is great to join a company that provides a service to give back to these services. Loves sweets, new clothes and animals.

Jessica Giles

Delivery Coordinator
'Jessie G'

My husband and dad are both in the RAF! I love escape rooms, horror movies & crime programmes, anything pink, sparkly or leopard print. Hate cheese, love ice cold water - the colder the better!

Claire Scott

Delivery Coordinator

Born into a family of military heroes: Nan, the Army's culinary maestro; Grandad, a Grenadier Guard; and a stepbrother in the RAF. A proud University of Lincoln Media Studies grad, car enthusiast, Disney lover, love to travel, and chocoholic. 

Samantha Carr

Marketing Account Executive
'Sam'

I have come from a military family, with my Grandad serving in the Royal Navy. In my spare time I take part in charity 5k and 10k runs, the last of which I ran in memory of my Grandad.

Helen Cook

Lead Administrator
'H'

With plenty of family history in the Armed Forces and Emergency Services I am excited to be a part of a company that supports these hard-working services personnel. Outside of work I play football for my local team.

Sam Brown

Lead Administrator
'BigTimeSmoke'

Close to our heart

We are proud to work in partnership with several Armed Forces organisations to further support our military community.

Find out more about these partnerships by clicking the logos below.

Welcome to Forces Cars Direct

If you serve, you save

We provide new car discounts for all
Armed Forces personnel, past and present.

To discover the discounts available for you and to find your ideal car, please select your eligibility from the list below:

Not sure if you’re eligible? Find out if you are here

Join the Priority Club

Whether it’s your weekly grocery shop, reducing your utility bills or looking for a weekend take-away delivered to your door, Priority Club has a deal to save you money!