We caught up with Elizabeth McQuillan, founder of Flamingo Car Finance – an innovative business that is aiming to put women firmly in the driving seat when it comes to buying a new or used car.
The 39-year-old spotted the need for a concierge style service to help guide women through the process of finding a new vehicle and sorting out the financial aspects. She is challenging the status quo of the car finance world by making it female friendly, fun and flamboyant.
Elizabeth is referred to as ‘The Pink Flamingo’, as in a business world mainly dominated by men in grey suits, she embraces living life mostly in pink, standing out from the crowd.
My car of choice
As you can imagine with my job as the founder of Flamingo Car Finance, I adore cars! While I appreciate the classics, I personally love the modern cars and currently drive a Porsche Taycan, which is fully electric.
My favourite holiday destination
That’s a tough one, as I love partying in Ibiza, yachting in Dubai and having luxury spa holidays in The Lake District. Our dream wedding in the Maldives, with all of our friends and family, was cancelled due to the Covid lockdowns, however, determined not to be defeated, we rearranged and my husband and I eloped to Mykonos in August 2020 for an intimate wedding just the two of us – so, at the moment I would have to say Mykonos, as it holds so many special memories and proving that love can conquer all!
My gadget I can’t live without
It’s got to be my iPhone, it allows me to do business wherever and whenever. How on earth did we run a business without one?!
My go to fashion brand
I’m here to be fabulous and to stand out – I love statement shoes, including; Sophia Webster, Jimmy Choo, Valentino and Christian Louboutin. I adore fashion and dressing up every day. You get one chance to make a first impression, so that’s why I like to dress up to the nines. When I go to the horses with my daughter, to muck them out, they laugh at me, as I’m there with my Gucci handbag and Valentino sliders!
My airline of choice
I travelled the world at 21 – my parents bought me a flight ticket that literally went round the world! So, I have sampled a fair few airlines, however, my absolute favourite is Emirates.
My favourite watch brand
I own a Rolex – Oyster Perpetual – it’s a total classic and increases in value, which is bonus!
My favourite restaurant
My parents own the most gorgeous seafood restaurant called The Trafalgar, it has been running for over 50 years and is one of Lancashire’s leading seafood restaurant, the lobster is incredibly good! It is traditional, it’s characterful and the service is impeccable.
My guilty pleasure
Hotel Chocolat with a bottle of Cloudy Bay wine.
My favourite way to give back
I grew up in humble begins in a deprived area of the North West of England, that is why I am passionate about doing business with integrity and making a positive impact on people and the world – I think this links back to humble beginnings, wanting to have an impact and make a difference – I am not just in it for the financial gain. I recently took part in a charity Strictly Come Dancing competition, which I won, raising money for Shelter.
All imagery credit: Jen Hilton
