Insiders' Guide - Autotrader.co.uk

There are seven people in the online display team, although we are soon to be 10. We sell display advertising across Trader Media Group websites such as Autotrader.co.uk, Biketrader.co.uk and TopMarques.co.uk, as well as our mobile site. Solutions range from standard CPM performance campaigns to innovative sponsorships. We offer a whole range of digital solutions, as well as cross-media opportunities, which combine the reach of our website and Auto Trader magazine.

- Who does what?

Naomi Lay, who starred in The Apprentice in 2007, is our head of display advertising. She is supported by senior account managers Phil Guy (finance and insurance) and Ryan Carter (automotive). We then have four account managers: Dane Baptiste (automotive), Simon Paul (automotive), Al Mottram (lifestyle) and Tamzyn Young (lifestyle).

- Who is the biggest character and why?

Although Naomi made the News of the World when she took part in The Apprentice on BBC1 last year, it has to be Dane Baptiste, aka Big D. A stand-up comedian in his spare time, his speciality material includes how to make jokes about your boss' mother. The team is generally quite amusing, and all the senior account managers can be found on YouTube.

- What is your office atmosphere like?

We're always very busy with a lot going on, but we always find time for banter and tea rounds. Everyone gets their fair share of grief from the rest of the team.

- What stands you apart from the rest of the industry?

We understand what our advertisers are looking for and sell them a solution that fits. Autotrader.co.uk is the largest automotive website in Europe and, as such, we have a long history of involvement in this sector and really understand our manufacturers' requirements. Phil is the finance and insurance guru and knows how to make these campaigns work online. We're also finding a way to make lifestyle campaigns work on the site. We have more than 10 million unique users from a wide range of demographics and we're constantly developing solutions to suit new advertisers.

- What does it take to get a job in your team?

You have to be able to learn quickly, adapt to new developments (because we are constantly developing new products) and really understand online. You also have to love what you do and be up for a laugh.

- How are staff encouraged to hit targets?

Incentives, incentives and more incentives. We all thrive on a challenge, but we like to be rewarded for it financially as well.

- Where do you all let your hair down?

Most recently at Thorpe Park, followed by beers in Wimbledon Village.

- Is your team the best in the business? E-mail harriet.dennys@haymarket.com.

This article was first published on Media Week