Meet Our Board Members

Dougie Reid - Chairman 

"Thirty-seven years behind the wheel has taught me that while the roads may change, the value of a hard day's graft and a united trade never does."

 

​I started my career as a taxi driver in 1987 and have been a dedicated part of the Streamline team since 1988. Over nearly four decades navigating the streets of Leeds, I have seen our industry through every high and low firsthand. This long experience has given me a deep understanding of the unique challenges we face on the ranks every day and the grit required to succeed in this profession.

 

​As Chairman of the Leeds Hackney Carriage Drivers Association, my primary responsibility is to lead our members with a clear sense of purpose. I am committed to being a strong, vocal advocate for our trade in all dealings with the City Council, licensing authorities and external partners. My focus is to ensure that the interests of our drivers are not only represented but are central to the conversations that shape our future.

 

​I am incredibly proud to lead a brilliant and energetic young team within the Association. My vision is to bridge the gap between our long standing traditions and the modern requirements of a 21st century service. By mentoring the next generation of drivers and embracing professional progress, I aim to move our trade forward by improving driver safety, securing better rank conditions and maintaining the high standards that the Leeds public expects from us.

 

​I truly believe that a united trade is a strong trade. I am dedicated to fostering a sense of community within our Association, ensuring that every driver whether a veteran of thirty years or a newcomer to the ranks has the support and representation they deserve. Together, we will continue to protect our livelihood and ensure the Hackney Carriage trade remains a respected and vital part of our city’s transport network.

 

​Outside of my professional duties and time in the cab, I find my balance in the quiet of the outdoors. I am an avid walker and enjoy nothing more than heading out into the fresh air with my Westie, Charlie.

Kadam Hussain - Vice Chairman 

Hello everyone,

 

My name is Kadam Hussain, and I’m the Vice Chair of LHCDA—the leading independent trade body representing Hackney drivers in Leeds.

 

I’m 63 years old and a proud resident of Leeds. I entered the taxi and private hire industry in 1986,starting as a private hire driver for a large company in East Leeds, which I later went on to co-manage.

 

In 1999, a colleague and I started a new private hire company which, through a lot of hard work and dedication, became a success. In 2001, I sold my share of that business and, after some encouragement from a good friend on the Hackney Carriage side of the trade, I began my journey as a black and white driver in Leeds—a profession I continue to proudly be part of to this day.

 

I am deeply committed to our trade and care passionately about its future. Over the years, I’ve also worked as an NVQ assessor in a trade-related qualification and have gained a broad range of experience across all aspects of the industry.

 

I’m here to support you with trade-related matters, build useful connections, and seek out opportunities that benefit us all.

 

The LHCDA team, of which I’m proud to be a part, is made up of dedicated, hard-working individuals who are keen to work closely with each of you.

 

As a trade, we face ongoing challenges—but with your support, I’m confident we can meet them together.

 

Nadeem Ayub - Secretary 

Hi, I serve as the Secretary of LHCDA. My strength lies in putting things into perspective transforming negativity into opportunities and solutions. I bring an analytical, strategic mindset shaped by my previous roles in the financial and entertainment sectors, including time as an analyst.

 

I work well with everyone, from drivers to council members, and always aim to engage in a respectful and productive way. I enjoy going to the gym and keeping active, which helps me stay focused and motivated in my role.

 

As the Secretary of the association, I help keep everything organised and running smoothly behind the scenes. I take notes during meetings and make sure we have proper records of what was discussed and agreed. I also send out messages and updates to our members, and I’m often the one who contacts the council or other organisations on our behalf.

 

My job also involves keeping all our important documents safe and easy to find, like previous meeting notes, letters we’ve sent or received, or anything members might ask for later.

 

Overall, my role is about staying organised, keeping communication clear, and making sure things don’t fall through the cracks so we can stay focused on supporting the taxi trade and helping our drivers.

Dilly Latif - Vice Secretary 

Hi, I’m the Vice Secretary of LHCDA, and I’ve been in the taxi trade for over 20 years. I care deeply about what I do—especially when it comes to supporting wheelchair users and passengers who need extra help. I’m someone who likes to take action and get things done, whether that’s helping a driver sort out an issue or speaking up for our trade in meetings with the council.

 

I work closely with drivers and always try to make sure their voices are heard. I believe in teamwork and doing things properly, with honesty and experience. I’ve built strong working relationships with licensing officers, councillors and others who shape the way our trade runs. 

 

While I respect the tradition of our trade, I’m also keen to help us move forward and modernise in the right way. When I’m not working, I enjoy football and being part of a good team—on and off the pitch.

 

As Vice Secretary, I support the Secretary with the day-to-day admin and help keep everything running smoothly. I often act as a go-between for the drivers and the board—so if someone has a concern, I’ll help make sure it’s raised and looked into.

 

I also help plan meetings, talk to members, and collect feedback from drivers about things like rank problems, licensing issues, or general trade matters.  My job is a mix of admin and practical work, making sure we stay connected with our members and continue to push for improvements that matter to drivers.

Abid Hussain - Treasurer 

Hello, I’m the Treasurer for LHCDA. I’m friendly, easy to talk to, and always happy to listen to what our drivers have to say.

 

I enjoy meeting people and building strong links within the trade. I care about making sure our association has the funds it needs to grow and make a difference, whether that’s for day-to-day work or bigger projects.

 

I’m always looking out for funding opportunities—like grants, sponsorships, or local partnerships—to help support the trade. I also love getting involved in things like charity events or community activities. For me, supporting our drivers and our trade isn’t just a job—it’s something I genuinely care about.

 

As Treasurer, I look after the association’s money and make sure it’s spent properly and fairly. I manage the budget, keep clear records, and help decide where funds should go—whether it’s for an event, equipment, or help for drivers.

 

I also give regular updates to the board about how we’re doing financially and make sure everything is done openly and responsibly. My job is to make sure the money side of things runs smoothly so we can keep supporting our members and planning for the future.

Aumit Rasool - Public Relations Officer

Hi, I’m the Public Relations Officer—though most people just know me as “Smiley”! I’ve always got a smile on my face because I genuinely enjoy what I do and the people I work with. Before joining the trade, I worked in the financial sector, so I know how to manage communication and keep things professional. I use that experience to help promote our association and build strong links with the public.

 

I enjoy long walks every day—they help me clear my head and come back with fresh ideas. I’m always open to new ways of doing things and believe we should always aim to improve. My motto is simple:

 

“Don’t leave things the way they are—work to change them for the better.”

 

As the Public Relations Officer, I look after how our association is seen by the public and the media. I help share our message, promote the good work we do, and keep people informed about important updates—whether it’s through social media, local events, or campaigns.

 

I also collect feedback and ideas from our drivers, so our communication reflects what really matters to them. My goal is to make sure we’re seen as professional, approachable, and proud of what we stand for—both inside and outside the trade.