For many years, Driver Hire has been a high-ranking franchisor in the HSBC Elite Franchise Top 100 (“The UK’s official Top 100 franchise guide”). 2026 is the ninth successive year the transport & logistics specialist recruiter has been in the Top 10 – this year coming in at #7, alongside household names including McDonalds and Dyno-Rod.

Rankings are based on core criteria that include size, growth, ambitions, and contribution made to the wider franchising industry and the community.

To further add to its success story, Driver Hire has been shortlisted for two awards from Elite Franchise Magazine: the ‘Businesses for Sale Innovation of the Year Award’ and the ‘Elite Franchise Sustainability of the Year Award.’

The ‘Innovation of the Year Award’ category highlights franchisors who have shown marketing innovation within the franchise model. This might be in the development of enterprising new ways to recruit franchisees, in the promotion of franchise resales, as well as marketing the brand.

The ‘Sustainability of the Year Award’ honours significant contributions to environmental and social progress, including energy efficiency improvements, climate initiatives, and leading practices in sustainability.

Commenting on the latest ranking, Graham Duckworth, Driver Hire’s Franchise Sales Director, said: “As Driver Hire heads towards another outstanding year’s trading – currently 7% up year-on-year, this is another reason to celebrate. Our latest appearance in the Top 10 of the Top 100 rankings speaks volumes about the strength of the Driver Hire business model and our outstanding franchise support, which continues to deliver for our franchisees. These two new award nominations highlight our business strength.”

Elite Franchise magazine is regarded as one of the definitive platforms for the franchise sector. Winners will be announced at the EF100 Awards Ceremony in London on 12 March 2026.