Driver Hire, the leading transport & logistics recruitment franchise, has just completed a record year. Turnover for its nationwide network of offices reached £129.1m, an impressive 7.8% up year-on-year. The company traded with 4,700 customers and found work for over 15,000 drivers.

“The past 12 months have shown what an exceptional business we are,” says Driver Hire’s Chief Executive Officer, Chris Chidley. “70% of our offices are in growth; half of them achieved turnover in excess of £1m. Two of our offices, Aberdeen and Bury St Edmunds, passed the £4m turnover mark – the first Driver Hire franchises to achieve this.”

Established over 40 years, Driver Hire has been a franchise business for a similar length of time. Its franchisees provide temporary and permanent drivers and other logistics staff to local and national organisations in both the public and private sector. If they’re short of staff – perhaps because of illness, holidays or seasonal demand – a Driver Hire office will supply them with a suitable replacement.

Whilst the economy in general faces strong headwinds, around 80% of goods are delivered by lorry. And that’s where Driver Hire scores. Its franchisees’ ability to find mission-critical staff for its clients, enabling them to meet key delivery deadlines keep UK plc on the road. 

Chris Chidley added: “Our success is broad-based with great performances from franchisees across the whole of the country. At our recent annual conference, over 30 of them collected awards for record trading. In addition, our training business, which provides an additional revenue stream for franchisees, enjoyed an excellent year. A particular standout was HGV licence acquisition and other vocational skills training, ending the year 40% up. Looking ahead, the network has made a strong start, continuing the momentum into the new financial year.”