Ed Pockney, franchisee of transport & logistics business, Driver Hire Uxbridge, is in line for a national award. He’s one of the finalists in the 2016 Startups.co.uk awards – organised by the UK’s number one service for starting a business.

Ed has been nominated for the ‘Franchisee of the Year’ award. Formerly a money broker who had worked in London, New York, Tokyo and Hong Kong, he bought Driver Hire Uxbridge in 2014. He’s made an outstanding start to his new career – and that’s clearly what attracted the judges’ attention. The Driver Hire business as a whole has past form in this competition; its franchisees at Colchester and Worcester winning in 2013 and 2014, respectively.

At the completion of his first full year’s trading Ed, who now employs four people, increased turnover by 300% on the previous year and achieved sales in excess of £1m. And his success has continued unabated during the current financial year with turnover projected to hit £1.8m.

Driver Hire specialises in the supply of staff to the road transport and logistics industry. It’s one of the UK’s longest established and most highly respected franchisors with a network of over 100 offices. Driver Hire franchisees provide temporary and permanent drivers and other logistics staff to businesses and organisations. They help when customers need extra staff to deal with holidays, illness or business expansion.

Commenting on his nomination, Ed said: “It’s great to have our efforts recognised in this way. Our reputation is built on a quick response and an ability to deliver the staff our clients need. Whether it’s a client or candidate, from their first contact with Driver Hire Uxbridge, by phone, email or in person, we focus on delivering a positive experience. The success we’ve enjoyed to date is testament to its success.”

David Lester, founder of Startups added: “My congratulations go to Ed and his team and indeed all the other nominees. The awards measure business achievement across the board, championing innovation, enterprise and the people behind the business. If you’ve got a new business to shout about, Startups is listening.”

The awards are now into their thirteenth year; judges include Cath Kidston MBE and Jon Wright, co-founder of Innocent Drinks. The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony in London on November 17 ^th .