Driver Hire

About Driver Hire

The award-winning Driver Hire network consists of over 100 offices nationwide, all focused on supplying thousands of satisfied customers each year. Established in 1983, it is a full member of the British Franchise Association and is the UK’s largest specialist logistics recruiter, supplying customers in a wide range of sectors nationwide.

Driver Hire is an award-winning recruitment provider of drivers and logistics staff and personnel in the United Kingdom to both the private and public sectors. It is:

- BFA HSBC Franchisor of the Year Silver Winner in 2022 and Gold Winner in 2019
- Elite Franchise Franchisor of the Year 2023
- Regular Finalist (15 out of the last 18 years) and a seven-times award winner in the BFA HSBC Franchisor of the Year awards

The recruitment business provides temporary and permanent drivers and other staff to the road transport and logistics industry to cover for holidays, illness or peaks in demand. The clients will typically have their own fleet of vehicles. It also provides permanent recruitment services to employ new staff with a “no-success, no-fee service guarantee”. Driver Hire can support the hiring of managerial and non-driving staff due to specialist experience throughout the UK and Northern Ireland.

Due to the nationwide size of the business, it can deliver a centralised national accounts service to satisfy the requirements of potential customers be they local businesses or bigger national and regional clients.

The recruitment franchise also goes beyond the provision of driving services: it has the connections in the recruitment industry to secure other personnel, such as driver’s mates and warehouse staff. The service is provided in the context of a growing market: the UK temporary driver market is worth an estimated £2.2bn annually.

Each Driver Hire office provides an out-of-hours service, meaning a member of staff answers calls outside office hours.

How does the Driver Hire business model work?

Driver Hire offers industry-leading support to its franchisees so that they can grow their businesses and deliver excellent service. Franchises have to be run from office premises: it cannot be home-based due to the scale of the operation.

The head office team consists of more than 70 staff, which means excellent support to franchisees.

In addition, as the businesses are owned locally, customers receive full personal attention. As the recruiter has sophisticated IT systems and business networks, the service provided throughout the UK is consistent in terms of standards and legal compliance.

A further unique aspect of the business is its combination of centrally organised sales and marketing and local implementation, which covers PR, telemarketing, national sales day incentives, direct mail campaigns and online advertising on the company’s website and on social media.

The individual Driver Hire franchisees benefit from this wealth of material and support, but they drive the marketing in their franchise territory and this is vital for the success of each unit. Each franchise has its own “microsite” on the larger company website. The franchisees control these smaller sites and potential employees can apply locally for jobs.

Why do customers choose Driver Hire instead of its competition?

In addition to the high quality of service and an excellent business reputation that has been established since 1983, the Driver Hire brand is part of a temporary drivers’ sector that is worth more than £2bn, so there is strong demand for the service.

Franchisees receive comprehensive support prior to launching their business, as well as help with signage and all the interior fittings and equipment. This support extends to staff recruitment, business planning and developing a client base. The central office will provide support with business intelligence and market trends.

The brand has a culture of incentives in the form of competitions and prizes. The company’s culture also encourages cooperation between franchisees in the form of frequent regional meetings and an annual conference.

What are the roles and responsibilities of business owners?

Driver Hire is looking for franchisees who are good communicators and are able to persuade customers and build relationships. Ultimately, the ability to sell products will be crucial as the company is a sales-focused organisation with a lot of customer contact. Prospective franchisees will have to have good organisational skills, too, with the discipline to follow industry legislation. Potential franchisees will need an elementary knowledge of IT and some basic finance skills. They will not require previous experience in recruitment or transport as full, comprehensive training will be given.

What makes a successful franchisee?

Driver Hire franchisees come from all walks of life but there are personal traits that they all have in common. They are:
• Personable
• Full of entrepreneurial spirit
• Driven
• Can-do attitude
• Confident relationship builder
• Tenacious
• Good communicator
• Consistency
• Effective people manager

Did you know?

Driver Hire is eligible for funding support!

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Relevant industry experience is not necessary as it provides you with all the training you will need, however, it does find that the following backgrounds can be beneficial:
• Sales or business development
• Operations management
• Any other role where winning business was a requirement, e.g. self-employed contractor who has to pitch to win work or develop relationships to win future business.

See what some existing franchisees think about the brand.

How much does a Driver Hire franchise cost?

The basic franchise fee for a start-up franchise (there are very few left) is £32,000 with the minimum liquid capital requirement being £25,000. Driver Hire recommends investing an additional £8,000 to cover office furniture, signage and professional fees, and will charge franchise fees of 8 per cent of gross turnover.

The investment in a franchise resale will depend on the individual business, its trading history, profitability and future potential for development. Historically, prices have ranged from £50,000 to £600,000.

The majority of available areas are re-sale opportunities with the minimum liquid capital requirement being £60,000. This investment includes support, as you prepare and plan your business, and six weeks of basic training for the franchisee and their employees. It also includes launch support and marketing materials.

Are there currently any Driver Hire franchise territories for sale?

After 40 years of successful trading as leading specialist recruiters, the network is mature, with only a very few greenfield sites available. However, the natural lifecycle of franchising means that there are always well-established offices coming onto the market.

Here is a list of available territories and fill in the enquiry form below to get in touch.

Can franchisees expect initial financial support?

Yes, they can receive funding of around 70 per cent toward a franchise agreement if they wish, as Driver Hire has strong relationships with all the main UK banks (you may be asked to provide security).

What does the recruitment process involve?

The franchise sales team work closely with prospective franchisees to ensure that it is the ‘right business’ for them. During the decision-making process, they are encouraged to visit franchisees, the head office and meet senior members of the Driver Hire team. The franchise team also aid with financial and legal aspects, business planning, sourcing premises and staff recruitment.

Driver Hire is an ethical franchisor. When it comes to final decision-making, prospective business owners are given space and time to consider their options.

Can I change my mind?

Yes, Driver Hire will give you the space and time to do your research on the company before you take up the franchise option, talk to other franchisees and decide whether you want to proceed with your business investment.

Do I need an accountant?

New owners enjoy the support of a national accounts team who process central contracts. This is supported by a system of compliance so that you maintain the standards expected in the business.

What training is included?

The comprehensive training programme consists of a two-week Foundation Course and typically time in a Driver Hire office. Training covers how to find and retain customers, recruitment, transport rules and regulations, finance, IT systems, and so on.

Subsequently, new franchisees can expect a specialised support programme that will last for six months. They also have the opportunity to spend two weeks at a Driver Hire office to observe the day-to-day reality of running a business.

Each Driver Hire franchise owner is guided by an area development manager who offers mentoring and practical support aimed at your specific requirements in an ongoing capacity. Progress will be monitored by a financial planning and analysis manager who will also give you advice on future strategies.

What is the potential earning of a Driver Hire franchise?

Net profit for a franchised Drive Hire business (single office) in 2022/23 was between 10 per cent and 15 per cent of turnover. The average turnover was £1.3m and the top offices generated more than £3m turnover.

How can I get started on setting up my own Driver Hire business?

The franchise brand provides you with a huge advantage over the competition and has a wealth of support from 70 head office staff across several important departments. So if you can see yourself owning and running a Driver Hire office, the team want to hear from you today! It has a specialist in-house franchise sales team ready to help you learn more.

To invest in a franchise opportunity with the profitable business, get started by clicking the ‘Request free information’ button on this page.