Driver Hire

About Driver Hire

Established in 1983, Driver Hire is a full member of the British Franchise Association and is a specialist logistics recruiter.

The Driver Hire network consists of over 100 offices nationwide, supplying thousands of satisfied customers each year with temporary and permanent drivers, and non-driving staff, to cover holidays, illness, or peaks in demand. The customers have their own fleet of vehicles – so you are only supplying the workers.

Driver Hire is an award-winning business and recent recognition includes:
• BFA HSBC Franchisor of the Year Silver Winner in 2022 & 2023. Gold Winner in 2019
• Elite Franchise Franchisor of the Year 2023
• Regular finalist (16 out of the last 19 years) and an eight-times award winner in the BFA HSBC Franchisor of the Year awards

Due to the nationwide size of the business franchise, it delivers a centralised national accounts service to satisfy the requirements of large organisations – as well as services to small, local companies. 

The UK temporary driver market is worth more than £2 billion annually and top performing Driver Hire offices currently generate over £3 million per annum turnover, according to the brand.

How does the Driver Hire franchise model work?

Every Driver Hire business covers a designated postcode territory and operates from office premises – a place for your team to work, and for candidates to visit. 

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

Driver Hire provides bespoke and sophisticated IT systems, including digital tools, and a website (with a jobs board ect.) to help each Driver Hire office provide a first-class and compliant service to its clients and candidates. 

Further support is provided with sales and marketing campaigns, PR, social media, direct mail campaigns, online advertising, area manager support to help you promote your business. Local sales activities will help you win new customers.

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

What type of franchisee is Driver Hire looking for?

The role of a Driver Hire franchisee is typically a combination of managing a small team (2-5 people), helping retain and win customers (sales activities), and overseeing the financial aspects of the business (normally with the help of a bookkeeper and accountant, as well as working with your bank).

The franchisee should be able to organise their team’s activities, motivate their team, and drive the business forward with sales activities. Relevant industry experience is not necessary as Driver Hire provides you with all the training you will need. However, the following experience is helpful:

• Sales or very strong customer service experience
• Operations management
• Managing or supervising staff
• IT literacy

Important personal qualities include:

• Personable
• Driven
• Can-do attitude
• Confident relationship builder
• Good communicator
• Effective people manager
• Organised

See what existing franchisees think about the brand.

Did you know?

Driver Hire is eligible for funding support!

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Training and support

Driver Hire’s franchise sales team work closely with prospective franchisees to share detailed information about Driver Hire and get to know the person enquiring. The process typically involves video meetings, a face-to-face meeting, head office visit, and conversations with franchisees to help both parties (Driver Hire and the potential franchisee) ensure it’s the right business fit.

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.

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 six months.

Each Driver Hire franchise owner is guided by an area development manager who offers mentoring and practical support.

Financial information

Net profit for a franchised Driver Hire business (single office) in 2023/24 was between 10% and 15% of turnover. The average turnover was £1.2 million, and the top offices generated more than £3 million turnover.

The basic franchise fee for a start-up franchise (there are only a few remaining) is £32,000. This will require a minimum liquid capital investment of £25,000 (to be able to borrow enough to cover the licence fee, set-up costs, and working capital).

Most Driver Hire sales are franchise resales (sale of an existing business) and the investment level will depend on the individual business, and its trading history and profitability. Historically, sale prices have ranged from £50,000 to £600,000. 

Banks will typically lend up to 70% of the capital required to purchase a Driver Hire business. Driver Hire will provide a financial plan template (and guidance), to help you with your bank funding application.

Why is Driver Hire a good investment?

A combination of longevity (Driver Hire was established in 1983), excellent business reputation in the transport sector, and IT systems that help offices provide a compliant service (peace of mind for the customer). 

Driver Hire is a specialist in its sector. It covers the whole of the UK and is operated by independent and motivated business owners.

What locations is Driver Hire looking to target?

There are always Driver Hire businesses for sale. The franchise has a large network (over 100 offices) and every franchisee will leave the business at some point. The natural lifecycle of franchising means that there are always well-established offices coming onto the market.

Here is a list of available territories.