Driver Hire: the top UK franchise in 2019, according to the bfa HSBC Franchisor of the Year Awards

What makes Driver Hire such a successful award-winning franchise model?

Driver Hire Nationwide has been named the UK’s top franchise, winning Gold at the 2019 bfa HSBC Franchisor of the Year awards. This is the second time that Driver Hire has won the franchise industry’s top award.

The annual awards are the most prestigious event in the franchising calendar and celebrate excellence in franchising from both franchisors and franchisees. According to the bfa, those shortlisted in the Franchisor of the Year category demonstrate ‘a passion and commitment to ethical franchising’ and ‘strong infrastructure and support for their network, ensuring franchisees have the best environment to succeed and reach their full potential.’

There are 935 franchise brands in the UK and in a separate independent survey earlier in 2019, Driver Hire was listed in the UK’s top 10. Commenting on Driver Hire’s award win, the bfa HSBC award judges highlighted the company’s ‘consistent excellence in franchising over many years’ and appreciated ‘an enviable training programme and onboarding process, as well as committing £3 million to technology in just three years to help the network thrive.’

Driver Hire is the largest specialist logistics recruiter, supplying temporary and permanent staff across the UK. Its network of 100+ offices certainly has thrived. Franchisees enjoy a proven and robust model in a market with high and growing demand (the UK temporary driving market is estimated to be worth up to £3bn annually). Average turnover of a single Driver Hire franchised unit currently exceeds £1.2m, and in 2018/19, two franchisees achieved over £3m turnover. Average net profits for a Driver Hire franchise are over £140k per annum.

Sharing success

On top of their Gold award, Driver Hire celebrated a second bfa HSBC award as its Uxbridge franchisee, Ed Pockney, was named Franchisee of the Year in the Business Transformation category. Ed’s success reflects that of many franchisees in the Driver Hire network have built multi-millionpound businesses through the powerful combination of the Driver Hire model and their own ambition, dedication and hard work.

Ed bought the Driver Hire Uxbridge business in November 2014 and today Uxbridge is one of the top 20 performing offices, with annual turnover in excess of £1.5m. Ed came to Driver Hire with no previous transport and logistics recruitment experience, having spent 28 years working globally in the financial markets, returning to the UK in 2014.

To build up his franchise, Ed identified the key metrics that drive business performance in temporary employment, building a culture that delivers high service levels and strong customer relationships. He concentrated on customer visits and driver retention, identified potential customers, invested in driver training and created a positive workplace culture.

“My previous experience showed me that it is possible to build a new team and create a network of relationships and trust if the right ingredients are in place. Having met the support teams at the Driver Head office and spoken with existing franchisees, I knew that the combination of my personal skills and commitment, along with Driver Hire’s brand reputation and support, would be a powerful one. So that’s what I set out to do at Driver Hire Uxbridge.”

Ed concludes, “Whilst the financial side is key, I just enjoy running a Driver Hire franchise. We’ve taken people who were unemployed on to our books and found them full-time jobs. That’s an amazing feeling.”

Award-winning brand

Driver Hire’s recent award win is no flash in the pan, having now won a Franchisor of the Year award podium position six times, as well as being a finalist in 13 out of the last 14 years. It’s an outstanding record that no other franchisor has matched.

At the core of Driver Hire’s success is the proven business model and back-up and support offered from day one to its franchisees. The central support team at Driver Hire Group Services comprises over 80 people across specialist departments, including: sales support (from an area manager), marketing, compliance, training, finance and HR. In addition to this, the National Accounts team delivers significant business for franchisees, generating around 20% of the network’s turnover. Combined, these resources have helped scores of franchisees develop worthwhile, profitable and highly marketable businesses.

Ethical approach

As an ethical franchisor, Driver Hire strongly believes in establishing a true partnership with its franchisees. The company’s selection process thoroughly vets every prospective franchisee to establish not only whether they can afford a Driver Hire franchise, but also whether there is a match in terms of business culture and the skills needed to succeed.

“We’re looking for sales and customer service skills, leadership ability, drive and ambition,” says Graham Duckworth, Driver Hire’s Franchise Sales Director. “Whether buying an existing franchise or a greenfield site, any new business venture requires commitment and a strong work ethic. When the efforts of both franchisee and franchisor are aligned, our experience shows it’s a real recipe for success.”

6 reasons to take a closer look at Driver Hire

1. Established brand. First franchise opened in 1987
2. Six times bfa HSBC ‘Franchisor of the Year’ podium award winner
3. Average 2018/19 franchise turnover for a single unit is £1,214,978
4. Driver Hire was ranked the top recruitment franchise in an independent
5. Top 100 list for 2018 & 2019
6. Over 80 head office staff, providing your comprehensive training and support