Take The Road To Success With A Driver Hire Franchise

Driver Hire supports drivers and logistics staff who are looking for work by placing them in full-time or part-time employment with other organisations.

Does Driver Hire franchise?

The Driver Hire franchise model allows independent investors to set up their own branch of the business and offer its services with tried and tested strategies.

Across more than 100 UK offices, the net profit for a franchised business (single office) in 2023/24 was between 10% and 15% of turnover. Average turnover was £1.2m, and top offices generated over £3m turnover.

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>> Read more:

• Improving your franchise recruitment strategy
• Tips for Recruitment and Selection
• Tips for Managing Employee Turnover
• 5 Effective Employee Engagement Strategies for Your Business

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History of Driver Hire

Driver Hire was first launched in West Yorkshire in 1983 as a business supplying temporary drivers to local transport companies. Since then, the company has built on its model and set up more than 100 local offices across the UK, headed by franchisees.

Now, Driver Hire is the UK’s largest specialist logistics recruitment firm and benefits from 40 years of industry experience and expertise. Clients can take advantage of its wide range of different services, as the franchise covers both temporary and permanent jobs across the driving and logistics sectors.

Owning a franchise has been a fantastic experience for me. I’ve found it liberating, and I feel motivated like never before. I’ve got an asset I am increasing the value of, and I reap the rewards of my own hard work. It’s very satisfying that my team also benefit from our success; they are on the journey too! – James Craven, Driver Hire Bournemouth franchisee

Starting a Driver Hire franchise unit

Driver Hire can offer investors a high-income potential. Its average business unit generated £1.2 million in revenue in 2023/24.

The good news is, you don’t need any previous experience in transport or recruitment to become a Driver Hire franchise partner. Instead, the business favours candidates with a background in sales, customer service or relationship-building roles. As a Driver Hire franchisee, you’ll be expected to allocate as much of your time to customer-focused activities such as acquiring new business and managing your team.

A positive attitude and self-motivation are also key attributes of any franchisee.

Becoming a Driver Hire franchisee:

The initial steps include an introductory telephone conversation, followed by an online meeting. These conversations provide an opportunity to ask any questions you have and make a great first impression on the franchisor and their team.

After you’ve met with the franchisor, to confirm your territory, it’s time to find out more about what it’s like to be a Driver Hire franchisee. The best way to do this is to meet with existing partners.

When you’re given all the documentation detailing the franchise opportunity, it’s a good idea to consult industry professionals. Ask an experienced franchise solicitor to review the paperwork with you, and discuss your lending options with a bank.

Once your due diligence is complete, and you’re ready to proceed with the investment, you’ll be given support as you start developing your business. You’ll get help to plan your progress, search for suitable premises, buy equipment and recruit staff. This can be a daunting time, but Driver Hire helps make the process a lot easier and less stressful.

How much you need to invest:

If you are setting up a new Driver Hire franchise business, the franchise fee is £32,000 but we recommend a total start-up budget of £40,000 plus working capital for a start-up franchise; however, there are only a few remaining start-up areas available.

If you are looking to invest in an established territory re-sale these start from £50,000. The minimum investment required is £60,000 and your minimum liquid capital amount should be at least £25,000 but the figures can vary significantly. The purchase price will depend on a number of factors such as trading history, profitability and the potential for future development. Prices can range from £40,000 to £500,000.

Whether you are starting with a new territory or an existing resale, your investment will also cover your training, initial marketing material and business support, as well as furniture, equipment and signage for your branch.

Many high-street banks will offer funding of up to 70% is available (subject to status) from the major banks, although you may need to offer security to guarantee the loan. Alternatively, the Enterprise Finance Guarantee Scheme may be applicable.

What you get for your investment:

Driver Hire provides franchisees with all the support they need to build a profitable business. Franchisees are allocated an area development manager and can access guidance with accounts, HR, marketing and IT.

Before you open your doors, you’ll have the chance to take part in a four to two to four week training course, followed by a six-month Franchise Support Programme. These comprehensive schemes are designed to give you and your staff the know-how and expertise to establish a profitable business.

Driver Hire also has an online forum for extra help and organises regional meetings, training events and an annual conference. Franchisees always have an opportunity to raise queries and share insight with other Driver Hire investors, no matter where they are on their franchising journey.

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>> Read more:

• How to hire staff for your business
• Recruitment: Why Your Employees Are The Face Of Your Brand
• 10 Ways to Boost Employee Happiness, Engagement, and Satisfaction

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Join the recruitment industry

If you’re interested in starting a staffing agency business or breaking into the logistics sector, Driver Hire can help you launch a profitable franchise unit capable of long-term success. But if its investment opportunity isn’t quite right for you, we have lots of other options in our business directory.

Take a look at our full selection of business and B2B franchise opportunities to get the ball rolling. Alternatively, learn more about becoming a franchisee with our range of informative articles and guides.