Driver Hire pedals into pole position

Driver Hire took home the crown at the first ever franchise cycling event, which aimed to raise money for a great cause.

Driver Hire is known for its successful operations on four plus wheels, but it’s now proved that it’s just as adept on two wheels at the first ever ‘Great British Franchise Cycle’. The business franchise pedalled its way to success at the event, which aimed to raise money for The Franchise Trust, among other things.

A team of nine from Driver Hire went up against businesses including Revive!, HSBC and Barclays and were challenged to rack up as many miles on their bikes as they could during the month of August. The team put in a mammoth effort, with one member riding an incredible 100 miles on the last day of the event to secure Driver Hire’s first place. Together, they cycled a collective 2,527 miles over the course of the month, beating the business in second place by just 19 miles.

Driver Hire was crowned the winner at a franchise industry day that took place at British Cycling’s Manchester velodrome. Teams were given the chance for a final lap around the iconic track to cap off the month of cycling and met three Olympic Development Squad members, Blaine Davis, Lauren Bate and Ryan Owens.

Dave Robbins, press officer and captain of Driver Hire’s winning team, congratulated the team on their effort and explained why they were able to pedal to success.

“There’s a strong cycling ethos at Driver Hire with several members of our head office team regularly commuting to work by bike. We also have a number of franchisees who are keen cyclists, one of whom was in our winning team. It’s been great fun, hard work at times, but all worth it now we’ve won.”

Set up by the BFA, The Franchise Trust gives disadvantaged individuals (through factors including education, opportunities, age or criminal records) to help them get into franchising, making it a highly worthwhile cause to support.

Speaking about why the event was organised, World Franchise Council Member Michael Eyres explained:

“We had three aims for the competition: to make us all more active and physically fit, raise money for the Franchise Trust and to raise the profile of the franchise industry nationally. ‘The Great British Franchise Cycle’ has met all three, raising over £2300 for the Franchise Trust, getting several mentions on the Chris Evans’ Breakfast Show and, judging by the 12,000 miles clocked up by competitors, more active.”