My franchise story: from branch manager to Driver Hire franchisee

Sarah Parker liked working for Driver Hire so much, she invested in her own franchise

A recruitment professional with 15 years’ experience, Sarah Parker was the branch manager for the previous owners of Driver Hire Wakefield. She loved working for the Batley-based recruitment business so much, she’s bought it.

“I love working for Driver Hire and have wanted to buy the business for some time,” said Parker. “I know how to run it; I know how successful it is. When the previous owners announced they were selling, it was a great opportunity and I didn’t want to miss it. I’m really excited.”

Graham Duckworth, Driver Hire’s franchise sales director said: “We’re delighted to welcome Sarah to our franchised network. She’s one of a number of office managers who’ve taken the opportunity to buy the business they’ve been working for. We’re confident Sarah will be another highly successful Driver Hire franchisee.”

Parker added: “There’s plenty of potential here in Wakefield. I’m looking forward to growing the business further by meeting the staffing needs of any local businesses, and indeed any organisation, which operates a fleet of vehicles.”

Established for over 30 years, Driver Hire is the current British Franchise Association (bfa) HSBC ‘Franchisor of the Year’. Its franchisees provide temporary and permanent drivers and other logistics staff to local and national organisations in both the public and private sector. If they’re short of staff – perhaps because of illness, holidays or seasonal demand – Driver Hire will supply them with a suitable replacement.

At a glance Driver Hire Nationwide

Established: 1983
Number of franchised outlets: 93
Location of Units: nationwide
Investment range: £32,000-£500,000
Minimum required capital: £32,000 (start-up franchise fee)
Contact: Graham Duckworth 07787 141527