Franchisee of the Year 2013

Owner: Gary Riches
Year Started: 2012 
Website: http://www.driverhire.co.uk/

Driver Hire is the UK’s largest specialist supplier of staff to the transport and logistics industry. It provides 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.

Franchisee Gary Riches signed with the transport recruiter in November 2011 and in just one year has achieved remarkable success with his Colchester site, exceeding monthly targets and reporting 30% gross profits.

Riches says he owes his success to more than just making a profit but to the relationship he has built with the local community, where he makes a conscious effort to help local people come off the unemployment register and find work, buoying the area’s economy.

Judges’ Comments

The judges were blown away by Gary’s passion, ambition, impressive growth in turnover and profit, and the work he’s done within his community.