Ian and Grant further examples of Driver Hire franchise success.
Ian Ware - Bradford
After spending ten years working for Driver Hire Group Services, latterly as Director of Training, Ian Ware decided to take the plunge and buy his local franchise in Bradford. Not only has he been hugely successful with 56% growth in his first full year, he loves what he’s doing too!
“My background is in education,” says Ian. “I was a teacher for 15 years and then ran my own retail business before moving into distribution.” Ian cites the strength of the Driver Hire brand as one of the key reasons why franchising works for him. “It’s something you simply can’t achieve as a one-man band. There’s also the support of the network and the knowledge that the answer to issues is only a phone call away. Also because I’ve been with the business for a decade I’m also part of a network of franchisee friends for whom I have a lot of respect.”
Ian also enjoys the simple dynamics of running his own business. “Everything is much more immediate. You can develop an idea, put into practice and quickly see the results. There’s no departmental hierarchy. I find that very refreshing and confirms that, unquestionably, I made the right decision.”
Grant Wilson - Aberdeen
When the Scottish Co-operative Wholesale Society decided that they no longer needed Grant Wilson’s accountancy skills things were looking a little bleak for him. But rather than risk being made redundant again, Grant decided that he’d go it alone and become his own boss. “After all, it’s impossible to give yourself the sack,” Grant observes wryly.
After doing some research his accountant’s eyes alighted on the possibilities of franchising – in particular a Driver Hire franchise. Needless to say Grant was soon sold on the benefits. “It reduces the risk factor immensely,” says Grant. “You’re buying into a proven business model, there are plenty of other franchisees to check things out with before you buy and, if you choose to go ahead, full back-up and support from the franchisor.”
Nonetheless, Grant’s Aberdeen franchise didn’t get away to flying start. He began trading in 1994 and, at the end of his first year achieved a net profit of £2,500 on a turnover of £127,000. Things have gone from strength to strength since then. He now employs eleven people and is consistently recording “best ever” weeks. In 2007/08 Driver Hire Aberdeen topped the company’s annual sales league table of over 100 offices, regularly hitting weekly sales of £50,000 plus – quite an achievement for a city with a population of only 200,000 .
“Success really is quite simple,” says Grant. “We focus and target activity, following the campaigns provided by Driver Hire. Over the years we’ve had to adapt to meet changes in the marketplace. But, if you believe in yourself and build a great team around you, there really are no limits with Driver Hire.”
