SPECIALIST recruitment company Drivers Direct is oiling the wheels of expansion through new franchises in the UK.
The company has just unveiled its latest franchise in Kent where a team of businessmen have become the company's latest signing.
Drivers Direct is also on the brink of launching a new franchise in Leicester as part of its campaign to grow the business.
Jamie Coan, head of franchising of Drivers Direct, said: "We're a small but highly focussed company with large ability and we very much welcome Vic Hawthorne, Kim Doyles and Danny Moczulski to our network of franchises.
"One of the things that attracted us to them was their combined experience in transport, logistics and recruitment, so they already had that knowledge to apply our high standards in recruitment and selection. We're not just a recruitment agency; we actually understand the complexities of transport law, which is essential in this industry. We bring consistency, good training and expertise to the business and this will ensure our Kent branch of Drivers Direct will be a great success."
Vic Hawthorne, partner of Drivers Direct in Kent said: "This is an exciting industry and we are pleased to be helping logistics and transport firms keep on the move by recruiting drivers for them."
Drivers Direct was set up in 2002 and specialises in the recruitment and placement of temporary and permanent drivers of all classes. It employs 28 staff and has branches in Runcorn, Nuneaton, Northampton, Feltham, Sutton, Preston and Eastleigh. It has been listed as a Fast 50 company in the recruitment sector for the last two years.
The increase in franchising activity is part of a wider diversification plan which has also seen the company develop remote transport management and training services. To date, Drivers Direct has put over 1000 drivers through NVQ training.
Mr Coan added: "Like many industries the last couple of years have been incredibly challenging but we have adapted to ride out the recession through our diversification programme. Our expertise and skills, particularly on the legal side of transport management, set us apart from other recruitment agencies in our sector and we are looking forward to growing the business as the UK emerges from recession."