Lee Statham had worked in the recruitment sector for five years (for a competitor) before joining the Driver Hire Crewe team in 2018. He admits that he moved to Driver Hire with a view to ultimately owning his own franchise business.

Lee quickly fitted in and impressed. Shortly after joining, he was asked to manage the Crewe office, and with the help of his team, the business delivered its best annual performance for 11 years. Impressed by Lee’s business acumen and ambition, Driver Hire’s senior management team offered him the opportunity to become the joint owner (49% shareholder).

Becoming a business owner

“When Driver Hire approached me in 2019, they offered me a very fair deal, financial support, and, of course, the ongoing business back-up all its franchisees receive,” says Lee.

Perhaps his takeover timing could have been better. Within a year, Covid hit. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, two years of outstanding trading and profits put him in a position to become the outright owner of the franchise. He completed his purchase of the Driver Hire Crewe business in 2021.

“Owning the business outright was a fantastic feeling and something that spurred to me on to even greater success,” he continues.

And that’s exactly what Lee and his three-person team have done. Driver Hire Crewe regularly finds work for 120 drivers and, weekly, meets the needs of 20 – 30 clients. “Year to date we’re 41% up on last year,” says Lee. “We’re in the top ten of Driver Hire’s fastest growing offices, turnover is in excess of £1m, and we’re having a best ever year for new client acquisition.”

Innovation and expansion

Crewe’s ongoing strong performance has been helped by Driver Hire’s new digital tools, which have allowed Lee to expand his operations in the Congleton part of his franchise area, as a virtual territory. He also has a team that includes a superstar in his own right – Brad Kerin. Brad was Driver Hire’s 2024 ‘Recruitment Consultant of the Year.

“With a Driver Hire franchise, you’re buying into a recipe for success,” Lee continues. “If you stick to it and follow the fundamentals of the recruitment process, you’ve every chance of being a successful franchisee. Of course, there’s still plenty to learn about running your own business. When you’re an employee you’re not aware of all the background stuff that’s going on – for example: employment law, tax, HR, back office and much more.”

But Lee wouldn’t have it any other way. “It’s fair to say that being a Driver Hire franchisee has exceeded all my expectations. I love the flexibility of being my own boss and, of course, the financial rewards.”

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