Michael Connaughton – Former Stockport Franchise

Michael, together with his wife Nicol, purchased Driver Hire’s Stockport franchise as a resale in 2008. Just over eight years later they sold their franchise to realise their investment to start a new chapter in their lives.

Once you’ve taken a moment to look at their journey as Driver Hire franchisees below. You can read more about Michael’s thoughts on leaving Driver Hire here.

As this was a totally new direction for Michael, he researched his options very thoroughly before settling on Driver Hire – an established management franchise with a strong brand name and award-winning reputation, operating in a growing B2B sector.

Purchasing an established business appealed, and undeterred by the credit crunch and a tough economy, Michael set about developing the business in his own calm, measured style. There was also already an experienced recruitment consultant in place, Dan Artingsall, who had been part of the business for over ten years.

As Michael says, “His industry knowledge and relationships with customers and candidates are superb.”

Commenting on his early months with Driver Hire, Michael says, “The learning curve is very steep, but we knew that if we kept our heads and heeded all the advice given, we would be successful. The trick is to take full advantage of all the knowledge and experience that’s available. That’s why we try to attend all regional meetings and the annual conference.

“We have also benefited from significant National Accounts business in our area, and from the Driver CPC initiative that Driver Hire launched in 2010.”

The overall result for Michael and Nicol? A ‘Newcomer of the Year’ award, and annual sales of more than £1m within three years.

See what you could achieve with Driver Hire and what you get from starting a franchise with Driver Hire.