A new owner has bought the Worcester franchise of a nationwide logistics recruitment business.

Driver Hire, in King Street, has been bought by Andrew Partridge, who has 30 years experience in publishing and marketing.

Most recently he ran Peartree Marketing Ltd, a consultancy which started out providing interim management services to business start-ups and European Social Fund sponsored projects before becoming a marketing contractor for Google for Education and its key partners.

According to Mr Partridge, there are a number of things that attracted him to the business, including the support network provided by the parent company.

He explained: “I come from a background where clients demand the highest of standards, and Driver Hire’s long term commitment to quality was a big draw.

“The company’s infrastructure and systems help ensure we can provide reliable, appropriately qualified staff to our clients and look after our candidates.

“We are in a better position than any to provide a reliable service to one of the UK’s core industries.

“I hope to expand by introducing new technologies and, in time, opening offices in Droitwich and Hereford, so that the area is fully served whilst maintaining local credentials.

“I’m really looking forward to working with customers old and new throughout Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

“Driver Hire has a great business model and I’m keen to meet local business people to explain how our recruitment and training services can help them.”

With a 35-year track record, Driver Hire specialises in the supply of staff to the road transport and logistics industry.

It’s one of the UK’s longest established and most highly respected franchisors with a network of 103 offices.

Since opening in West Yorkshire in 1983, Driver Hire has become the UK’s largest specialist logistics recruiter, with over 100 offices across the country.

Driver Hire franchisees provide temporary and permanent drivers and other logistics staff to businesses and organisations.

They help when customers need extra staff to deal with holidays, illness or business expansion.