DTT: Growing Demand

To meet growing demand, Driver Transport Training is now offering two distinct franchise opportunities to maximise the potential of the marketplace. Adam Browning reports

Worth £55 billion to the economy, the transport and logistics industry is suffering a huge deficit of qualified drivers, and Driver Transport Training (DTT) has started to capitalise on this opportunity. Whereas the franchise once provided both driver training and recruitment solutions in the one franchise model, the demand for these services has grown to the stage that DTT has split this into two separate business propositions. While DTT will continue to train or upgrade the driving skills of private individuals, the newly established Driver Supply will complement this service by focusing on recruitment - placing drivers into companies to work on a temporary or permanent basis. Operating to proven ISO 9001:2000 accredited standards, these two management franchises will benefit from a highly symbiotic relationship that is expected to drive growth of the company in the coming year: 'The growing shortage of commercial drivers is expected to worsen when new training regulations come into force in 2007,' explains DTT Director Paul Van Der Hulks. 'With the addition of Driver Supply we can provide a complete service to drivers and the transport industry, making DTT even stronger.' Understanding the potential of this business is DTT franchisee David Keates of Colchester who, after years working in the shipping and ports industries, decided he wanted to run a business of his own. From his business background, David had a good understanding of the transport sector and could see how DTT was providing a very valuable service. Launching his business in November 2003, David received three weeks of training. 'Alongside more practical business elements such as marketing, sales and accounts, the training went into great detail regarding the operations of the business,' he recalls. 'I was taught about DTT's methods of training and testing and I came away confident in understanding the mechanics of the business - it was a very good start.' Reporting that DTT provides him with a very good standard of support, David states: 'The more successful DTT has become the more support the franchisees have received. The benefits of the franchise are improving all the time.' Finding new business from many different sources, David explains that there is a lot of room for growing and developing the business. 'Right from the very start I had employed a small team to support my business and I have grown this to include four professional trainers. We're currently in the process of looking at what steps to take to move the business forward - I'm very positive about the business' future success.'