Specialist Bradford-based recruitment and training business Driver Hire is celebrating the best set of results in its 30-year history.

The company, based on Canal Road, increased turnover by 19 per cent to a record £78 million in the year ended March 31.

Its figures were boosted by a strong performance in the final week of March which helped the firm beat its previous revenue record, set before the recession in 2007-8, by more than £1 million.

Driver Hire’s 38 offices around the country increased turnover by at least 25 per cent, with 18 branches achieving growth of 50 per cent or more. The network also had 29 offices passing the £1 million turnover mark.

The company said it had also made a flying start to the new financial year with an average growth across its network running at 27.5 per cent during the final weeks of 2013-14.

During 2013, Driver Hire saw rising demand for its additional range of services, including driver training.

As the first deadline for Driver CPC training gets closer, Driver Hire Training helped nearly 30,000 drivers gain the essential qualification. Driver Hire’s eServices, which include online training and its innovative dh Licence Check, were also in demand.

Chris Chidley, group chief executive, said: “Whilst there’s no doubt that the economy is improving, our rate of growth is easily outpacing it.

“There’s a definite flight to quality with an increasing number of businesses and organisations recognising that Driver Hire is a recruitment agency they can trust – a reliable and compliant nationwide partner for all their staffing needs. Breaking the record is a fantastic way to celebrate our 30th year in business.”

Operating through franchised branches, Driver Hire has become the UK’s largest specialist supplier of staff to the transport and logistics industry. It provides temporary and permanent drivers and other logistics staff to local and national organisations in both the public and private sector.

In December the company, which is backed by private equity firm LDC, part of Lloyds Banking Group, bought Midlands-based Infra Safety Services Labour, which provides professional and labour services, minor works projects, track lighting and safety barrier solutions to the rail industry.