A BRADFORD-based transport logistics group has driven away with £11.5 million worth of revenue for its best Christmas figures.

Driver Hire Nationwide, based in King’s Gate, recorded the figures for December 2016, which was a nine per cent increase on the same period the previous year.

The firm is part of the diversified recruitment group, Specialist People Services (SPS) and is the UK’s leading specialist transport and logistics recruiter. It supplies commercial vehicle drivers to logistics providers through a nationwide network of more than 100 offices., from Aberdeen to Bristol.

The first Driver Hire office was opened by former Bradford City joint chairman Mark Lawn in Bingley in 1983, initially supplying temporary drivers to local transport firms. He sold his share of the business in 1999.

Chris Chidley, chief executive of Driver Hire owner Specialist People Services, hailed the firm’s impressive results.

He said: “Our December caps a successful 2016 in which we again enjoyed impressive growth and strengthened our business.

“We have continued to win work with some of the UK’s key logistics suppliers and this, combined with the increase in online retail over the festive period, has no doubt contributed to our success. December is always our busiest month, but these results are testament to the quality service our teams provide.

“Logistics providers are under increasing pressure to make deliveries in windows that are only getting smaller, and they rely on partners who can provide high-quality, reliable and flexible labour, something they plan for well in advance to ensure a smooth Christmas operation.

“Retail remains one of the UK’s best performing sectors and Driver Hire plays a vital role in supporting this.”

SPS, the diversified recruitment group, also owns rail recruitment firms ISS Labour. It reported group revenues worth £129.4m last year and invested £1m in its IT infrastructure.

Mr Chidley added: “We begin 2017 in a confident mood and while it is certain to be an unpredictable year, Driver Hire is providing the exact type of service the UK economy needs and we’re looking forward to another successful year for our business.”