Based in Huddersfield, Direct Driver Ltd offers dependable 24/7 collection and delivery services across West Yorkshire and beyond. With a modern, GPS-tracked fleet operated by courteous and experienced drivers, the company provides nationwide service at competitive rates, maintaining full compliance with emissions standards for all major UK cities.
In this case study, Managing Director Kurtis Forrest shares his inspiring journey through the transport industry. From facing redundancy and launching his own business, to overcoming the challenges of the pandemic, and ultimately transforming Direct Driver Ltd into a thriving regional haulage operation.
From redundancy to resilience: A thriving business is born
After being made redundant from a career in chemical engineering, founder and Managing Director Kurtis Forrest took a leap of faith, funding his HGV training and entering the world of transport. Following a few years in driving roles (including work in the live events sector) Direct Driver Ltd was born in 2018 as a one-man “driver for hire” service.
When Kurtis and his partner found out they were expecting their first child, he knew he had to take control of his income.
“I left my full time job and set up as a one man ‘trucker for hire’ business, relying on agencies for work,” he says. “I then ended up working nights for a supermarket, before joining the events industry as a driver in Spring 2019.”
Like many in the transport sector, the pandemic presented immediate and unprecedented challenges. When work in events ceased in spring 2020, income dried up almost overnight. Instead of giving up, the company pivoted.
With the help of a government Bounce Back Loan, a used 3.5t Iveco van was purchased, and Direct Driver Ltd re-entered the industry, this time as a van courier service. A Facebook business page, community support, and proactive outreach helped establish the company’s first customer base.
“I don’t think I’m a natural salesman but meeting people face-to-face to introduce myself seemed to work well. Often, I would just drive around Huddersfield calling into businesses to hand out business cards and offer our services. Some companies didn’t seem interested at the time but after a few days or weeks, they’d call and enquire about a delivery they needed,” he says.
By summer 2022, the business was operating four vans, but capacity limitations prompted a new milestone: obtaining an Operator’s License and purchasing a DAF 18t rigid truck. This opened new doors, allowing the company to service larger deliveries and win new clients. In time, Direct Driver Ltd added articulated lorries to its fleet and began planning for the acquisition of a 26t rigid.
Today, the business operates with 8 vehicles and 9 full-time staff, serving a growing list of loyal customers across multiple industries. Despite this expansion, the company remains committed to its founding principles: flexibility, reliability, and exceptional customer service.
Raising the bar with FORS Bronze accreditation
As the company grew, so did the complexity of its operations and the expectations of its clients. A number of new contracts (particularly within the furniture and building materials sectors) required FORS (Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme) accreditation.
“After doing some research into gaining accreditation, I realized that even if we didn’t gain more work, FORS pushes good working practices such as health and safety, environmental impacts and correct compliance. Having our business set up to this standard could only be a good thing in everyone’s eyes,” he explains.
To support this effort, the company appointed a dedicated office manager who helped implement new procedures, streamline compliance tracking, and develop comprehensive health and safety protocols, all aligned with the FORS Standard.
In 2025, Direct Driver Ltd successfully achieved FORS Bronze accreditation, signaling a major step forward in its professionalization.
The impact of gaining FORS Bronze was felt immediately. Beyond satisfying client requirements, the company found value in the operational improvements that came with the process.
“Through FORS, we found new, more efficient ways to keep on top of our driver and vehicle compliance. Of course, offering this extra service to our varied client base is a huge benefit, but building and now having the FORS framework around us to support our operation is a massive help,” he says.
The company is already planning to pursue FORS Silver within the next six months, with a longer-term view toward Gold accreditation.
For fleet operators considering FORS, Direct Driver’s advice is clear:
“Don’t be intimidated by the process. It may seem daunting at first but having peace of mind knowing that we run our business professionally and correctly made all the time and efforts to get here worth it.
“Achieving FORS proves to your clients and your team that you’re committed to doing things the right way. We’re working towards becoming a safer, more efficient and professional national haulier, and wearing the FORS logo demonstrates we’re on the right track to achieve this.”
Direct Driver Ltd continues to evolve, with plans to invest in new vehicles, expand its facilities, and offer warehousing services in the future. Yet, no matter how much it grows, the company’s ethos remains unchanged: work hard, deliver reliably, and always say yes wherever possible.
With FORS as part of its framework, the company is well-positioned to continue its journey from local startup to leading regional haulier.
You can visit the company’s website here: https://www.directdriver.co.uk