From Then to Now: Nathan Humphreys

Chaos, Cables & Coffee

I joined Driver Require in August 2005, having got to know Driver Require as their customer at Stapleton Tyres. Back then, the team was a mighty four people strong – with Gwynne and Steve (our founder) and Helen doing the payroll.

Driver Require quickly became a second family. Most of the team came to my wedding, and we’ve made some unforgettable memories – like sprinting round the office to the Benny Hill theme tune, or the time we unscrewed Gwynne’s desk while he was at lunch… watching it slowly collapse when he sat down to eat his noodles. One of my favourite keepsakes is my little girl’s Driver Require all-in-one suit - eight years on, we still have it (the all-in-one suit that is, and the child obviously).

When the 2008 recession hit, Ian and I jumped behind the wheel as HGV drivers to support the business and get a true feel for life on the road. I later returned to the office to help roll out our Mid Office system and was trusted by Kieran to take over the Ocado payroll when Bill retired. A WFH job (before it was fashionable), it enabled me to see every step of my little girl growing up. I haven’t missed a single thing!

During the pandemic, I worked from home, taught myself SharePoint, and built our intranet. Now, I look after all things IT… and somehow still haven’t been banned from anything (yet).

I’m quietly proud to have received our Special Recognition Award three years running. We’ve also taken on a few challenges along the way - from doing the Yorkshire 3 Peaks back in 2019 with the DR team, to taking on the National 3 Peaks in 2024 with amazing support from Driver Require helping me smash my target.

I genuinely love coming to work every day. The team I work with are brilliant.

Finally, to Mike – who we sadly lost recently – he was a much-loved colleague and friend, and Driver Require won’t be the same without you.

From four of us to 30 or so, it’s been a wild ride – and I’ve loved every step.

Nathan Humphreys
IT and Tech Manager