Looking Back on 2025: A Big Year for the Commercial Driving Industry

2025’s been a busy year for our team at Driver Require and the commercial driving industry as a whole. 

We’ve spent the year digging into data, speaking with drivers and clients, and keeping a close eye on what’s changing in the sector. But alongside all of that, we’ve been working on a number of our own projects and initiatives.

So, as the year comes to a close, here’s a look back at some of the key moments and developments at Driver Require in 2025.

Celebrating 25 years of supporting commercial drivers and their employers

This year was a very special one for our team, marking Driver Require’s 25th anniversary in business.

The commercial driving world has changed a lot since we first started out, bringing new tech, new rules, and new ways of working. Through it all, we’ve stayed focused on what we do best: finding the right drivers for the right jobs and building long-term relationships.

From our early days matching local drivers with regional work to becoming one of the best-known driver recruitment agencies in the country, we’ve come a long way. We’ve grown to six branches covering 12 locations across the South East and Midlands, and since 2009, we’ve averaged around 30% growth each year. 

That kind of progress only happens when you’ve got great people and strong partnerships behind you. And we’re nowhere near done yet!

Driver Insights video series

Our Driver Insights content had great success this year, all thanks to Ian Datlen who took the lead on a new series of short, practical videos for commercial drivers.

Ian brings years of real, on-the-road experience, making the advice accurate and straight from someone who knows what it's truly like out there.

These bite-size clips cover a bit of everything and the everyday challenges drivers deal with. Things like checking blind spots, handling tight turns, getting through narrow entrances and other tricky moments on the road.

Browse Ian’s quick tips video series right now!

Championing women behind the wheel

In 2025, our Women Behind the Wheels Guide helped shine a light on the fantastic women already doing great things in the industry and encouraging others to get involved too. It’s been good to see more conversations and positive steps happening around this.

Opening our Norwich office

We expanded our reach in 2025 with the opening of our Norwich Branch. The team got stuck in right away, supporting drivers and clients across the area and giving us stronger coverage in the East.

Alongside our existing branches in places like Stevenage, Dartford, Northampton, Tamworth and Andover, the new Norwich office helps us reach even more of the commercial driving community. This was a proud moment for the entire team.

Remembering Mike and Kieran

Our team experienced some heartbreaking losses this year, saying goodbye to two much-loved members of the Driver Require family – Mike Beard and Kieran Smith.

Mike, who joined us in 2010, was known for his quick humour, big personality and ability to brighten even the toughest day.

Kieran, our former CEO, led Driver Require through some of its most challenging years and helped shape our direction as a business. He was widely respected across the industry and remained dedicated and determined throughout his two-year battle with brain cancer.

Industry events and driver recognition

We kept busy getting involved in industry events this past year, including meet-ups and discussions with the Road Haulage Association (RHA).

One standout moment was taking part in Ocado’s Driver of the Year awards – a brilliant chance to celebrate the drivers who put in the hard work day after day.

Charity support

The Driver Require team took part in a number of charity efforts this year, including a Macmillan Coffee Morning, Daniella’s 100K walk for SANDS, and the Five Valleys 21-mile challenge in support of Meningitis Now. It’s been an honour to gather as a team to support causes close to our hearts. 

Work with with Driver Require team

Just passed your HGV test and earned your commercial driver certificate? Or maybe you’re an experienced delivery driver looking for steady work? Either way, we’re here to help.

And for businesses, we take the stress out of recruitment, finding reliable, fully licensed and CPC-qualified drivers for all types of commercial motor vehicles. 

Get in touch with or register with Driver Require today to find out how we can help you move forward in 2026 and beyond.