With around 21 years' experience in the transport industry, Ian was drawn to the D&W opportunity when he visited the franchise exhibition in Glasgow last year.

"I wanted to run my own business and knew a lot about the industry, so franchising with D&W was an easy step," he recalls. "My initial impressions of the company were very good."

Following one week of classroom training, Ian began preparing for the launch of his business by securing premises on a busy industrial estate, placing advertising and sending out letters, assisted by the D&W team. Within just one month, Ian's business was gathering momentum.

With employment as a Warehouse Manager a fading memory, Ian reflects on his first two months as a D&W franchisee: "I already have three or four ongoing contracts with logistics companies and about 10 drivers on my books. I've been in contact with D&W everyday and they visit once or twice a month to see how things are going and to give me ideas. They do all the invoicing and wages for me so I can concentrate on recruiting drivers and securing new contracts and business."

Ideally situated just off the M74 and M8, Ian is looking forward to tapping into his sizeable potential market. "Over the next two years I am aiming to recruit more drivers and gain a larger and secure customer base. Being your own boss is very different to working for somebody else. It's much more rewarding and one of the best things I've done."