Taxi firm looking to recruit 400 new drivers

Go Carz, which has more than 700 licensed vehicles and 800 drivers, says it is looking to recruit a further 400 drivers as soon as possible.

The company will be holding open days in Shrewsbury and Telford to provide information for people interested in becoming drivers.

Cindy Wilday, Sales and Marketing director at Go Carz, said: "In a typical week our drivers cover 115,000 miles in Telford alone, and clock a combined total of nearly four years' worth of work, so you can see how much demand is out there.

"We are hoping to take on at least another 400 drivers, as the increase in the price of bus fares means taxis are in demand.

"There is a huge opportunity for people who are willing to work hard to make a seriously good wage from driving a taxi and we can even provide cars for suitable drivers."

Go Carz was formerly Central Cars, and is an independently-owned company. A purpose-built call centre opened in Battlefield Enterprise Park in Shrewsbury in 2011, and up to 130,000 phone calls a week are received at the combined offices.

Mrs Wilday added: "We are really keen to show people that taxi driving can be a genuine career and one that can earn a good above average wage, with flexible hours to suit. Once you have your private hire badge you have a job for life.

"The open days are a great chance for people to come and find out more about the job, talk to some of our current drivers and see what it's all about.

"Taxi drivers can become an important part of their community, taking people to hospital appointments, job interviews or shopping, and it can be a very enjoyable job.

"As a company we are committed to the training and development of our drivers and are working hard to demonstrate a professional approach as much as possible."

All applicants must be at least 25 years old, have had a driving licence for two years, pass police checks and a medical, and have a good knowledge of the area.

Mrs Wilday added: "We welcome hard working drivers who would like a new challenge and we will even help them with financial assistance to obtain their badge if necessary.

Our drivers take home 100 per cent of their fares and tips - the only cost to them is a weekly hire charge for the radio in their car.

"We can also provide them with a car and offer assistance to obtain their private hire driver's licence.

"We are currently doing about 75,000 journeys a week and we think there is enough demand to double that if we get enough drivers."

The first Shropshire open day will take place at The Park Inn, in Telford on September 1, from 10am to 5pm, followed by The Lord Hill Hotel in Shrewsbury on October 7.

There are also open days at the Holiday Inn, Tempus Drive, Walsall, on August 19, from 10am to 5pm, and Wolverhampton Racecourse on October 14.

For more information, visit the website at www.gocarz.co.uk