BLACKBURN businessman Iain Westman had the Midas touch at the annual conference of the Driver Hire Nationwide group.

After collecting a gold award for exceeding sales target, Iain was voted franchisee of the year by directors of the company which provides workers for the transport and distribution industries.

Iain, the owner-manager of the Driver Hire Blackburn franchise, moved recently with his four colleagues to new offices in Accrington which is more central to their East Lancashire operations.

"The gold award is a reflection of the teamwork at Driver Hire Blackburn," he said.

"All of us do our level best to provide a first-class service to our clients." Iain collected his awards from Driver Hire's chief executive John Bussey, who applauded him for his contribution to the business.

"Iain is very positive and very professional," he said. "But more than that, Iain is helping us to develop new ideas for the Driver Hire brand."