A recruitment web site for hauliers and drivers has launched a franchise scheme aimed at people wanting to become owner-managers of their own business.

Hgvdriver.com, set up last December, has seen turnover soar from zero to £300,000 within five months.

Now the company is hoping to expand by offering franchised areas, with potential profits claimed to be from £100,000.

Support for franchisees will include guaranteed initial customer base, training and marketing.

A recruitment drive by the haulage industry was also underway this month in Edinburgh after insiders revealed an extra 45,000 truck drivers are needed over the next five years.