Controversial master vendor de Poel Consulting has worked hard to improve its reputation and communication with the driver agencies it uses, according to Adam Lane, managing director of PL Workforce.

He told Recruiter that de Poel has impressed the agencies at conferences held across the country. "You can either see it as a threat or as a strength. We have chosen to see it as an opportunity.

"Of course we would always like better rates and payment terms but you have to deal with it."

Lane adds that an increase in mergers and acquisitions in the sector has affected the volume of work received by agencies. "We always look for the positives. We looked at how we could improve the company, become more efficient and differentiate ourselves."

As a result the company invested in a new software system, TempID, which is used to make bookings, keep drivers details, and store tachograph and Working Time Directive details.

Lane told Recruiter that the market is becoming more buoyant. "It is starting to pick up. The sector was thrown by the Working Time Directive and the influx of Eastern Europeans, but it has settled down and there is a growing confidence," said Lane.

PL Workforce, which has 10 branches across the UK and a turnover of £10m, plans to open two new branches in Newport and Leicester.