THE owner of a specialist recruitment firm has won a prestigious industry award for his work setting up in Reading.

Bobby Mann took on the Reading Franchise of Driver Hire in 2015, supplying temporary and permanent drivers to other companies.

Since then the Gillette Way firm has gone from strength to strength winning the New Start of the Year Award at the company's national conference in Nottingham.

Chris Chidley, Driver Hire’s Chief Executive, said: "This is a performance to be proud of, achieved in what are uncertain times.

"Bobby and all the team at Reading are to be congratulated on their success.

"It’s a result of their hard work, endeavour and the first rate, round the clock service they and their drivers deliver."