As the summer season approaches, the UK coach and bus industry enters one of its busiest — and most lucrative — times of year. But with opportunity comes pressure. School runs, private hires, coastal tours, rail replacement work, and festival shuttles all require one thing to run smoothly: enough drivers.
For many operators, this seasonal spike is both a challenge and a chance to grow. But how do you confidently bid for new contracts, expand your private hire offering, or launch new services when driver availability is already stretched?
That’s where C9 Recruitment comes in. We’re not just a safety net for sickness cover — we’re your strategic growth partner.
Recruitment Agencies Aren’t Just for Emergencies
Engaging with a trusted recruitment agency like C9 gives you more than short-term support — it gives you the confidence to grow. Whether you’re eyeing up new school contracts, expanding summer timetables, or looking to boost private hire work, having a ready supply of compliant, qualified drivers means you can go after new opportunities without hesitation.
Just ask Jas Singh at OMC. When Jas was considering a bid for a major school contract — 52 routes, to be precise — he knew he could sort the vehicles and cover part of the work with his existing team. But he also recognised that securing a reliable, compliant driver partner would be key to making it all work.
Jas approached C9 Recruitment during the planning stages. Together, we developed a support strategy to ensure he had the driver resource needed to deliver the contract from day one. The bid was a success — and Jas hasn’t looked back since. Today, OMC and C9 still work closely together, supporting one another through peak periods and planned growth.
That’s the power of planning ahead and having the right recruitment partner in your corner. Read the full article here: route-one.net/suppliers/having-agency-to-use-agency/
Summer Peaks Are an Opportunity — If You’re Ready
From June through September, demand for drivers skyrockets. Rail replacements, tourism trips, and summer events push existing rosters to their limits. Many operators find themselves turning down work or stretching their teams thin — not because the business isn’t there, but because the drivers aren’t.
C9 Recruitment helps you seize these seasonal opportunities without overstretching. With access to 35,000+ registered drivers nationwide, we can provide fast, flexible staffing for any summer need — from weekend-only to full-time support.
Compliance First — Because It Should Be
At C9, compliance isn’t optional — it’s foundational. Every driver we place is engaged under PAYE or via a fully compliant umbrella scheme. This protects everyone: you as the operator, the driver, and us as your recruitment partner.
We ensure all placements meet HMRC, IR35, Working Time Directive, and National Minimum Wage regulations. This means:
✅ No risk of unexpected tax bills
✅ No issues with employment status or rights
✅ Full transparency on hours worked, breaks taken, and pay earned
Compliance is our priority — and it should be yours too. We uphold industry standards, protect your business from hidden liabilities, and give you total peace of mind when it matters most. Read our article here on PAYE vs LTD Company Drivers
Avoiding Day Rate Risks
Flat day rates may seem convenient, but they can land operators in hot water. As highlighted in routeone’s recent feature, day rates often don’t stack up legally — particularly when drivers work beyond expected hours or records aren’t kept accurately.
C9 Recruitment pays all drivers correctly through PAYE, with full shift tracking and wage transparency. You stay protected, your drivers stay happy, and your operation stays compliant.
Summer Growth Starts with a Conversation and the Right Mindset
With the right partner, your summer peak could be your business’s biggest growth opportunity.
☎️ Call us on 0208 152 4574
📧 Email commercial@c9-recruitment.com
Let’s talk about how we can help you scale up safely, successfully — and compliantly.
