From Kieran’s Legacy to Road Safety Week

In Memory of Kieran Smith

It is with great sadness that we share the news that Kieran Smith, our former CEO, passed away on Wednesday 15th October after a courageous two-year battle with brain cancer.

Kieran joined Driver Require in 2007 and led the company through both challenges and successes with admirable energy, determination and care for his team. His leadership helped shape Driver Require into the business it is today - one built on trust, reliability and respect for drivers.

Beyond his role as CEO, Kieran was known across the logistics sector as a true thought-leader. He was passionate about tackling the driver shortage and championed better understanding and recognition of professional drivers. Through his work leading the Driver Require Think Tank, he produced valuable research that influenced how the industry viewed driver supply and working conditions.

Kieran’s drive, intelligence and warmth left a lasting impression on everyone who worked with him, and his legacy will continue to guide us as we move forward.

Our thoughts are with Kieran’s family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time. May he rest in peace, he will be missed by many.

We know that long shifts, tight schedules and unpredictable traffic make every stop count. That’s why we’ve created The Ultimate HGV Driver’s Guide to Motorway Services in England - a practical, no-nonsense guide built for drivers by people who understand life on the road.

We’ve listened to real driver feedback and rated every major service station based on what really matters:

🚿 Hot showers to freshen up after a long haul
🍔 Decent food that hits the spot
🅿️ Safe parking so you can rest easy
📶 Reliable phone signal to stay connected
😊 Friendly service to keep your day running smoothly

Don’t leave your next stop to chance, plan your route with confidence and make every mile count.

👉 Download your free copy of the Ultimate HGV Driver’s Guide now

Every year in the UK around 1,700 people are killed and 30,000 seriously injured on our roads. As professional drivers covering hundreds of miles, you know better than most that staying safe isn’t just about avoiding accidents - it’s about protecting your life, your livelihood and everyone sharing the road with you.

The charity Brake leads the national campaign Road Safety Week from 16 – 22 November 2025, with the theme “Safe Vehicles Save Lives”. We know how important vehicle checks are everyday at work, but how regularly do you check your own vehicles?

The message is clear for drivers:

A safe, well-maintained vehicle is the first line of defence.
Modern safety technology like emergency braking, lane-keeping aids and intelligent speed assistance can truly make a difference.
And you play a critical role - regular checks, serviceable tyres, lights, brakes and ensuring all safety systems are switched on and fit for purpose.

The Brake Road Safety Week website offers an action pack with resources, checklists, videos and ideas for drivers and fleets. You can view those here.

Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday present a good opportunity to reflect, show respect, and remember both those who risked their lives and those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our future.

Here at Driver Require we are very proud to have signed the Armed Forces Covenant. This covenant sets out the relationship between the nation, the government and our Armed Forces. It recognises that the whole nation has a moral obligation to members of the Armed Forces and their families, and it establishes how they should expect to be treated. The covenant exists to redress the disadvantages that the armed forces community may face in comparison to other citizens and to recognise sacrifices made. This is something we at Driver Require passionately believe in and support.

To all those who have served - thank you for your service.

Our Driver of the Month for November is Billy Duffield from our Tamworth Branch.

The team put Billy forward as he has been a main driver for a key client of ours for the past few years. He goes out tramping, Class 1, Class 2 and has even turned into our own driver recruiter - sharing all our posts and advertising of jobs under his own accord and good will.

As a big “THANK YOU” for being a Driver Require Superhero, we will be sending Billy a £25 Amazon gift card. Thank you for your hard work and commitment, Billy – we are proud to have you as part of the Driver Require Team!

Looking for a station that understands life on the road? HGV1 Radio is made for drivers, by drivers - offering the music, updates, and conversations that matter most when you’re behind the wheel.

Whether you're hauling through the night or parked for a well-earned break, tune in for a mix of great Music, Travel News, and real industry talk designed to keep you company on the long haul.

Stream anywhere, anytime by Downloading the HGV1 App in the Appstore or at HGVradio.com.