Local Businessmen Are Driven to Succeed
August 7, 2018
Two local entrepreneurs Paul Gray and James Peddie are driven both by nature and name, having set up two new businesses ‘Driven Club’ and ‘Driven Performance’.
Driven Club is an exclusive and private members club for Supercar owners within Northern Ireland. Driven Performance is an extension to the Driven brand and offers high end automotive customisation and upgrades.
Alderman William Leathem and Alderman Allan Ewart MBE, the Chairman and Vice-Chair respectively of the Council’s Development Committee recently visited their premises as part of the Council’s Business Engagement Visit programme.
Speaking about these new businesses, Alderman William Leathem, Chairman of the Council’s Development Committee, said: “I was pleased to have the opportunity to visit these two new businesses that have strong business plans and a focused target market both locally in the Lisburn Castlereagh area and across Northern Ireland. Paul and James are two car enthusiasts and it is great to see a personal interest turned into a profitable business. Through their well-organised monthly Driven Club events they have attracted high-profile sponsors and advertisers including the Hastings Group and Galgorm Resort & Spa.
“In terms of Driven Performance they have identified a niche market to tap into and offer vinyl customisation to high end cars and improve their performance through Electronic Control Unit remapping. Such customisations are proving very popular with their Club members; and there is a growing list of potential customers creating a healthy demand, which they will address through the creation of the ‘Driven Performance Training Programme’. This programme will create 12 full-time skilled posts, for those who are over 18 and unemployed, with support being provided by the Department for the Economy’s Bridge to Employment programme. I wish Paul and James every continued success with their Driven brand,” concluded Alderman Leathem.
Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council continues to visit local businesses as part of its wider programme of investment activity looking at how the council can work in partnership with local businesses to aid their growth. It hopes to see Paul and James at its networking events when they recommence in the autumn; and that they will avail of the business support accessible through a number of programmes offered by the Council’s Business Solutions team.
Alderman Allan Ewart MBE, Vice- Chair of the Council’s Development Committee added: “Paul and James already have two sound businesses and it is fantastic news that they will be sharing their experience and knowledge with 12 lucky individuals who wish to get back into employment and be part of the Driven Performance Training Programme. These individuals will learn how to remap a car, undertake bespoke vinyl wrapping of high-end cars and gain customer service training. The growth of the Driven brand over the last six months is admirable and with its plans I have no doubt its future growth will meet all expectations.”
James Peddie commented: "Paul and I are excited to combine our passion for supercars and motorsport in this new venture. We believe that there is local talent in the area and we are keen to invite the best and brightest individuals to join our team. Working around supercars and building a brand that represents such high standards is a great opportunity for petrol heads like us."
To register for the Performance Training Programme please log on to www.nidirect.gov.uk/vehicle-enhancement-training for information on the selection process.
If you are a business based in the Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council area and would like to take part in the Business Engagement Visits please contact Hazel King on 028 9244 7484.