Loan steers driving school to new growth

A North East-based driver training form has secured major funding to accelerate growth and boost its digital offering.

RED Driver Training, headquartered in Billingham, County Durham, has received a £13 million loan from NatWest to support its expansion across the region and beyond. 

The company employs over 100 staff locally and works with more than 2000 driving instructors nationwide.

Bosses say the funding will help RED enhance efficiencies, recruit new instructors and advance its digital learning tools, including the expansion of its ‘Learn to Drive with RED’ app. 

Alongside retail lessons, the business also delivers corporate training through its RED Corporate division, covering fleet safety and compliance.

Seb Goldin, chief executive of RED Driver Training, said: “NatWest’s investment will help us truly transform RED Driver Training, further strengthening our position in the UK market and allow us to train even more drivers at all stages of their driving careers. 

“Working with a local NatWest team, who not only understand the industry but have expertise in doing business at both a national and regional level, has been unparalleled.”

NatWest said the deal reflects its commitment to supporting UK businesses at scale.

David Wilkinson, relationship manager at NatWest, added: “As one of the leading driving schools in the UK, we are delighted to support RED Driver Training in this exciting phase of growth. 

“This funding package is testimony to our longstanding relationship with the business, having worked with them for six years, and we are looking forward to seeing how they continue to grow and innovate within the sector.”

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