Our Story
Driven by demand, inspired by care and trust
The concept behind Driving Miss Daisy has its roots in New Zealand, back in 2008, with founders Melanie and Jack Harper. Driving her elderly Aunt Trish to medical appointments, Melanie soon realised she was doing much more than just transporting her relative from A to B. She was also offering much needed social interaction and companionship. It was a role she grew to love, but her dear aunt began to feel she was imposing on Melanie’s time and eventually hired a paid companion to drive her around.
This was to prove a moment of true inspiration for Melanie, who soon started her own companionship driving service. It wasn’t long before her and her husband realised there were thousands of others around the country who could greatly benefit from the same experience – not just those in need, but those who wanted to have a positive impact on the lives of those in need.
With a mission to meet the huge demand they saw in their native NZ for a service which could provide essential transportation to the elderly and vulnerable with a personal touch, they set about founding Driving Miss Daisy – only to discover a company with that name already existed in Canada!
Reaching out to the Canadian owners, they set up a collaborative partnership with full permission to use the name in New Zealand, and start a new franchise, together creating what was to become a real international success story. They soon attracted dozens of others to join them, rapidly spreading right across both countries, and to Australia.
Driving Miss Daisy arrives in the UK
The next chapter of the Driving Miss Daisy story starts with two Brits on holiday in New Zealand. Spotting a branded car parked on a driveway while touring Auckland, Paul and Ada Nuth were immediately intrigued and, having a instant “flashback” to the film they had seen some 25 years earlier, immediately grasped the concept.
On returning to the UK, they conducted some research of their own and saw the huge potential of the concept to meet a desperate need here, too. They were also inspired by how the business model could help them and others create a community-based business which would be both financially and personally rewarding. They contacted Melanie and Jack with a view to bringing the franchise to the UK, and the two couples immediately hit if off.
Holding a conference call in March 2014, they had already reached an agreement by early May to launch Driving Miss Daisy into the UK. In less than a year, Driving Miss Daisy was firmly established in four English counties, and has spread to more than 60 locations in the 10 years since.
Now they just need people like you to become part of the family and spread the service to your own local community!