Addison Lee is on the hunt for hundreds more drivers in London after Uber’s licence loss

With Uber battling to secure a change of mind from Transport for London over the loss of its London licence, other taxi rivals have been quick to report rising app downloads and increased interest.

And today, Addison Lee announced it is on the hunt for 1,000 extra drivers due to a rise in demand. The firm said it was looking to bring on board new drivers for its Addison Lee and Tristar businesses in London, Manchester and Luton, which will take its total in the capital to over 4,450.

Read more: Addison Lee eyes Big Apple by acquiring NYC car platform

Andy Boland, Addison Lee’s chief executive, said: “With demand growing and Christmas approaching, Addison Lee wants to add to the pool of talented drivers providing our passengers with a premium service.

“With our new driver deal and financial incentives to meet customer demand, I’m confident that Addison Lee drivers can enjoy a happy holiday season.”

Earlier this month, it announced the acquisition of New York-based platform Tandem Technologies to drive expansion plans in the US.

The company backed by private equity firm Carlyle already operates the chauffeur service Flyte Tyme in New York, which it acquired earlier this year, and Tristar, which it bought in 2016, generating $100m in revenues between them across the country.

Last week, TfL told Uber that it won’t have its operating licence renewed, after deciding the firm was “not fit and proper to hold a private hire operator licence”. The transport body said Uber’s approach demonstrated a “lack of corporate responsibility in relation to a number of issues”.

Uber’s new boss is jetting into London next weeks for talks with TfL in an effort to change its mind.

Addison Lee had its own licence in the capital extended by six months in August, as TfL mulls rise in the costs of private hire vehicles amid rising numbers on the roads.

Read more: Addison Lee’s licence renewed for only six months as TfL considers fees