Derek holds the Warwickshire franchise for Pinnacle Chauffeur Transport, a network of highly trained drivers across the UK who provide a bespoke service for customers.

From taking businessman and politician Baron Jones of Birmingham on work engagements and personal trips to chauffeuring professional footballers, television personalities and rock stars, including Heaven and Hell - Black Sabbath - guitarist Tony Iommi, he has earned the trust of many high profile clients.

Originally from South Africa, Derek trained with the army before travelling to the UK where he met his wife Linda.

Back in his homeland he became a reservist traffic policeman in addition to his job as an information technology consultant in the car manufacturing industry.

His work with IBM brought him back to the UK in 1996 but he was made redundant seven years later, by which time he had had enough of high-tech working.

He said: "I decided that I was going to look for something that I love. I always wanted to go back into the motoring world and run my own business and treat people as I would have liked to be treated as an executive."

When he saw an advert for a franchise with Pinnacle, which had been formed two years previously, he took the plunge and after a hard couple of years his reputation grew, as did his client base.

The father-of-four, who lives near Southam, said: "If you go into a business class lounge everything is laid out for you. If my customers like to read a certain paper I will get it for them.

"It's about offering a first class service not just a private hire, but that's just me."

He has recently invested in the 2009 version of the Chrysler Grand Voyager, which can carry up to six passengers, has power points for laptop and mobile phones, a refrigerator and dvd player to help transform an ordinary journey into a luxury experience.

Like other Pinnacle chauffeurs, Derek has had security training, is a member of the Institute of Advanced Motorists and been Criminal Records Bureau checked.

He added: "Being a Pinnacle chauffeur is the best, most enjoyable and most rewarding job that I have had for years.."

To contact Derek call freephone 0800 7834107 or 07966 909173.