Eagle Chauffeuring launches female-focused service to boost gender diversity in private hire sector
- Perry Richardson
- 16 hours ago
- 2 min read
A North East chauffeur firm has launched a new service aimed at increasing the number of women in the private hire trade, while offering an alternative option for female passengers seeking women drivers.
Eagle Chauffeuring, based in Thornaby, is rolling out the initiative across Teesside, Durham and Newcastle. The company is offering full training, licensing support and access to luxury vehicles for women looking to enter the profession. It has already signed up its first female driver under the scheme.
Company founder Babar Malik confirmed that Eagle Chauffeuring will cover the full cost of private hire licensing and provide successful applicants with one of its executive vehicles. The offer is open to women from all backgrounds, with a particular focus on mothers and those seeking flexible working arrangements.
The decision to launch the service follows feedback from clients and rising awareness around the lack of female representation in the industry. Department for Transport figures show that less than 5% of licensed taxi and private hire drivers in England are women. A YouGov poll in 2021 also reported that 43% of women would prefer a female driver when travelling alone at night, with the figure rising to over 60% for women aged 18 to 34.
Malik said the idea stemmed from direct conversations with female clients who regularly requested women chauffeurs. He believes there is strong demand for a service that addresses those concerns, while creating new job opportunities for women.
The firm launched earlier this year with six high-end vehicles and has grown steadily since. The Eagle name has history in the area, having been previously operated by Malik’s father, Mohammed Malik, who ran a fleet of 50 vehicles under the name Eagles Taxis.
Eagle Chauffeuring currently caters for airport transfers, corporate bookings and special occasions, offering what it describes as a concierge-style experience. The company plans to expand its fleet to 30 vehicles by 2026 and is actively recruiting both male and female drivers to meet the growing demand.
Malik said: “There’s a real gap in the market, not just for luxury travel, but for women who want to work in a way that fits around their lives. We’re giving women the opportunity to get started with a flexible career and the tools they need to succeed.
“We’ve had women tell us they feel more comfortable with a female driver, and that’s something we want to support. Eagle’s entire approach is about creating a service that takes care of customers and give them the best experience possible.
“Our male drivers wear suits and ties, and our female drivers will be just as smart with business attire. Everything is about providing the best of the best – from our cars to the drivers.”
