
A Manchester entrepreneur is aiming to reshape the city's private hire industry after announcing a new driver-first business model designed to help local drivers keep more of what they earn.
Paul Maher, founder of MMA Transfers, built the Manchester-based private hire company from the ground up in 2016 and says the business has spent the past nine years earning a strong reputation for customer service, consistently ranking highly on review platforms and local business listings.
After witnessing increasing pressure on drivers from rising commission costs across the industry, Paul says a recent personal loss inspired him to take action.
"After losing my mum, I spent a lot of time reflecting on what really matters. She always believed in helping people whenever she could. I wanted to honour her memory by doing something that genuinely makes a difference to others."
That decision has led MMA Transfers to focus entirely on supporting Manchester's local private hire community. The company has discontinued its Wolverhampton operation and is now concentrating on working with Manchester-licensed drivers.
The business has also introduced a new pricing model for drivers using its app. Instead of percentage-based commission, drivers now pay a flat fee of £50, allowing them to keep significantly more of their earnings each month.
"We already have the technology, the infrastructure and a trusted reputation. Now it's about creating a platform where drivers feel valued, can earn a better living and provide excellent service to passengers."
MMA Transfers says it is also expanding its work with local authorities and is committed to supporting transport services across Greater Manchester while creating long-term opportunities for local drivers.
Paul believes the future of the industry is built on fairness, transparency and supporting the people who keep Manchester moving.
"We're building a platform for Manchester, run with Manchester drivers at its heart. If local drivers succeed, our customers receive a better service, and that's good for everyone."
MMA Transfers is currently recruiting experienced Manchester-licensed private hire drivers who share its commitment to reliability, professionalism and outstanding customer service.

Barry Murphy, who has worked in the local trade for 24 years, is calling for an immediate freeze on new Public Passenger Vehicle (PPV) applications until an independent review evaluates the island's licensing system.

Thames Valley Police is now appealing for witnesses to the broad-daylight incident, which occurred around 12.35pm on Friday, July 3, on one of Oxford's busiest roads.

A local cabbie raised the alarm, highlighting a vehicle serving Westfield Special School. The whistleblower claimed the vehicle was unlicensed as a taxi, uninsured, and had failed its MoT.

Scott Troy, 43, was arrested at his home and accused of being a getaway driver following a violent attack on shopkeeper Mohammed Arif in Pollok on August 13, 2023.

Peter Garland was a passenger in the vehicle when he pulled out the weapon, held it to the driver's neck, made violent threats, and chased the victim before robbing him of his mobile phone.

Wolverhampton officials were brought in because a high volume of private hire vehicles operating in Warrington are licensed by city of Wolverhampton Council.

Meeting on 20 June, the General Licensing Committee will consider sweeping amendments designed to tighten the criteria for who is deemed a “fit and proper person” to drive a cab.

The Government has announced its decision on Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) in Hertfordshire, confirming it will create four new unitary councils, subject to parliamentary approval.

A survey by The Taxi Insurer survey found that twice as many people perceive public transport to be unreliable in northern England (8%) than in central England (4%), the south-east (5%) or the south-west (3%).

Platinum Travel, owned by brothers Alex and Ryan Elbourne, has seen its pool of licensed drivers shoot up from 35 to 140 and its operations team expand to 16 to meet surging demand.

Prominent local taxi firm Thistle Cabs has officially signed up as the newest charity partner for the Ayrshire Hospice. 

Daniel Smith, 35, of Paisley, was ordered to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work, placed under supervision for 24 months, fined £300, and banned from driving for 30 months at Glasgow Sheriff Court.

On July 30, six vehicles from Herne Cars will form a funeral procession to Herne Bay Crematorium to pay tribute to one of the funniest cabbies to ever drive the local streets.

The App Drivers & Couriers Union (ADCU) has made an urgent appeal to incoming Prime Minister Andy Burnham, demanding he immediately halt upcoming trials of driverless cars in the capital.

From launch, EVs and hydrogen fuel cell cars will pay three pence per mile, while PHEVs will pay a lower rate of 1.5 pence per mile as those drivers also pay fuel duty.

The appointment marks another important milestone in CheckedSafe’s growth and reinforces the company’s commitment to strong governance, strategic expansion, and innovation across the sector.

Shermaine "Sham" Bond, 38, has spent the last seven years driving cabs, where long hours behind the wheel and irregular meal times caused her weight to climb to 14st 6lbs.

Members of the City of Doncaster Council’s licensing committee voted to outlaw both Category S (structural) and Category N (non-structural) write-offs from operating in the city.

The convoy of licensed London taxis began the day in South Holmwood, where volunteer drivers and veterans gathered for refreshments before making the journey together to the Sussex coast. 

Last year, 30-year-old interior designer Ditto Kasendar fell asleep during a short ride in Los Angeles. He woke up nearly an hour after his trip ended to find firefighters opening his door.
