A COWLEY taxi firm, which claims it can get a car to anywhere in Oxford within five minutes, have been named one of the best private hire companies in the UK.

Royal Cars, based in Pony Road, operates a fleet of more than 400 cars.

Marketing manager Ozayr Khan said he believes it was the company's commitment to technology and high quality customer service that saw it bag Silver at Pro Driver Magazine’s QSI awards for Large Private Hire provider of the year 2017.

The 29-year-old said: "Though we've always been, and continue to be, a family-run business, we've had a massive change in the way we operate in recent years.

"We introduced an automated system so people can book online or via an app, which has proved to be really popular and 50 per cent of bookings now come from there."

"We've also been working really hard on our branding so people know when they see our blue Toyota Prius hybrids they know it's us and we are trustworthy."

Royal Cars was started by Mr Khan's father Sadat and his uncle, Niaz Mohammed, in 1991 before being passed on to the next generation seven years ago.

He and his cousin Qasim Mohammed now run the company, putting their own mark on the business through their focus on meeting the needs of younger customers and becoming more environmentally friendly.

Mr Khan said it was a great moment for staff when they won at the awards, which are currently the only national recognition for excellence in the private hire and chauffeur industry in the UK.

He said: "It was an acknowledgement of all the hard work and dedication from our staff and drivers who ensure the quality is there no matter when or where someone uses us.

"The award has lifted everyone's spirits."

He added they planned to keep improving the business by expanding to cover south Oxfordshire, along with increasing the work they have already been doing with automation and making sure all their vehicles are hybrid.