any ideas of any decent companies that will take on new class 1 driver notts/derby areas all info greatly appreciated…thanks in advance. 
I am in the same boat as you, but in a different area (can that happen?)
Although I cannot answer your question, the fact that you have posted on here shows you are being pro-active. This is where the results will come - keep up the pro-activity. There is much good advice to be found on this forum about ‘first-time job hunting’, most of it written by people who know what they are talking about.
Remember: When the going gets tough, the tough get going.
Good luck.
Alan
lockwoods are pretty decent tbh.
I have sent you an e-mail