... and told BR where to get off
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ANOTHER example of Sir Peter's far-sightedness occurred when the railways, which were handling all Bird's Eye movements, demanded a big increase in rates. At that time, a quarter of a century ago, vehicles were on two to three years' delivery and the railways had Bird's Eye over a barrel — but not for long.
On Sir Peter's initiative, Bill Cotton went to Leyland and ordered 70 tractors, to Crane for about 100 trailers and Mickleover for a regular supply of six containers a week. Somehow they were produced with a Paul Daniels flourish, to the amazement of small hauliers who hardly knew what a new vehicle looked like.
Sir Peter then sold the lorries to hauliers, who paid on the nail for them and were given profitable contracts. The deal cost Bird's Eye nothing. When, after about three years, the vehicles were beginning to need costly repairs, Bill recalls, the hauliers opted out. SPD quickly bought their equipment and took on Bird's Eye's contract. Now the former customer is to be the boss. I hesitate to say gamekeeper turned poacher.