'w•orman and Jean Watson returned from an extended six-month holiday
Page 51
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
in 1976 and realised they needed to put their one asset to work to replenish the coffers. The asset was a van and so the couple set up in general haulage, a story that in transport terms is the modern-day equivalent of starting off with a single horsedrawn buggy.
Now Jean Watson is managing director of Rymer Transport, taking her turn at the helm of the 20-vehicle Croydon-based firm from husband Norman who was managing director for the first 13 years.
The firm has diversified from general haulage with 11 lorryloaders in the fleet working mainly on building sites. There is also a small warehouse operation.
The general haulage is still there although Watson admits it has suffered most during a recession which has led to the firm reducing staff by natural wastage and wit holding a pay rise for two years. The fleet has been cut from 28 vehicles.
But despite the gloom the business is still profitable although turnover has reduced from £1.5m to £800,000 in recent years.
This year Jean Watson decided she was fed up with standing still and it was high time to get things moving again. Hence the purchase of an unusual crane, a £40,000 Palfinger 33000 fitted to a 95 Series tractor unit.
The Palfinger, delivered this month, is Watson's pride and joy It is specced as 33 tonne/metre