JOINING FORCES
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When he was faced with overloading charges, Richards decided to get rid of the bulkers and start looking into general haulage. Over the years Richards has flourished in this sector, thanks to his commitment to service and by joining forces with similar-sized like-minded, family-run operators.
Wisbech Roadways, the partnership consisting of Richards, Knowles Transport and Garn Transport, is a good case in point. Having begun operations in July 1998 it brings to bear a combined fleet of more than 300 trucks, controlled from five operating centres, with over 1.5 million ft2 of warehousing. In 2011 Richards was a founding shareholder member of Harlequin Logistics, the alliance of five strong regional players comprising R Swain & Sons, Prestons of Potto, Currie European and John Raymond Transport.
For Richards, such collaborations are all about taking on the big boys at their own game. “As long as you’ve got the right [people] running these consortiums, they’ll be successful.” This formula has already paid off in Harlequin’s case. In February it announced its first contract to deliver Kellogg’s products from its depot in Manchester to retailer RDCs, wholesalers and cash and carry outlets nationwide. In 2005 the family management team was added to when Richards recruited Peter Brown as MD. Brown’s record in haulage management is impressive, having worked with Exel, Russell Davies, Securicor Omega Logistics, and DHL.