He made his mark...
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If I had a tenner for every rumour and myth I’d heard about Edward (and he always went as Edward, never Eddie) Stobart over the years, I’d be a rich man. Tee-totaller, never swore, devoutly religious: some of those we heard over the years all served to create an air of mystery around this enigmatic character, who did so much to revolutionise the image of the UK road freight transport sector and are all, in my experience, wrong.
I spent a brief but intense period of time with Edward a few years ago, following an interview I did for CM at the time of his acquisition of Boalloy. Indeed, I nearly went to work for him, until the ravages of the recession hammered his ambitious plans for Boalloy and a breakdown in communication meant we parted ways.
I’ll speak as I found... Edward was an enigma, he was shy and he never courted the publicity others would have coveted had they created such a major brand. He loved his wife and daughters, never forgot the working man, didn’t like nor talk bullshit, had balls of steel and wasn’t a great communicator. As far as I know, I don’t think he read any of the emails I sent him – he certainly never responded to any of them – but face to face he was good craic, liked the cut and thrust of business and decision making.
He demanded a lot from the people who worked for and around him, but in my experience he always took time out to ensure all the cogs in the metaphorical machine were well looked after, ensuring the hard workers were always recognised.
We all endeavour to leave our mark in our brief time on this earth. Edward Stobart’s time with us has been cut short, but there are few who have, or will be, involved in this great industry who will leave behind a bigger imprint on the UK freight sector.
Rest in peace, Edward.
Andy Salter