Bedfords ready to roll out across Europe

Leeds-based Bedfords Group plans to establish a pan-European service in response to client demand.

Steff Pfadenhauer, the managing director of Bedfords Group, said yesterday: “This is part of our company’s evolution and growth.

“We are always looking to move forward, and deliver above and beyond the expectations of our clients.

“As part of our natural progression, we are now duty-bound to deliver services across Europe.”

The Bedfords Group offers a nationwide distribution service, for single pallets up to articulated vehicle loads. It has 166 employees and a fleet of more than 70 vehicles.

Bedfords was formed in 1927 by Yorkshire entrepreneur Nelson Bedford.

Initially, it operated mainly within the textile industry and served customers in Leeds, Huddersfield and Brighouse.

By the end of the 1950s, the business had quadrupled in size.

The business continued to grow under Nelson’s son Ronald’s leadership, and by 1968, had expanded to 20 vehicles.

In the early 1970s, the company started working with the print industry, which allowed Bedfords to expand to 40 vehicles.

In 2008, a trust was established, and new directors appointed from the existing management team. The trust, directors and managers have continued to help the company achieve growth, while keeping a tight grip on costs.

Bedfords Group also has an active CSR (corporate social responsibility) scheme, which includes Beddy the Truck, a children’s road safety character, and iPhone apps.

The company is a shareholder in the Palletforce network, which was created in 2001 to offer an express delivery service for small consignments of palletised freight. Altogether, Palletforce has 87 member companies.

Bedfords, which has a turnover of around £26m, recently acquired LinQ Alliance, a deal which gives it links with other hauliers across Europe.