Praise showered on diamond of East Yorkshire business community

Colleagues and business associates have marked a milestone anniversary of a highly respected family business owner with praise for his “incredible dedication” and inspirational leadership.

Peter Brown, CEO of Neill & Brown Global Logistics, has clocked up 60 years at the well-known East Yorkshire company which has been trading for 108 years.

An ice cream van pulled up to the Hessle site near Hull on September 1 so employees could celebrate with a sweet treat, with many reminiscing about their long career and relationship with Mr Brown.

It was a fun nod to his start with the company. Working at a Hornsea amusement arcade as a teenager he protested when his father said in no uncertain terms: “You are coming to work for me at Neill & Brown from next week!”

Starting in 1965 in the post room, he soon moved through the ranks becoming MD in 1977 and then CEO in 2013. For many years working a seven-day week, he steadily grew the company which now provides comprehensive logistics services over two Humber sites and employs 145 people. 

Alan Johnson, former MP for Hull West and Hessle commented: “One of the delights of being a local MP was discovering great businesses bringing jobs and prosperity to my constituents, and I soon realised that a top European logistics company was on my patch. Dealing with Peter established a relationship of respect and admiration that has transcended my time in politics.”

Within the company, employees were keen to express their appreciation, with handyman Phil Hawes saying: “I'm proud to say that I was Peter’s first HGV driver. He's always been fair and calls a spade a spade. He’s a great boss and I wish good luck for the next 60 years!”

Logistics director Carl Andrew who joined as a school leaver in 1990 said: “Over the years, Peter has been a huge mentor to me and others; always supportive when discussing plans and offering honest, valuable opinions. 

“His eye for detail and immense knowledge has shaped this company and inspired every person who works here. These high standards flow down from the very top, and it’s a legacy we all benefit from.”

Managing director Colin Moody, who joined Neill & Brown in 1981as an office junior, said that much of the company’s success was founded on Peter’s leadership and him rewarding hard work. “It took me time to gain his trust, but when I did, he proved to be incredibly loyal and supportive.”

Ian Middleton, owner of Crossroads Truck and Bus, which has supplied Neill & Brown with more than 150 Volvo trucks over 43 years, said: “The culture Peter has built amongst his employees is renowned within the industry. 

“Negotiating on a deal is always a challenge as he always has his costings at his fingertips and is quick to firmly justify the figures. I have learnt over the years that the way to his heart is to take him for fish ‘n’ chips. He then lets me pay and negotiates a little more discount before we agree with a gentleman’s handshake!”

Further afield, Netherlands-based KDS logistics’ Karel van Suchtelen said: “We regard Peter as one of the best men in transport and logistics, and over 20 years we have learned a lot from him. We respect him not only as a businessman, but also a friend.”

A highly active member of the Humber region’s business community, Mr Brown was a founder of the privately led World Trade Centre Hull & Humber in the 1990s and has always believed in Neill & Brown being closely involved in local initiatives, which includes support for Hull’s cultural ambitions through membership of Hull Business Angels.

In a media business profile more than 20 years’ ago, he stated his ambition was to make the company more successful without losing the personal touch, for which Neill & Brown is still well known. He also declared: “There’s plenty of business out there; don’t complain how bad things are, go out and get it!”