Me and My Business
Bob Terris, Managing Director, Meachers Global Logistics
Businesses are continually evolving and changing shape and that is certainly true of Meachers. The company has come a long way from Fred Meachers Totton based coal range and delivery service. It’s been a family business, in public ownership and is now one of the UK’s leading independent logistics providers – not bad for a company that was based in Westfield Road, Totton and comprised of a gravel yard and old nissen hut for an office.
I left grammar school in Bristol at 16 and joined the management training programme of a printing and packaging machine company. Within a short space of time I had become fascinated by the process of distribution, warehousing and stock movement, or, what we today term as logistics and the future direction of my career was clear.
My parents moved to Southampton when I was 17 and I joined the Meachers family run business as a traffic operator. In those days, the company was just a transport business and we used to do a lot of work locally, including moving fruit from the docks.
During the heydays of the industry in the 60’s I started developing my business skills and advanced through the company. They were great days and following a string of acquisitions the business started to expand and take shape. We doubled the size of the transport operation, added warehousing facilities and relocated our premises to what would turn out to be a prime location on West Quay Road. It was a decision that changed the direction of Meachers and also catapulted me into the world of plc’s. A challenge that I could never be prepared for!
In 1981, Meachers received a surprise approach from Pirelli. The multi national needed access to the waterfront at 102 dock having won a big cable contract, but our site was in the way. After a period of stalemate, the firm had no option but to offer to buy the business and we became a subsidiary of Pirelli Cables. It was during this period that the remaining founding family members retired and I became Managing Director. It was a steep learning curve understanding the bureaucracy and intricacies of plc life, but I was keen to learn and Pirelli left me at arms length to develop the business.
During the 80’s our growth strategy combined both organic business development and acquisitions. I had the opportunity to diversify the business and the seeds were sown for a group that could provide complete logistics solutions thorough the combination of transport, warehousing, freight forwarding and vehicle maintenance. During the period Meachers acquired a number of businesses including Hunt Transport, Southampton Road Transport, KL Commercial and in 1989 Oast Agencies, a well know freight forward business and Meachers Group Holdings was formed.
In the 90’s, Meachers Group Holdings continued to expand, but our parent company was facing tough market conditions. Its advisors were suggesting restructuring and a return to core business. The ideas of a management buy-out was proposed and initially shunned, but after a period of deadlock and tough discussions taking almost five years, in 1996 I completed the final element of a phased management buy-out.
The group marched on with a renewed vigour and focus following the management buy-out. We opened new premises in Derby and adjusted the offering by selling our commercial garage. The business was strengthened by the appointment of key staff and four new directors. We also looked at the needs and demands of the market place and devised a strategic development programme. This included the recent rebranding exercise that has resulted in formation of Meachers Global Logistics.
Sitting here in our facility in Nursling – an acquisition I advised Pirelli against making many years ago – I’m immensely proud of what we have achieved. I’m surrounded by good people, including my sons Stuart and Jamie, we have great facilities, a modern wholly owned fleet and are one of the UK’s leading providers of logistics services. Will I retire? Of course I will. When the time is right, Stuart will take over as managing director, I have a succession plan, and will move into the role of Chairman.
I’m often asked who has influenced my business life. My father taught me two very important lessons, don’t expect anything for nothing and treat people the way you would want to be treated. I’ve tried to adhere to those rules and have always tried to lead by example. This industry is in my blood and I still really enjoy it. It’s hard work, but then I’ve never been afraid of that, I’m very hands on and know my Father would be immensely proud of what I’ve achieved.
Outside of Meachers I’ve been involved with many industry groups and associations, but for relaxation I’ve always enjoyed and supported sport. I think that team sports should be encouraged amongst the next generation as they are great for development and building character. I’m a keen golfer and of course a Saints fan and I also enjoy travelling. There are always new places to see and experiences to be had.
Home has been in the New Forest for almost 30 years with my wife Josie. We have a wide and diverse circle of friends and are an active part of the community. I’m also a proud Grandad to Ethan and Luke, who knows?, perhaps future directors of Meachers Global Logistics?
