Main Menu

Contact Us

Trusted for generations
– the Welch Group history

A lot in the world has changed since 1934 - but there are some things that remain reliably the same…

The Welch Group Complete History

The secret to our longevity?...

From a single depot in Foxton, South Cambridgeshire, the Welch Group was founded in 1934 by brothers Gordon and Jim Welch with a single 3-tonne Morris petrol truck.

They realised that a successful business needs more than just wheels and a driver and built the business around offering honest value for money by combining the best possible service with the best possible price. They also ensured each customer was cared for as an individual.

From the outset, the business plan was to own all of its vehicles and property outright so that costs are kept to a minimum. That’s how we have always offered the most competitive rates possible to our clients.

Despite war, economic recessions, even a global pandemic, the company grew steadily from the 1930s into the nationwide service provider it is today, diversifying into many related industries. Services now on offer are mobile crane hire, specialist movement services, truck and van service and maintenance, and warehousing/fulfilment solutions.

The ongoing promise to Welch Group clients...

Is to offer the speed and reliability of a large company while maintaining the customer care of a smaller one. No matter how the world changes, that is our constant.

Now operating out of three transport and commercial sites across central and eastern England, Welch’s is well equipped to service clients of all sizes throughout the UK.

We do take pride in our past, and still provide a flexible and trusted service, tailored carefully to our customers’ needs. And we remain grateful to the previous generations for their amazing legacy.

But we will also look to the future and prepare the business for the next chapter in its history – shaping a cleaner, greener, incredibly efficient logistics industry with our trusted partners.

Thank you

With special thanks to Tony E Osborne and Brian Sharp our unofficial Welch Group historians, who have collected stories about the people, places and vehicles from over the years, and who have made our complete history a possibility.

The Welch Group Complete History

Our history in pictures

When your company has been in operation for nearly a century, there are some fascinating photographs from all those years.

Enjoy looking at a few select ones, and if you would like to browse more, please take a look at our complete online gallery.

View all Welch Group photos

The Welch Group Complete History

1934
Based in Foxton, Welch’s Transport is founded on the 25th of March. Gordon Welch buys his first lorry from King and Harper in Cambridge. A new MC ‘C’ type 3-ton drop-side truck with petrol engine for £310.00 ‘on the road’.
1939
The Second World War breaks out
Welch's Transport have 12 Lorries on the road. Some drivers are conscripted into military service; some contracts lost, and some lorries are requisitioned for military use.
1941
Duty calls
Gordon receives his call up papers to join the army.
1942
Jim finds it difficult running the business alone
Gordon is given six months leave to sort the business out. With the build-up of the war effort, transport becomes an essential service, but the army does not release Gordon until the war is virtually over.
1945
The war ends.
Welch's fleet is looking tatty. Replacements are not readily available, so Welch’s buy some ex-military Bedford’s and Dodge’s. Most ex-military vehicles have petrol engines and Welch’s convert them to diesel using a Perkins P6 unit.
1946
Welch’s buy a garage
This later becomes the WTL Truck and Van Centre
1949

Nationalisation

Welch’s Transport becomes part of the Eastern Region of British Road Services based in Cherry Hinton Road, Cambridge. Gordon is appointed manager.

1954
De-nationalisation
Within a short period, the brothers acquire a fleet of over 200 vehicles, with depots in Norfolk, Hereford, Bedfordshire, Essex, London, and Yorkshire, plus a new depot at Stapleford. The next few years are hectic.
1955
Welch’s join the Transport Association (TA) Today Welch’s is the longest serving member of the Transport Association. Gordon was one of the original 18 hauliers referred to as the ‘Waldorf Group’ (as the meetings were held in the Waldorf Hotel) and where the driving force behind the early TA.
1957
Welch’s join the RHA and the Crane Hire division is officially founded (although Welch’s have had crane vehicles since 1945)
1960

A fleet buying pattern is established

Using Bedfords for the lighter vehicles and Atkinsons with Gardner engines for the 'heavies'. Tractor units are now taking over most of the fleet, using Scammell and York trailers.

1970

Big household names come knocking.
BHS contract sold to Christian Salvesen the number of depots reduced to three: Stapleford (Cambridge), Henlow (Bedfordshire), and Witham (Essex).

1980

Gordon's son Roger takes his place on the board.
The 'boom' years of the 80s keep the transport fleet very busy and the truck services expand across the UK.

This included dry powder tanks still working on our original customer back in 1934, now named ‘Rugby Cement”.

1990
The Welch 'Empire' comprises:
A 100-vehicle plus 140 trailer haulage business, three garages holding various car franchises, plus a crane hire business operating 19 mobile cranes.

Cradle and handle mobile phones are introduced to some vehicles to help with vehicle and driver tracking.
2000
Roger retires, Jim and Tony take the helm. With the 3rd generation cemented in the running of the business, Roger retires after 45 years in the business.
2005

Welch’s join the Hazchem Network

Due to customer demand for ADR movements, Welch’s acquired an existing member of the Hazchem member ‘Dodd’s Brown’ and become part of the Hazchem network.

2007
Welch’s work with Renault
Welch’s take up a franchise opportunity with Renault for vehicle servicing and repairs.
2010

Duxford site purchased
Welch’s move to purchasing DAF lorries - closest thing to a British-built lorry available.

Welch’s join the Palletline Network.

2014
Stapleford ops move to the new Duxford site
‘Lorries literally left the old Stapleford site in the morning and arrived at the new one in Duxford in the evening.’

WTL servicing centre also moves to the Duxford site.

Chris Welch joins the business.
2018

Chris becomes a director
After 4 years working around the business, driving the routes and working alongside the team, Chris is made Commercial Director. He is put in charge of the Henlow depot, (now Bedford) and starts restructuring the transport operation to what it is today

2019
Expanding to Bedford
Welch’s open in Bedford near Cardington A great location between the A1 and the M1.
2020
Tony retires. After 45 years of service helping shape the Welch Group into what it is today Tony Welch retires enjoy life with his family, and also start some vehicle restoration projects.
2021
David Welch joins the business. The next wave of the fourth generation joins the family business, David joins after starting his logistics career in the meat importing industry.
2023

Welch’s lead the way towards Net Zero
First all-electric 19-tonne HGV purchased and put into use from the new Urban Consolidation Centre in Duxford and Qargo TMS introduced.

2024

The Welch Group rebrand

David is promoted to Director and Chris becomes MD.

Contact us now to be part of our story

1934
Based in Foxton, Welch’s Transport is founded on the 25th of March. Gordon Welch buys his first lorry from King and Harper in Cambridge. A new MC ‘C’ type 3-ton drop-side truck with petrol engine for £310.00 ‘on the road’.
1939
The Second World War breaks out
Welch's Transport have 12 Lorries on the road. Some drivers are conscripted into military service; some contracts lost, and some lorries are requisitioned for military use.
1941
Duty calls
Gordon receives his call up papers to join the army.
1942
Jim finds it difficult running the business alone
Gordon is given six months leave to sort the business out. With the build-up of the war effort, transport becomes an essential service, but the army does not release Gordon until the war is virtually over.
1945
The war ends.
Welch's fleet is looking tatty. Replacements are not readily available, so Welch’s buy some ex-military Bedford’s and Dodge’s. Most ex-military vehicles have petrol engines and Welch’s convert them to diesel using a Perkins P6 unit.
1946
Welch’s buy a garage
This later becomes the WTL Truck and Van Centre
1949

Nationalisation

Welch’s Transport becomes part of the Eastern Region of British Road Services based in Cherry Hinton Road, Cambridge. Gordon is appointed manager.

1954
De-nationalisation
Within a short period, the brothers acquire a fleet of over 200 vehicles, with depots in Norfolk, Hereford, Bedfordshire, Essex, London, and Yorkshire, plus a new depot at Stapleford. The next few years are hectic.
1955
Welch’s join the Transport Association (TA) Today Welch’s is the longest serving member of the Transport Association. Gordon was one of the original 18 hauliers referred to as the ‘Waldorf Group’ (as the meetings were held in the Waldorf Hotel) and where the driving force behind the early TA.
1957
Welch’s join the RHA and the Crane Hire division is officially founded (although Welch’s have had crane vehicles since 1945)
1960

A fleet buying pattern is established

Using Bedfords for the lighter vehicles and Atkinsons with Gardner engines for the 'heavies'. Tractor units are now taking over most of the fleet, using Scammell and York trailers.

1970
Big household names come knocking. BHS contract sold to Christian Salvesen the number of depots reduced to three: Stapleford (Cambridge), Henlow (Bedfordshire), and Witham (Essex).
1980

Gordon's son Roger takes his place on the board.

The 'boom' years of the 80s keep the transport fleet very busy and the truck services expand across the UK.

This included dry powder tanks still working on our original customer back in 1934, now named ‘Rugby Cement”.

1990
The Welch 'Empire' comprises:
A 100-vehicle plus 140 trailer haulage business, three garages holding various car franchises, plus a crane hire business operating 19 mobile cranes.

Cradle and handle mobile phones are introduced to some vehicles to help with vehicle and driver tracking.
2000
Roger retires, Jim and Tony take the helm. With the 3rd generation cemented in the running of the business, Roger retires after 45 years in the business.
2005
Welch’s join the Hazchem Network Due to customer demand for ADR movements, Welch’s acquired an existing member of the Hazchem member ‘Dodd’s Brown’ and become part of the Hazchem network.
2007
Welch’s work with Renault
Welch’s take up a franchise opportunity with Renault for vehicle servicing and repairs.
2010

Duxford site purchased
Welch’s move to purchasing DAF lorries - closest thing to a British-built lorry available.

Welch’s join the Palletline Network.

2014
Stapleford ops move to the new Duxford site
‘Lorries literally left the old Stapleford site in the morning and arrived at the new one in Duxford in the evening.’

WTL servicing centre also moves to the Duxford site.

Chris Welch joins the business.
2018

Chris becomes a Director
After 4 years working around the business, driving the routes and working alongside the team, Chris is made Commercial Director. He is put in charge of the Henlow depot, (now Bedford) and starts restructuring the transport operation to what it is today

2019
Expanding to Bedford
Welch’s open in Bedford near Cardington A great location between the A1 and the M1.
2020
Tony retires. After 45 years of service helping shape the Welch Group into what it is today Tony Welch retires enjoy life with his family, and also start some vehicle restoration projects.
2021
David Welch joins the business. The next wave of the fourth generation joins the family business, David joins after starting his logistics career in the meat importing industry.
2023

Welch’s lead the way towards Net Zero
First all-electric 19-tonne HGV purchased and put into use from the new Urban Consolidation Centre in Duxford and Qargo TMS introduced.

2024

The Welch Group rebrand

David is promoted to Director and Chris becomes MD.

Contact us now to be part of our story

How it feels to work with the Welch Group

‘I’ve been with Welch’s for 26 years. The family and business are very welcoming and professional and have given me the support and backing to progress my career. I’ve seen the company grow, from a small yard in Stapleford to the operation we have now in Duxford. It’s very impressive and just what you would expect from the Welch family. Long serving employees and customers are proof that The Welch Group are becoming more of a name within the industry and with Chris Welch’s passion the company is going in the right direction.'
Andy Costen, Operations Manager

Want to find out more?

*Required fields

https://www.allmi.com/
https://www.cpa.uk.net/
https://www.transportassociation.co.uk/
https://www.rha.uk.net/
https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/environment-agency
https://www.hse.gov.uk/work-equipment-machinery/loler.htm%20
https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/vehicle-and-operator-services-agency
https://www.british-assessment.co.uk/
https://www.british-assessment.co.uk/
Fors-0003
Fors-0022
Main Menu
Martin Burgess

Martin Burgess

Specialist Movements General Manager

How long have you worked in the industry, and with the Welch Group?
Just over 21 years.

Tell us a bit about what you do at Welch’s?
Run the specialist movements and mobile crane hire division.

What unique skills and capabilities do you bring to the business?
Over 40 years of hands-on experience within the haulage industry, the past 20 years being involved with the movement and lifting of abnormal loads throughout the UK and Europe. Your abnormal is my normal!

Tell us something that your colleagues would be surprised to know about you?
I collect vintage industrial and agricultural machinery and equipment.

Finally, sum working at the Welch Group up in one word?
Intriguing.

Matt Moore

Group Head of Commercial

How long have you worked in the industry, and with the Welch Group?
I have worked in the Transport & Logistics Industry for the past 20 years, where I started my career with Welch’s at the time. After having 10 years out of the business developing my skills and climbing the career ladder, I decided it was time for me to return and pass on my experiences gained.

Tell us a bit about what you do at Welch’s?
I am the Group Head of Commercial, so if you know what that means you are doing better than me! I am here as part of the Senior Management team, helping to build and develop the business for the future.

What unique skills and capabilities do you bring to the business?
Apart from being extremely handsome, I specialise in building long lasting relationships with customers and staff a like, ensuring the business continues to develop and offers market leading service.

Tell us something that your colleagues would be surprised to know about you?
I once had a beer with Mike Tindall at Twickenham, before he got his nose straightened!

Finally, sum working at the Welch Group up in one word?
Family

David Tatton

David Tatton

Group Warehouse Manager

How long have you worked in the industry, and with the Welch Group?
I have worked within the storage and distribution sector for over 15 years, with the majority spent in the frozen food industry. I have recently Joined the Welch Group in February this year.

Tell us a bit about what you do at Welch’s?
I am the Group Warehouse Manager, overseeing the warehousing operation ensuring a high level of performance from a dynamic team. My goal is to ensure that all tasks are completed to the highest standard and build on the positive forward-thinking operation.

What unique skills and capabilities do you bring to the business?
Driven mindset, positive attitude and high standards will aid the continual growth of the business especially in the warehousing sector.

Tell us something that your colleagues would be surprised to know about you?
I once sold a telescope to comedian Joe Pasquale.

Finally, sum working at the Welch Group up in one word?
Exciting.

Hayley Francis

Hayley Francis

Customer Services Manager

How long have you worked in the industry, and with the Welch Group??
I Have worked in the industry for just over 5 years and for all this time within the Welch Group.

Tell us a bit about what you do at Welch’s?
I have the absolute pleasure in looking after the Welch groups customers, building the best relationships with them, I get to meet and talking to potential new customers, on boarding these and making sure we exceed their expectations in which ever service they choose to use us for. I manage an amazing team of people over our two Transport depots, whilst always being on hand to help and support both depots’ operations should they need it.

What unique skills and capabilities do you bring to the business?
My best skills are talking, listening, training, and Mentoring, I bring to the business strong confident attitude and always willing to go above and beyond for my Welch Groups customers and the staff within the company.

Tell us something that your colleagues would be surprised to know about you?
I would love to be a mummy even at 43.

Finally, sum working at the Welch Group up in one word?
Amazing!

Barry Potton

Operations Manager (Bedford Depot)

How long have you worked in the industry, and with the Welch Group?
I have been in the industry for 30 years, working at Welch’s for 23 Years.

Tell us a bit about what you do at Welch’s?
I am the Operations manager for the Bedford depot, responsible for the whole site, making sure that the depot is run effectively and that my team is highly motivated.

What unique skills and capabilities do you bring to the business?
I bring problem solving skills, good communication, organisational skills and good teamwork ethic to the business.

Tell us something that your colleagues would be surprised to know about you?
They would be surprised to know that I can play the drums.

Finally, sum working at the Welch Group up in one word?
Family.

Paul-Sapsford

Andy Costen

Operations Manager Cambridge Depot

How long have you worked in the industry, and with the Welch Group?
Started in 1997 ,26 years and 6 months.

Tell us a bit about what you do at Welch’s?
Operation’s Manager looking after the day to day running off the Duxford site, keeping the wheels moving.

What unique skills and capabilities do you bring to the business?
My years of experience and knowledge, working with my team to provide great customer service, an adaptable and confident problem solver! Active listener, using good communication and excellent resolution skills on a daily basis.

Tell us something that your colleagues would be surprised to know about you?
I won the 5k Jackpot on Family Fortunes.

Finally, sum working at the Welch Group up in one word?
Rewarding

Paul Sapsford

Welch Truck and Van General Manager

How long have you worked in the industry, and with the Welch Group?
I have worked in the Motor Trade for 38 Years , have been at Welch’s coming up to 9 years.

Tell us a bit about what you do at Welch’s?
I am General Manager at the Truck Centre , overseeing the day to day running , building, and maintaining relationships with customers.

What unique skills and capabilities do you bring to the business?
Friendly, being proactive , taking on problems as if my own and dealing with them how I would want them dealt with.
Tell us something that your colleagues would be surprised to know about you?
We get on so well , I don’t think there is anything they don’t know.

Finally, sum working at the Welch Group up in one word?
Enjoyable

Jamie Sands

Jamie Sands

Head of Solutions

How long have you worked in the industry, and with the Welch Group?
I’m still relatively new to the industry, after spending 15 years working in retail management I made the switch to a Transport Operations role with Welch Group five years ago and never looked back.

Tell us a bit about what you do at Welch’s?
I oversee the group operations at a strategic level, aiming to optimize, automate, or remove tasks and processes from the central traffic offices. This includes spearheading technological advancements, innovation, PR & Marketing initiatives, and sustainability efforts.

What unique skills and capabilities do you bring to the business?
I bring a blend of problem-solving, process optimization, and analytical thinking to the table. With a knack for identifying issues, implementing creative solutions, and making data-driven decisions to drive efficiency and improvement within transport operations. Additionally, my aptitude for technology allows me to integrate cutting-edge solutions, further enhancing our capabilities and driving continuous progress.

Tell us something that your colleagues would be surprised to know about you?
One surprising fact about me that my colleagues might not know is that I’m an accomplished amateur magician, and I’ve performed at local community events and even children’s birthday parties in my spare time.

Finally, sum working at the Welch Group up in one word?
Dynamic

David Welch

David Welch

Group Operations Director

How long have you worked in the industry, and with the Welch Group?
I was more of a customer. I used to handle importation of South American and Australian meat products and then look after national logistics from a customer perspective. So, I was the guy who calls ‘transport’ and says “why’s my pallet not here yet”. I did that for 5 years. Getting that exposure beforehand allowed me to transition into the family business and work my way up over the past 2 years to my current role as Group Operations Manager.

Tell us a bit about what you do at Welch’s?
I’m now Group Operations Manager and am focusing on working through the business to re-evaluate processes, personnel and systems, to ensure that the core operations run as smoothly and as efficiently as possible. 

What unique skills and capabilities do you bring to the business?
My efficiency, my focus on forging good connections with people and my knowledge of how to run an office at the base level are my core skills. My nature’s also quite relaxed, I’m usually a cool head in a fast-paced environment. I can get along with people really well, which is so important when you’re consistently talking to people and dealing with people on the phone, and hopefully this approach helps keep the team relaxed and focused. 

Tell us something that your colleagues would be surprised to know about you?
I’m an accomplished rower and have raced numerous times at Henley, with varying degrees of success, for a Cambridge Club.

Finally, sum working at the Welch Group up in one word?
Satisfying

Jim Welch

Jim Welch

Group Managing Director

How long have you worked in the industry, and with the Welch Group?
I started life as a trainee accountant outside the business for a local printing business, Spices, and I was the first to train as a ‘white collar’ worker before entering the family business. I joined Welch’s and started my journey in the industry in 1987 a couple of years after Chris was born. At that time, Spices where I worked were already a customer of Welch’s Transport, so I came with some exposure to the business.

Tell us a bit about what you do at Welch’s?
I make sure the group remains on a steady course. I was Managing Director for the best part of 25 years supported by my brother Tony, and we always said it came down to knowing what you can do, finding that balance as a business. Some people poke their nose in all the time. Some people are more strategic – we float in the middle. For us, it’s about running a business which means you can get out of bed in the morning, come to work and enjoy what you do. I’ve done that for all my time at Welch’s. 

What unique skills and capabilities do you bring to the business?
I have a no nonsense, no BS approach, which has got me and the business where it is today.

Tell us something that your colleagues would be surprised to know about you?
I collect motorcycles and I actually own virtually every original bike I have ever ridden back to the late 70’s. My wife has a knack for being able to track them down and started my collection when she surprised me with one on my 50th.

Finally, sum working at the Welch Group up in one word?
Longevity. 

Chris-Welch

Chris Welch

Managing Director

How long have you worked in the industry, and with the Welch Group?
I have worked in the industry for 17 years, 10 of which have been with Welch’s.

Tell us a bit about what you do at Welch’s?
I’m the Managing Director of Welch’s Transport which is the trading arm of our Group, owned and operated by our Family. I look after all the individual business units with the help of my senior management team, putting together a clear strategy for the business continuity and growth. Whilst ensuring that the culture looks after our teams throughout the group and follows our vision of “making this part of the world as good as it can be”.

What unique skills and capabilities do you bring to the business?
I like to think I have the ability to set clear vision for the business, having worked in all areas of the group it ensures that I can make informed and strategic decisions when formulating short, medium and long term goals. I also like to think I demonstrate strong leadership and foster a culture of understanding and development in the business.

Tell us something that your colleagues would be surprised to know about you?
In a previous career I held the unofficial office record for the tallest LEGO tower built during a team-building exercise.

Finally, sum working at the Welch Group up in one word?
Fulfilling

Transport
Warehousing
Specialist movements & crane hire
truck & van centres
contract logistics
Net zero services