About Stobart

Founder, Stobart, goes into business as an agricultural contractor in the isolated Lake District village of Hesket Newmarket.

At 8am on the 25th of April 2017 Stobart Logistics plc floated on the London AIM stock market. This created a platform for future growth and enabled the introduction of an employee share incentive plan.

In August 2017 Stobart Logistics acquires The Logistic People, who specialise in the recruitment of high-calibre drivers and industrial workers, while also operating a same day courier service.

Stobart acquires 50% of Speedy Freight on 7th July. Speedy Freight is a franchised business offering a 24-hour, same-day expedited freight service to businesses, specialising in single load, point-to-point, urgent deliveries.

Stobart Logistics plc acquires iForce Group Limited in April 2017 which provides e-commerce retail logistic solutions including warehousing, fulfilment and returns management. These services complement Stobart’s current business.

Stobart launches a new Manufacturing, Industrial and Bulk business sector, resulting in multi-million pound contract wins with Circle K and Aggregate Industries.

Stobart Automotive UK is sold to BCA Marketplace PLC. Stobart retains Stobart Automotive Europe and concentrates its growth in the European market.

Stobart is acquired and taken private by William Stobart and a consortium of investors led by DBAY Advisors Limited on 10th April 2014.

Stobart acquires Night Owl Truckstops at Rugby and Carlisle, creating the new business venture ‘Stobart Truckstops’.

Stobart acquires the UK’s leading vehicle logistics company, Autologic Holding PLC, and Walon Automotive in Belgium; the company’s first step into the automotive sector.

The first 15.65m trailer enters British roads in January after the government passes regulation changes that Stobart campaigned heavily for with the Department for Transport.

Edward Stobart, the driving force behind Stobart Limited and the rapid growth through the 80s and 90s, passes away, aged 56, on 31st March 2011.

Stobart Rail launches its first international chilled rail freight service, operating between Valencia, Spain, and the UK. This was the first ever chilled rail service into the UK.

Stobart is listed on the London Stock Exchange, formed through a reverse merger with Westbury Property Fund Limited.

Stobart acquires the O’Connor Ports business, including its Widnes railhead and container handling facility based on the West Coast Main Line.

The first Stobart Rail round-trip daily service from Daventry to Glasgow is launched on 19th September 2006. This was the longest domestic freight train operated in the UK.

Significant investment is made in IT infrastructure in conjunction with the development of a key management team and the introduction of a striking new livery for the fleet.

William leaves Stobart to become a shareholding director in Andrew Tinkler’s rail-based infrastructure engineering business, WA Developments (WAD).

The summer of 1996 saw the opening of the Stobart Shop in Carlisle city centre, the launch of the official members’ club and the start of the franchise with Corgi Toys.

The business expands significantly, opening depots across the UK and Europe. This consistent, rapid growth helped make Stobart one of the UK’s best-known brands.

Eddie’s youngest son, William, joins the business. Working in the garage and office and then driving from the age of 21 (pictured here with the 12th vehicle in the fleet) for 3 years.

Stobart became a limited company on 23rd November 1970 led by Edward Stobart, Eddie’s second son, and started doing general haulage still based in Hesket Newmarket.

Edward drives the company’s transition from an agricultural contracting business into road transport and warehousing and moves into the first depot at Greystone Road in Carlisle.