The 70's
It's May 1972 and Andy Boyle Enterprises opens its cab doors and the wheels start turning.
In these early days, most of the work comes from the agriculture and horticulture sectors in Herefordshire and the company has just two vehicles, both Seddons, both knackered, received in discharge of a debt.
On a personal note, Andy met Julia in 1974. They marry in 1975 and she joins the business, later becoming Company Secretary.
The 80's
Recession hits the country hard but having invested some money in improved vehicles and premises, Andy ventures into new sectors such as the automotive industry and sawmills.
ABE becomes a limited company in 1989 and is also an early adopter of the mobile phone after many years of hunting for pennies and phone boxes.
As an act of benevolence rather than malevolence Andy withholds a pay rise and starts the company pension scheme.
The 90's
Another recession. This time hitting ABE hard, almost to the point of hanging up the lorry keys. Diesel prices virtually double in this decade from 34.09 to 66.2 ppl inc taxes excl VAT. Still mainly trading within the agricultural sector the company loses its largest customer, a crushing blow. But, a combination of Andy's entrepreneurial drive and "necessity being the mother of invention" ABE joins the newly established co-operative, Palletline, bringing a more efficient method of moving smaller consignments.
As this new shared method of transporting goods evolves, ABE also changes. Doubling in size during this decade with a variety of customers excited to use the Palletline service to increase their own customer geography especially with the beginning of online trading.
The 00s
ABE celebrates 40 years in business, and is proud to be able to say that there are staff who have seen every decade with the Company.
Clive establishes a relationship with Partnerlink and this new partnership enables the company to make new trading partnerships, again improving it’s environmental credentials by reducing empty running and delivering more pallets to local businesses. It also enables the business to develop routes into south wales again reducing local pallets needlessly doing additional miles to their destination through a hub
Andy Boyle decided this was the time to reduce his work commitments and the business was sold to Palletline. By far the best option of a new owner, it has meant the company can remain exactly the same in its ethos and culture
ABE is its people, who all believe the core values of reliability, honesty and communication.
Andy believed these were essential ingredients for building successful business relationships and as the business has grown he has developed a professional workforce who share these values; they genuinely care about customers and take pride in their work. He has ensured that all relationships be it with customers, staff or suppliers are nurtured towards long-term partnerships.
Today
ABE has a broad customer base of some 400 active customers at any one time from many sectors stretching far into the 3 Counties, Mid-Wales and Shropshire and beyond, employing 80 to 100 people allowing for seasonal fluctuations and although, there is no doubt that the pains of fuel prices, economic downturns and the occasional flat tyre will always be waiting in the wings...we are a strong team with good values committed to serving the local business community for decades to come
The future
Whilst he has no plans to retire Andy has been careful over the past decade to plan for the future and build a strong management team ensuring that the business continues to thrive and prosper and provide not only continuing excellent service to its customers but also continued employment for his staff for many years to come.
Although, there is no doubt that the pains of fuel prices, economic downturns and the occasional flat tyre will always be waiting in the wings...
