Media Hub

Industry insights, company news and team happenings. Stay in the loop with all the team at Distribution House.
Contact Marketing

Our top truckin' tracks. What we're currently listening to...

Celebrating 70 Years: Our story so far...! missing alt!
Company

Celebrating 70 Years: Our story so far...

From a single van delivering school meals and potteryware to a nationwide distribution powerhouse, Browns Distribution has come a long way. As we celebrate 70 years of service, let’s take a journey through our history, filled with hard work, growth, and family values that continue to drive us forward. 1955: A Humble Beginning Browns Distribution was founded in 1955 by Albert Brown, an ex-Army corporal with a strong work ethic. After demobilisation, Albert took on a job as a driver before seizing the opportunity to buy his own van and B licence. What started as a one-man operation quickly expanded, as Albert took on more carriage work, particularly from the pottery industry. His wife, Mrs Dorothy Brown, left her grocery store business to help run the company, turning it into a true family operation. February 1965: Official Incorporation and Expansion We hit a major milestone in 1965 as Browns was officially incorporated as a limited company, A. Brown (Tunstall) Limited. At the same time, the company opened a brand-new storage depot and garage on Connaught Street, Tunstall, further cementing our growth and commitment to service. 1985-1986: ‘We’re Gonna Need a Bigger Boat’ Thirty years in, Browns company had outgrown our original home. In 1985, we moved to a larger site in Ravensdale, providing the space needed for expansion. Just a year later, another major transition took place when David Brown Snr took the reins as Managing Director, ensuring the Browns legacy stayed within the family. Browns also became the primary shirt sponsor for Port Vale FC for the 1986/87 season. Under manager John Rudge, Vale finished twelfth in the table with 57 points, twelve points clear of relegation. Andy Jones had an incredible season, scoring 37 goals in all competitions. 1993: A New Name for a New Era Growth demanded a fresh identity. In 1993, A Brown (Tunstall) Limited officially became Browns Distribution Services Limited. The rebrand reflected our ambition and growing national presence, solidifying our place in the UK’s logistics industry. 1995: The Power of Partnership Browns turned 40 in 1995, and with it came an exciting opportunity - becoming a shareholder member of Palletline, the UK’s first and leading pallet network. This partnership changed the game for palletised distribution, allowing us to offer even greater efficiency and nationwide reach. 2007-2011: The Third Generation By 2007, David Brown Jnr had worked his way through just about every role in the business! So in 2011, he stepped up as Managing Director, bringing fresh ideas and a modern approach to the company. His father, David Snr, became Chairman, and the transition marked the beginning of Browns' third generation of leadership. 2015-2016: A Milestone Celebration and Industry Recognition In 2015, we hit a milestone worth celebrating - our 60th anniversary! To mark the occasion, we invested in our first-ever Scania vehicles, featuring a special anniversary livery. A symbol of both our legacy and our drive to keep moving forward. 2016 was also a year of achievements! Browns was named a finalist in the Motor Transport Haulier of the Year and Customer Care Awards, further cementing our reputation for outstanding service, and in the same year, David Brown Jnr was named Sentinel Young Business Person of the Year. 2017: Building for the Future January 2017 saw the opening of our brand-new warehouse, enhancing key services like Pallet Storage, Pick and Pack, Fulfilment, and eCommerce. With our Warehouse Manager Luke Cobden at the helm, our warehouse operations were ready to reach new heights. 2019-2020: A Digital Leap Forward In 2019, we launched a brand-new website, reflecting our modern approach to logistics. But that wasn’t all - plans were submitted for a state-of-the-art, purpose-built distribution centre, a huge step forward in our long-term vision. And always looking for ways to enhance our service, in 2020 we introduced Moffett mounted forklift trucks, adding flexibility and efficiency to our logistics solutions. 2023: A New Dawn In February 2023, we marked arguably our biggest milestone yet, as Distribution House officially opened its doors. The 87,000 sq. ft warehouse and office complex in Staffordshire was a major step forward for the company, expanding our storage and distribution capabilities with 13,000 racked pallet spaces and modern dock leveller facilities. The site was designed with sustainability in mind, featuring a Solar PV system and a fleet of 100% electric forklifts, helping us reduce our carbon footprint as we work towards greater environmental efficiency. And in May, we unveiled a brand-new livery design to reflect our modern identity, aligning with our investment of £2.2 million into our fleet. 2024: Awards & Industry Recognition March 2024 saw us achieve AA accreditation to the BRCGS Storage & Distribution Standard - the highest possible announced audit status, recognising our excellence in warehouse safety, product integrity, and operational best practices. In June 2024, we welcomed the Secretary of State for Transport to Distribution House for a site tour, where we discussed key industry challenges, including greater clarity on Direct Vision Standard (DVS) requirements and support, reviewing driver licence acquisition and addressing the poor standard of driver facilities across the UK. David Brown Senior won the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2024 Staffordshire University Business Awards, while Browns was named runner-up in the Business of the Year category. At the UKWA Awards for Excellence, Browns was highly commended as Logistics Service Provider of the Year. We were also finalists in the Motor Transport Awards for the second year running and won the Commercial Growth Award at Palletline’s annual awards. And now, we prepare to celebrate our 70th anniversary. From humble beginnings to a leading force in logistics, Browns Distribution remains built on family values, quality service, and dedication to getting the job done right. Looking for a Trusted Logistics Partner? If you’re looking for reliable, nationwide pallet distribution and warehousing solutions, get in touch with Browns Distribution today.

70 Years of Browns Distribution: A Year of Celebration! missing alt!
Company

70 Years of Browns Distribution: A Year of Celebration

Seventy years in business is a huge milestone, and we’re making sure it gets the celebration it deserves! From a fresh anniversary look to events throughout the year, we’re looking forward to marking this special occasion with our team, customers, and community. We’re excited to unveil our brand-new 70th-anniversary logo, which will soon appear across our marketing materials, uniforms, and fleet. And that’s not all - keep an eye on the roads as our special 70th anniversary livery rolls out on an initial 10 trailers, set to hit the highways this spring. Later this year, we’ll be bringing together the Browns team, customers, stakeholders, and families for a spectacular anniversary event - a chance to celebrate the people who have been at the heart of our success. Our social media channels have turned back the clock, sharing archive photos, newspaper clippings, and stories from across the decades. Over the coming months, we’ll continue to refresh our branding to showcase different eras of Browns Distribution, highlighting how far we’ve come while looking ahead to the future. As we celebrate our 70th birthday, we’re also proud to recognise another milestone, Stoke-on-Trent’s 100th anniversary since being granted city status by King George V in 1925. To honour both occasions, we’re excited to be working with Stoke-on-Trent City Council and local organisations on a special project that will pay tribute to our home city. Stay tuned for more details! We’d love for you to be part of our celebrations. If you have ideas on how to get involved, want to collaborate, or see an opportunity for a dual-branded initiative, we’d love to hear from you. Get in touch at marketing@brownsgroup.co.uk . Here’s to 70 years of Browns, and many more to come!

Celebrating 40 Years: Georgia Robbins’ Incredible Journey at Browns Distribution! missing alt!
Company

Celebrating 40 Years: Georgia Robbins’ Incredible Journey at Browns Distribution

Last week, we marked a huge milestone at Browns Distribution as we celebrated Georgia Robbins' 40th anniversary with the team! Georgia joined Browns back in 1985, and over the last 40 years, she’s become a key part of our operations. If there’s one thing that’s certain - it’s that Georgia has done it all! Georgia’s journey at Browns began on front-of-house, where she was a friendly and welcoming face at our former Ravensdale site. She later moved into warehouse stock control before taking on roles in our busy transport office - back in the days of paperwork, before computer systems streamlined our operations! Fast forward to today, and Georgia plays a key role in our admin and finance department, managing activities such as payroll, claims, invoicing, and credit control, keeping everything running smoothly behind the scenes. Georgia has worked under three generations of Browns leadership, giving her a knowledge of the business, that may only be rivalled by our second-longest serving team member - Mick Stirzaker! Managing Director, David Brown Jnr, shared his thoughts on Georgia’s milestone: “40 years… What an achievement. Georgia has been a fundamental part of our growth over the years and an outstanding support for me and our wider team. Georgia, thank you for your years of dedicated hard work and support.” At Browns Distribution, we’re incredibly proud to have long serving team members like Georgia, whose loyalty, expertise, and dedication help us deliver outstanding service to our customers. Georgia, thank you for everything, we’d be truly lost without you!

Browns Achieves ISO 9001 Recertification! missing alt!
Company

Browns Achieves ISO 9001 Recertification

We’re excited to share that we have again achieved ISO 9001 recertification, the globally recognised standard for quality management systems. ISO 9001 sets the global standard for quality management, focusing on efficient processes, customer satisfaction, and ongoing improvement. To achieve recertification, our team underwent a rigorous external audit to confirm that our processes meet the highest standards. What this means for you... When a transport and warehousing company like Browns achieves ISO 9001 accreditation, the advantages go beyond internal processes. It directly benefits our customers by ensuring a higher level of service and reliability. Here’s how it makes a difference, in 4 quick points! 1. Reliable Service ISO 9001 ensures that our processes are robust and consistent. For you, this means fewer delays, fewer errors, and deliveries you can depend on, whether it’s a single pallet or a full load. 2. Tailored Solutions for Your Needs With customer satisfaction at its heart, ISO 9001 encourages companies to understand and adapt to your specific requirements. From flexible delivery schedules to bespoke, reliable logistics solutions, you’ll benefit from a service that works for your business. 3. Clear Communication and Accountability Thanks to our ISO accreditation, we have structured systems and processes for tracking, reporting, and resolving issues. This means better communication, transparency, and confidence that your goods are in safe hands. 4. Continuous Improvement ISO 9001 requires us to regularly review and refine our policies and processes. As a customer, you’ll benefit from a supply chain partner that’s always looking for ways to improve, whether that’s faster deliveries, better tracking, or enhanced customer service. To all our team for going the extra mile, and everyone who trusts Browns Distribution as their supply chain partner, thank you. If you’d like to learn more about how we can support your logistics needs, we'd love to hear from you! TL;DR We're recertified to the ISO 9001: Quality standard! This means we've been assessed on how robust our policies and procedures are. ISO 9001 has a key focus on continuous improvement, and putting our customers first. Get in touch if you'd like to discuss our transport and warehousing services!

Browns Colleagues Thrive with Share of £63k Local Authority Funding! missing alt!
Company

Browns Colleagues Thrive with Share of £63k Local Authority Funding

We are delighted to have joined 15 Stoke-on-Trent based companies in creating apprenticeships, thanks to funding from Stoke-on-Trent City Council. Creating 12 apprenticeships across our customer support, transport and warehouse teams, Browns have benefitted from a chunk of the £63,000 grant paid out by the City Council's apprenticeship levy. Councillor Jane Ashworth, Leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council told DailyFocus: We’ve got a brilliant record of supporting and creating apprenticeships within the city council using our levy. If the money in our levy account is not used every two years, it’s returned to the UK Government. Sadly prior to us taking office the city had to return money to the government for not employing enough apprentices. This led to us approaching local employers to see how we could make sure the money was used to do what it was intended to do. The take-up has been fantastic, and it’s led to more people being able to earn money while learning vital skills on-the-job and through studying. It was vitally important that we sorted this out and got the most out of every penny due to the city and our young people.”  While Darren Simpson, Operations Director, said: We want to express our sincere gratitude to Stoke-on-Trent City Council for its generous support and levy funding for apprenticeships. This investment in training has not only created opportunities for 12 members of our team to learn, grow, and gain practical skills, but it’s also helping to build stronger, more capable workers who will contribute to both Browns and our local economy. The Council’s commitment to apprenticeships is truly life-changing for many, and it reflects the values of inclusivity and progress that make our community so strong. From all at Browns, we thank them for all their support.”

Summer Bank Holiday Schedule! missing alt!
Company

Summer Bank Holiday Schedule

With the Summer Bank Holiday weekend just around the corner, we've put together our schedule so you can plan ahead. Our office will be closed from Saturday through to Monday. If you have any questions before the break, please contact us. From all the team at Browns, we'd like to wish you a relaxing weekend. Date Office Earliest Delivery Friday 23 August Open Next day - Tues 27 Aug Economy - Weds 28/Thurs 29 Aug Saturday 24 August Closed Sunday 25 August Closed Monday 26 August Closed Tuesday 27 August Open Normal operation resumed

Celebrating Nicola and Dan's Promotions! missing alt!
Company

Celebrating Nicola and Dan's Promotions

We are delighted to announce that we’re celebrating two promotions within the Browns team. Nicola Ikin and Daniel Penfold have been promoted to Customer Support Manager and Network Freight Manager respectively. With nearly 15 years of combined experience at Browns, Nicola and Daniel have been key players in their teams, and our journey of growth. Nicola, who joined Browns in 2014, initially made her mark in the admin team before moving to customer support and steadily climbing the ranks. Dan began his journey at Browns in 2019 as a Transport Planner in the network freight department. After a brief 7-month departure, he returned to join the general haulage team in 2021. Kerry Wood, Account Manager said: Nicola and Dan have shown incredible growth and development and will continue to bring invaluable knowledge and experience to their teams. We appreciate their willingness to embrace new challenges and are confident in their success in their new roles. We caught up with Nicola and Dan below to hear about their Browns journey so far, and their experiences in the logistics industry. Check it out! Q: Hey Dan, how is everything going? How have you found the transition to the Palletline team from General Haulage? Everything is good - I'm just getting used to being back on the Palletline team after 3 years away. The transition has been smoother than expected, everyone has been really helpful and supportive in our office and also at Palletline. Q: What’s your main goal/objective for your team over the next 12 months? I want us to get a Top Liner award from Palletline for hitting our KPIs. That'd be a great confidence boost for the team! Q: If your work style could be represented by a movie character, who would it be and why? I would liken my work style to Kung Fu Panda - I started from the bottom, mentored by Mick Stirzaker (Master Shifu) to progress up through the ranks at Browns. Q: Put yourself in a customer’s shoes, what’s the most important quality that you’d appreciate from your logistics partner? I would want complete honesty and proactiveness. There is nothing worse than finding out something which affects you from a 3rd party source. If things are to go wrong, which does happen in transport, I would expect nothing but clarity and we deliver that at Browns through our teams. Q: We know you are Browns’ biggest Stoke fan - What’s the one realistic signing you’d like Stoke to make this season? Realistic? I don't see why Messi wouldn't fancy a crack at the Championship to prove he can do it on a wet and windy night at Stoke! Now back to the real world... A decent striker wouldn't go amiss, someone like Jay Stansfield, Tom Cannon or a cheeky punt for Cameron Archer would be nice. Admin: It's not for everyone... Q: In your opinion, what sets Browns apart from other logistics providers in the industry? Browns is a very unique company. I have worked for other competitors in the area but they do not have the same atmosphere that we have here at Browns. At Browns, there is a constant push for progression whether that be technology wise, with their image or with the staff. Q: What would you say to someone new to the logistics industry to help them succeed? The best advice I can give is to always listen to the people around you, be nosey and observe everything that is going on. Also, do not be scared to make decisions, I know it can be daunting but if you make the wrong decision, you will learn for next time and become a lot more confident in all aspects of the job. Q: Stoke to win the Premier League, or England to win the World Cup? What a question! It has to be England to win the World Cup, just imagine the scenes. Q: Looking ahead, where do you see yourself in the future? I would like to progress in transport and obtain my Transport Manager CPC qualification to further broaden my knowledge of logistics. Q: Hey Nicola, you’re firmly settled into your new role now, how is everything going?  Yes, everything is going fantastic, I'm constantly learning new things within the business to help with my role. Kerry is so suportive and the perfect role model. Q: You’ve been at Browns for 10 years now! Can you tell us a bit about your journey so far, from where it all began, to where you are today? I was recommended by my friend Jade for a role at Browns while I was working as a hairdresser. Despite having no experience in the logistics industry, my thirst for a new challenge led me to join the Admin team! I worked in Admin for roughly a year until Browns needed to expand the customer service department, and I was offered the opportunity to move into this area. Since then, I have grown in the customer service department, gaining knowledge and experience, and progressing from Team Leader to Supervisor, and now to Manager. Q: What do you enjoy most about your role?  There are a few things! First would be the team, it’s all well and good being a manager, but without a team to lead, the department would not run the way it does. The endless laughs we have are the most important! And providing the best services possible for our customers, keeping them and their customers happy. Q: If your customer service skills could be summed up by a song, what would it be? Ain't no Mountain High Enough – Diana Ross! “If you need me call me, no matter where you are, no matter how far” Admin: Ain't no mountain high, ain't no valley low... What a tune! Q: Put yourself in a customer’s shoes, what’s the most important quality that you’d appreciate from your logistics partner? Honesty and concise communication. Q: Blue-sky thinking now. What’s the craziest thing you’d like to see Browns do in the future? (maybe it’s offering an air freight service or opening a depot abroad!) I would love the business to grow even further and open a new site whether this being in the UK or abroad. Q: We know you love your live music! What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to, and if you could see any artist (dead or alive), who would it be? I have been to Benicàssim festival in Spain, and that was a big job! The biggest artist I have seen would probably be Stevie Wonder! I would love to have seen Elvis or Queen live. Q: What advice would you give to someone looking to start a career in logistics?  Have an open mind and make a real effort to learn as much as you can This mindset has really helped me in my time at Browns, especially by being able to approach any problem in an understanding way, from yours and the customer's perspective. From the office, to the warehouse, to the drivers. There is always room to learn! Q: What’s one thing on your bucket list that you’d love to achieve? At present, one of the things on the top of my bucket list is to get married in Vegas and get wed by Elvis. (I'm waiting for my partner to pop the question, it's only been 11 years...) Q: And finally… What’s next for Nicola? Where do you see yourself in the next few years? I want to gain more knowledge and experience in my current role. And then, I’m happy to take on whatever life chucks at me?!

UKWA visit Distribution House to mark their 80th AnniversaryThe UKWA visit Browns Distribution.
CompanyIndustryCommunity

UKWA visit Distribution House to mark their 80th Anniversary

We were delighted to welcome representatives from the United Kingdom Warehousing Association to Distribution House on Tuesday, as part of the organisation’s ‘2024 The Year of Warehousing’ campaign. Clare Bottle, CEO of the UKWA arrived in style in her liveried Tesla, and was joined by Deborah Vickers, and Angie Dawson, representatives of the Douglas Macmillan Hospice , and Harpreet Sohal, Director of Business Information at our network partners, Palletline. After a meet and greet with some of the Browns team and a company presentation delivered by David Brown Jnr, guests were given a tour of Distribution House, and put through their paces in some fun head-to-head challenges. Around the Warehouses in 80 Visits is an ambitious quest to journey across the UK to highlight the essential role of warehouses in supply chains, the UK economy, and achieving net-zero goals. Distribution House was warehouse #57 on Clare’s journey. As part of the visit, the Browns team have been fundraising for the Douglas Macmillan Hospice ‘Dougie Mac’, with the UKWA matching funds up to £80. We'd like to say a huge thank you everyone who took the time to visit us, and a special thanks to Clare and the UKWA for their tireless efforts in championing the warehousing industry. #TheYearOfWarehousing #YOW2024

We're shortlisted for Staffordshire's Business of the Year Award!! missing alt!
CompanyIndustry

We're shortlisted for Staffordshire's Business of the Year Award!

We're thrilled to have been shortlisted in the Business of the Year category at the Staffordshire University Business Awards! The shortlisting marks the 5th award final of the year for Browns, with the team also scooping the Commercial Growth award at Palletline's Annual Awards ceremony earlier this year. The Business of the Year award recognises the Staffordshire based business that demonstrates outstanding success in their most recent financial year. Success is judged on metrics such as exceptional growth, increased trading profit, service development, staff development, new products, or production techniques, with an additional focus on businesses committed to corporate social responsibility. David Brown Jnr, Managing Director said: We’re thrilled that Browns has made the shortlist and are really looking forward to the evening, where we'll have the opportunity to meet colleagues from across Staffordshire and the surrounding areas. Staffordshire is a powerhouse of manufacturing and entrepreneurship, and we feel lucky to work with many of these outstanding businesses on a daily basis. Winners will be announced on Thursday 5th September. Best of luck to our fellow finalists across all categories!

  • a logo
  • a logo
  • a logo
  • a logo
  • a logo

This website uses cookies to improve our site & your experience. See our privacy policy.