Praise showered on our 'diamond' CEO Peter Brown!

Colleagues and business associates have marked a milestone anniversary of Neill & Brown CEO Peter Brown.

He has clocked up 60 years with our family business, and praise has been pouring in for his “incredible dedication” and inspirational leadership.

An ice cream van pulled up to our Hessle site on September 1 so employees could celebrate with a sweet treat, with many reminiscing about their long career and relationship with Mr Brown.

It was a fun nod to his beginnings with the company. Working at a Hornsea amusement arcade as a teenager he protested when his father said in no uncertain terms: “You are coming to work for me at Neill & Brown from next week!”

Starting in 1965 in the post room, he soon moved through the ranks becoming MD in 1977 and then CEO in 2013. For many years working a seven-day week, he steadily grew the company which now provides comprehensive logistics services over two Humber sites and employs 145 people. 

Alan Johnson, former MP for Hull West and Hessle commented: “One of the delights of being a local MP was discovering great businesses bringing jobs and prosperity to my constituents, and I soon realised that a top European logistics company was on my patch. Dealing with Peter established a relationship of respect and admiration that has transcended my time in politics.”

Within the company, employees were keen to express gratitude, with a driver employed in 1982 who still works at Neill & Brown in a handyman role saying: “Where do I start? I'm very proud to say that I was Peter’s first HGV driver. He's always been fair and calls a spade a spade. He’s a great boss and I wish him well and good luck for the next 60 years!”

Logistics director Carl Andrew who joined as a school-leaver in 1990 said: “When I first started, the thought of crossing paths with Mr Brown was a tad intimidating. Over the years, Peter has been a huge mentor to me and others, always supportive when discussing plans and offering honest, valuable opinions. 

“His incredible eye for detail and immense knowledge has shaped this company and inspired every person who works here. These high standards flow down from the very top, and it’s a legacy we all benefit from. 

“I’m less intimidated now but immensely proud of the relationship I have built with Peter. Cheers on your 60 years of incredible dedication.”

Managing director Colin Moody, who joined Neill & Brown in 1981as an office junior, said that much of the company’s success was founded on Peter’s leadership and him recognising and rewarding people’s hard work. 

“It took me time to gain his trust, but when I did, he proved to be incredibly loyal and supportive. Over the years, he has clipped my wings a few times, but he always calmed me down. The walk to Peter’s office nowadays is a little less stressful! Best wishes on your special 60th anniversary Peter.”

Ian Middleton, owner of Crossroads Truck and Bus, which has supplied Neill & Brown with more than 150 Volvo trucks over 43 years, said: “The culture Peter has built amongst his employees is renowned within the industry. 

“The first impression of Peter is that he is a gentleman and a snappy dresser. Peter is very proud of the business and is always happy to share old photographs and letters that the business received from the US Military for the support they gave to the WW2 war efforts.

“Negotiating on a deal is always a challenge as Peter always has his costings at his fingertips and is quick to firmly justify the figures. I have learnt over the years that the way to his heart is to take him for fish ‘n’ chips. He then lets me pay and negotiates a little more discount before we agree with a gentleman’s handshake!”

Further afield, Netherlands-based KDS logistics’ Karel van Suchtelen said: “We regard Peter as one of the best men in transport and logistics, and over 20 years we have learned a lot from him. We wish him a beautiful anniversary celebration and respect him not only as a businessman, but also a friend.”

In a Hull Daily Mail business profile more than 20 years’ ago, he stated his ambition was to make the company more successful without losing the personal touch, for which Neill & Brown is still well known. He also declared: “There’s plenty of business out there; don’t complain how bad things are, go out and get it”

• Peter led the company’s move out of Hull in 1990 to the Livingstone Road, Hessle site in 1990, a strategic location for the Humber ports and national road network. It led to major contracts, and the construction of an additional 60,000 sq fit warehouse facility at Marfleet in Hull in 2011.
• A highly active member of the Humber region’s business community, Mr Brown was a founder of the privately led World Trade Centre Hull & Humber in the 1990s and has always believed in Neill & Brown being closely involved in local initiatives, which includes support for Hull’s cultural ambitions through membership of Hull Business Angels